Hi there -
Did you know that some candles actually have lead in their wicks which vapourises into the atmosphere as you use them? Apparently lead, or other metals, help them to stand upright and give a good flame.
I only realised because I am electrically sensitive and have high levels of lead and mercury in my system so am anxious to reduce the latter in the hope that it may also reduce my sensitivity. I therefore home in on anything to do with lead - and just happened to notice something about lead in wicks in one of my health magazines.
Apparently the use of lead was banned in the US some years ago although they are still allowed to use zinc and tin in their wicks which 'only contain trace elements of lead impurities' - one website says you wold have to burn 3,000 such candles a day to exceed safety limits.... In the UK candle makers say that they have not used lead since the 1970s but that imported candles may still use lead cores which could lead to 'significantly elevated exposure'.
so watch what you burn!!

Just saw this post about lead in candles - which tallied with a report I read somewhere recently that there was still far too much lead in the environment and that it had a measurable effect on childrens' performance at school and, I think I remember, on violence levels in adults! I cannot remember what the amounts were but I know they were below what is generally regarded as a 'safe' level.........

Hi E Babe/Miki

Yes, candles can be a problem and lead in the environment is indeed probably harming the intellectual and emotional development of children.

Even more important perhaps is the use of paraffin in most candles themselves. Look for the tell-tale black edge in your flame - if it's there, you are burning paraffin and inhaling it. Not good. Buy non-paraffin ones always, and whilst you're at it, avoid essential oil/aromatherapy candles which are normally made with what are termed 'nature-identical' essential oils rather than real ones - ie. chemically synthesized.

Let your (non-paraffin) candles burn a bit until you get a pool of wax, blow the flame out and drop in some of your favourite essential oils. It will harden and next time you light it, you'll have a PROPER aromatherapy candle that actually does you good rather than bad. Simple - and a lot cheaper.

If you don't want to use petroleum based candles, soya ones work pretty well. And they come in lots of sizes - and are NOT scented!! There are lots of suppliers to be found on the ever trusty Google...