Coralina, this information is offered as a blog entry but it is also my comment to your wonderful Feng Shui post which I enjoyed so much. I just love your ideas. I can understand why you would receive so many compliments. We all love those scented and aromatherapy candles. Unfortunately, an emerging air quality problem is soot from candles. Scented and aromatherapy candles are the major culprits. Experts report that computers have been ruined, and in some instances there is so much soot generated from burning candles that it is causing severe damage to many homes and furnishings, and homeowners are mistakenly suing their builders, furnace and HVAC companies for improper installation of the systems.

Unfortunately, soot from candles can also be toxic. Breathing soot is not recommended at all. The soot particles can travel deep into the lungs. Those with asthma, lung or heart disease are particularly vulnerable. To make matters worse, many scented and aromatherapy candles are made with paraffin and synthetic fragrance oils. Paraffin is a petroleum product - a byproduct of oil refining - and most fragrance oils used for candle making are petroleum-based synthetics. The soot from these materials can contain carcinogens, neuro toxins and reproductive toxins. Testing and air chamber analysis by the EPA has found the following compounds in a random group of over 30 candles tested: acetone, Benzene, Trichloroflromethane, Carbon disulfide, 2-Butanone, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Carbon tetrachloride, Carbon Black (soot) Particulate Matter <2.5 microns, Trichloroethene, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene, Lead, Lead (Inorganic Airborne Contaminant)

Besides these chemicals 30 percent of the metal wire wicks used in some candles can contain lead.

The reason scented and aromatherapy candles are the usual culprits is because the fragrance oils are unsaturated hydrocarbons and they soften the wax so that it doesn't burn cleanly. Container candles are even worse since the oxygen necessary for a clean burn doesn't reach the flame properly.

Buy instead, unscented candles made without petroleum, with wire-free wicks. Diffusers are a safer way to practice aromatherapy and they are available in most health food stores.

Soot is produced from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Complete combustion, identified by a blue flame as seen with gas stoves, does not generate soot, whereas yellow flames, such as those emitted by candles, typically indicate soot production.

Although candles may seem harmless, some varieties can produce indoor concentrations of soot that exceed levels allowed in outdoor air by the EPA.

Soot particles are very small - less than 1 micron - and easily penetrate to the deepest areas of the lung and, according to research, can stay in the lungs for a considerable period of time.

Studies have shown that microscopic soot particles can aggravate respiratory illnesses. Although researchers have studied the health risks of soot from diesel exhaust and factory emissions, no studies have focused specifically on residential exposure to candles.

Candle produced soot particles can penetrate almost all residential air conditioning filters, circulating the particles throughout the home.

In addition to possibly causing health problems, soot can deposit on surfaces in the home causing what has been called "ghosting" or "carbon tracking." Soot tends to accumulate in cool areas, often forming dark areas on baseboards, around air conditioning vents, in or near refrigerators and on wall surfaces over studs. It also is attracted to electrically charged surfaces, including certain plastics and computer screens.

Sometimes these dark areas can be confused for mildew or mold, are difficult to clean, almost impossible, because they are oily.

For the candle enthusiast, the following tips are recommended:
* Check for hard wax - avoid soft or gel candles
* Unscented candles produce less soot than their aromatic counterparts.
* Thin, braided wicks that curl when burned are ideal - steer clear of thick or wire-core wicks.
* Candles should have a lo, even flame when burned.
* Tapered and votive candles tend to burn cleanest - avoid candles that have been poured into glass jars or ceramic containers.
* Check multi-wick pillar candles periodically to ensure even burning.
* Many candles come with instructions - take a moment to look them over since some candles require special maintenance.

Also, keep lit candles away from drafts created by open windows, fans or air conditioning vents -- candles in a draft could produce up to 50 percent more soot. If people burn multiple candles over the holidays, they should periodically ventilate their home by opening windows (after these candles are extinguished).

BEESWAX CANDLES - The good news, there is a healthier way to enjoy the essence and tranquility of candles. Use Beeswax candles which offer a honey scent, a golden flame, and the longest, cleanest burn of any candle.

Better yet, when beeswax candles burn, they clean the air like a great, natural, air purifier.

For each pound of beeswax provided by a honey bee, the bee visits 33 million flowers. It eats 10 pounds of honey. It secretes the beeswax from its abdomen, and then uses the wax to construct a honeycomb. Beekeepers recover the wax from the comb by heating it in water where the melted wax rises to the surface and can be removed.

Healing and spiritual powers have been attributed to all products of the beehive. Honey has always been considered holy, a gift from God, and endowed with esoteric and mystical qualities.

Air contains billions of electrically charged particles called ions. Ions act upon our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen, and therefore cause powerful effects on our lives and well being. The ions in the air can affect our mood, energy and health. Negative ions actually feel good. Too many positive ions make us feel bad and they are loaded down with pollution and allergens that are drawn to them and suspended in the air. Negative ions, on the other hand, remove the pollution and allergens from positive ions, allowing them to drop harmlessly to the ground.

Beeswax candle fuel is the only fuel that actually produces negative ions, which not only helps remove pollution from the air but increases the ratio of negative ions to positive ions, the ideal and necessary scenario for clean air.

This information compiled from: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/candle-soot.html
and
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/brilliant-beeswax-candles.html#

Blessings to all our wonderful bees! What great gifts they share with us!

And bless the internet ... but it looks as though my satellite is acting up again. LOL. Imagine, my satellite signal comes from somewhere in the Universe, transmits from Syracuse, NY ... all the way to Texas. I don't think its my equipment this time, how's the weather in New York Yannaki? I had problems with my system for a couple of weeks and I hope it's not happening again. With dial up, you type, type and get ready to post and zap.... it all gone ... I have been trying to offer my comments to all of your wonderful posts Members of Divine Earth ... but haven't always been able to stay "connected."

While I am sitting here, waiting for a steady light on my modem, way past my bedtime, I'll offer another comment ... Essential Oils, they are wonderful beyond massage therapy. I'll bet many of you can share some great recipes for aromatherapy uses. I've been experimenting and doing some reading on the healing benefits and various uses.

I happened to read an article on Frankincense and research is in progress in Europeon hospitals testing its medicinal benefits. I don't have the source handy at this moment as I have it bookmarked and I can't move from this page right now. I'll check on this later and offer it when I can. But, I also read that one can blend it with almond oil, coconut oil and massage it into the soles of your feet. I tried this and it is wonderful. The oil is absorbed and circulates to every cell in the body. Really! More on this later.

I have a steady light. Awesome!

Blessings to All!