Living lights are part of the good Danish hygge. Especially here in the run up to Christmas time, some candles are really burnt out. In fact, each Dane burns an average of 3.5 kg. candles of each year. That's really a lot. But they are also really cozy and are part of our regular Christmas and cozy traditions.
The biggest problem with candles is that they pollute the indoor climate enormously. A large amount of particles are emitted when burning – especially if the light is sooty.
The particles can penetrate into the lungs and there are many factors that come into play when it comes to particle pollution from candles. For example the design of the light, the material, the wick, added scents, etc.
Therefore, this Sunday you will get 10 good tips about candles, based on the studies that have been carried out regarding particle pollution.
1. VENTILATE THOROUGHLY with a draft when you have burned candles – the particles must come out.
2. Choose candles from the purest materials: Palm wax candles and soy candles (that are produced sustainably) and beeswax candles are preferable
3. If you buy candles in the supermarket, choose those made of pure candle wax and Swan-labelled – Paraffin candles are pretty much the worst. But pure candle wax is unfortunately also only slightly better.
4. Choose light in the right shape. Tealights pollute the least, followed by block lights and finally candlesticks.
5. Avoid drafts when the lights are on – it makes them soot more
6. Extinguish the light with a candle extinguisher to avoid too much smoke and soot.
7. Trim any edges on block lights. Less oxygen for the light also means more soot
8. Avoid anything that contains fragrance, glitter etc. – even if the light of palm wax.
9. Avoid closed stages – they emit extra toxic substances because the rod itself is also heated and contributes to the emission
10. Use LED lights every day and limit the candles as much as you can
If you want to know more about particle pollution, you can read a lot more in this article from Bolius.
You can buy beeswax candles in the shop here