Why Essential Oils Can Be Dangerous

Contrary to popular belief, essential oils aren't always an ideal natural solution. Some can emit gases similar to those from vaporizers if excessive amounts are added to a candle recipe. These essential oils, when exposed to the high temperatures of a flame, can release pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene into the air.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is common in the air and is often emitted by household products and building materials. It can restrict the airways and cause eye and nose burns if present in excessive amounts. If you are frequently exposed to this gas, there is a possibility of damaging your airways. You can recognize the presence of excessive amounts of the product by brown or black nasal discharge, a sore throat similar to flu symptoms, or eye pain similar to dryness.

Benzene

Benzene is a gas that occurs naturally in small quantities and is also used in industrial settings. Exposure to it is extremely dangerous for the entire human system due to its carcinogenic nature. This gas is found in the exhaust of gas-powered vehicles and in cigarettes. Benzene is dangerous both when inhaled and when touched, and is even more so when exposed to heat and light.

Toluene

Toluene is a volatile, flammable, and explosive liquid. This gas is commonly used in industrial settings as a solvent for paint, varnish, rubber, ethyl cellulose, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, printing inks, greases, waxes, epoxy or epoxy resins, and other resins. In closed environments, it causes irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, not to mention headaches, dizziness, and a feeling of intoxication.

In conclusion, essential oils and candles don't exactly make good partners if they're poorly calibrated in a recipe and can even be dangerous to the point of being carcinogenic. So, you have to shop around when you're selling a candle with essential oils. A little tip for you: if the candle smells of essential oils or irritates your eyes when you smell it, it contains too many essential oils. However, a candle with essential oils can still be functional if it doesn't smell of essential oils for most of them.