Burning Scented Candles in Your RV

One of the many benefits of an RV lifestyle is being able to enjoy the comforts of home while on the road. An easy way to create a cozy, homey atmosphere while on the road is the use of candles, whether for a romantic candlelit dinner for two, morning meditation, reading by candlelight at the end of the day or simply allowing the warm glow to add to the ambiance. Scented candles, in particular, are a great way to introduce a welcoming aroma to your home away from home.
Candles – and scented candles in particular – have become increasingly popular over the years, with the National Candle Association reporting 7 of 10 U.S. households using candles in their home and candle sales soaring to an estimated $2 billion each year. What many of those enjoying the warm glow of candles do not realize is that burning conventional candles in low ventilation areas poses potentially serious health risks. This should be of particular concern to those of us burning candles in particularly small, closed areas, such as RVs.
Conventional candles that are made from paraffin wax, artificial dyes and chemical perfumes release a variety of pollutants into the air while burning, including cancer-causing carcinogenic toxins. When burning one of these candles in your RV, you could be introducing lead, acetone, benzene and other harmful substances into the air. Additionally, while most companies seem to be working towards making their products healthier, many candle companies are actually creating candles with even more soot than previous versions, according to the U.S. Consumer Public Safety Commission. Soot is of particular concern and is comprised of microscopic particles that aggravate respiratory ailments.

This does not mean that you should not enjoy the look and aroma of candles in your RV, but it does mean that you should read labels and make the best choices possible when purchasing candles. Here are five things to look for when candle shopping:

1. Stay away from wicks with metal wire cores and opt for cotton, wood or paper wicks instead.

2. Unscented candles release less soot, so consider unscented candles if you want the glow of a candle flame, but are not concerned about scent.

3. When purchasing scented candles, avoid candles scented with perfumes or fragrance oils. Look for candles that are scented with essential oils instead.

4. Candles made from soy wax are a much healthier option and are now widely available.

5. Avoid candles that come in ceramic or glass jars.

Of course, you can also completely avoid issues that arise from burning candles by purchasing flameless candles or scented wax bars that can be melted without a flame. Flameless candles run on batteries and the light is typically generated from LED bulbs.
Scented wax bars, like those available from Scentsy, have no wicks and require no flame, eliminating smoke, soot and lead. Each of these is a healthier alternative to conventional candles and also eliminates the fire hazard of burning candles in your RV. Flameless candles can be purchased online or in most home stores.
Scentsy scented wax bars, ceramic warmers and other products are available at www.dreboag.scentsy.us.

Healthy Traveler