From the wax to the wick, and the chemicals that add fragrance, candles can potentially pose health risks for various reasons.
One is the biggest risks is undisclosed synthetic fragrance.
We will take you into the secretive world of candle scents.
fragrance [frey-gruhns] noun
2. perfume, cologne, toilet water or the like.
So what is the problem with fragrance?!
01.
UNDISCLOSED CHEMICALS
Did you ever wonder why you have never seen an ingredient list on a candle or a perfume bottle? The term "fragrance" is a catch all term for up to 3,619 chemicals which do not have to be disclosed to the consumer because of the Fair Packaging Act (FLPA) which gives fragrance manufacturers a "trade secret" status for their ingredients.
02.
HEALTH HAZARDS
A study in May of 2019 reported that 1 in 3 adults claim to experience health problems caused by fragranced products. Symptoms of fragrance exposure can include: headaches, dizziness, seizures, heart arrhythmia, gastrointestional problems, mucosal symptoms, breathing difficulties, and asthma attacks. A May 2002 study by the Environmental Working Group found that 72% of the fragranced products they tested contained endocrine disruptors that may mimic, block or interfere with the body's hormones are are associated with a wide variety of health concerns.
03.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
The National Academy of Sciences reported in 1986 that approximately 95% of the chemicals used are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and toluene. Fragrances can be toxic to aquatic life, and must be disposed of properly to not be an environmental hazard. A March 2022 Research Memo by Material Research L3C for the Women's Voices for the Earth calls into the question of safety for employees at fragrance manufacturing plants as well as the general population surrounding fragrance plants in Jacksonville, FL and Northern New Jersey.
Where can fragrance be found in your home?
Learn More: Stink! Documentary
So, what's the solution to this toxic problem?
01.
INGREDIENT TRANSPARENCY
We believe consumers deserve to know each and every ingredient in the products they bring into their home and use on their body. When an ingredient list includes "fragrance," and not the individual ingredients used to create the fragrance, we do not trust the product.
02.
SIMPLE, NATURAL SCENTING INGREDIENTS
Essential oils are a 100% natural scenting solution that consumers don't need to have a Chemistry Degree to understand. You can also opt for unscented products.
03.
THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATIONS
Because "natural" and "non-toxic" are unregulated terms, it is easy for companies to make false claims. Greenwashing is a major problem in the fragrance and candle industry. Third party certifications like MADE SAFE® and EWG Verified help consumers to trust that the ingredients in a product are as clean as the company claims.
That's why we started Fontana Candle Company
We believe that everyone should be able to scent their homes without
exposing themselves and their loved ones to toxins. We provide 100%
natural ingredients, complete ingredient transparency, third party
certification, and consumer education of how to identify safe and
nontoxic scented products.
We share this information not to cause fear, but with knowledge comes empowerment.