DANGERS OF SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE…
1. What is "fragrance?" More than 95% of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals. These chemicals include: benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and other known toxins that are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, nervous-system disorders, asthma and allergies. Some of which are cited on the EPA's hazardous waste list.
2. Where does fragrance hide? In the U.S., manufacturers can legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in the one word–"fragrance"–without revealing what those ingredients are. It's referred to as a "trade secret" in the industry. This excuse to not label fragrance ingredients was initiated in an era when the major fragrance houses lobbied to protect their secret formulas made from flowers and oils. But those days are long gone. What the government is protecting now are manufacturers who have a license to poison the American public with more than 3,000 chemicals that are being absorbed, inhaled, and ingested daily.
3. Why should I avoid it? Environmental Working Group researchers found more than 75% of products listing the ingredient "fragrance" contained phthalates which have been shown to disrupt hormone activity, reduce sperm counts, and cause reproductive malformation, and have been linked to liver and breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, studies by Dr. Philip J. Landrigan of the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center, link fetal exposure with autism, ADHD, and neurological disorders.
4. How do I avoid fragrance? A majority of personal care products for men, women, and children, along with home-cleaning products, contain "fragrance." The ingredients in "fragrance" are absorbed into the bloodstream directly though the skin. Avoid ALL products with the ingredient "fragrance" on the label–including perfumes and colognes, baby lotions and wipes, air fresheners and candles, dryer sheets and detergents, and so on.
There are nearly 85,000 chemicals currently approved for use that the federal government and consumers know little to nothing about. To date, the EPA has only reviewed a few hundred chemicals for safety.
SOURCE: http://www.ewg.org/guides/
We haven't burned candles in over 20 years. However, I will say that during that time I also missed "the smells." When I really sat back and looked, it wasn't the candle I was missing, it was the memories of that specific candle burning at my mom's house or other various places. I missed that feeling that it created but there was no way I was going to subject my family and pets to that.
When we found Young Living essential oils it was a great relief. I could create those candle scents but with a healthier alternative of non-synthetic smells. Young Living essential oils are therapeutic grade essential oils. While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that simply smells good.
I invite you to check out the wonderful world of essential oils! We have a great Premium Starter Kit that comes with 11 5ml bottles of essential oils, samples, accessories and a diffuser. The diffuser is a must have because you just place water and a few drops of your favorite oil and it makes your house smell great! There are so many diffusing combinations that it is mind-blowing, plus Young Living also makes many terrific blends. Head over to www.Essential Oils4Sale.com and check out the fabulous world that can replace your candles.