“Non-toxic” Explained
There are various ways in which humans can be exposed to unsafe and questionable ingredients; a common method of exposure being through the use of everyday household items, not limited to: certain plastics, soaps, hair products, cleaning products, cosmetics, and home fragrance products.
When it comes to candles, many companies aim to keep costs low by using cheap materials, which often contain toxic ingredients. Most conventional candle brands use paraffin wax, a byproduct of crude oil (nonrenewable resource), that can emit pollutants and toxic chemicals when burned. In addition, companies cut corners by sourcing inexpensive synthetic fragrances that can also be harmful to our bodies when inhaled. Phthalates and additional toxic ingredients are commonly found in synthetic fragrances. These can enter the nose and irritate air passages and lungs or be absorbed into the blood stream. Phthalates are a known endocrine distributor, which is why you may be most familiar with this term and often see labels identifying a product as “phthalate-free”.
Usually presentation and context are enough to steer us away from certain ingredient choices, but to fully understand the risks, let’s examine how an endocrine disrupter can affect one’s overall health.
The Endocrine System:
The human body consists of 11 organ systems, each system managing an essential body function. These systems all work together in efforts to create and maintain homeostasis; the state of balance within the body. They include:
Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails)
Skeletal system (bones, cartilage, ligaments)
Muscular system (skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, cardiac muscles)
Nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves)
Endocrine system (glands, hormones)
Cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels)
Lymphatic system (lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen)
Respiratory system (lungs, trachea, bronchi)
Digestive system (mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas)
Urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra)
Reproductive system (male and female reproductive organs)
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes. These glands include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. Each gland produces specific hormones that target particular tissues or organs and stimulate them to perform specific functions.
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and bind to receptors on cells, initiating various cellular responses. They regulate everything from metabolism and growth to reproductive function and stress response, making the endocrine system crucial to overall health and well-being. Imbalances or disorders in the endocrine system can lead to a wide range of health problems, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, and infertility.
Endocrine disruptors, like the phthalates mentioned in the opening paragraph, are substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and affect the body in such ways:
Altering hormone levels: Endocrine disruptors can alter the production, secretion, or elimination of hormones, leading to imbalances in hormone levels.
Interfering with hormone signaling: Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the binding of hormones to their receptors, blocking or enhancing the action of hormones.
Disrupting development: Exposure to endocrine disruptors during critical periods of development, such as fetal development or puberty, can interfere with the normal development of organs and tissues.
Contributing to disease: Endocrine disruptors have been linked to a variety of health problems, including reproductive disorders, obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Affecting behavior: Endocrine disruptors can affect behavior in both humans and animals, altering social behavior, aggression, and sexual behavior.
The effects of endocrine disruptors can be particularly pronounced in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, infants, and children. To minimize the risks of exposure to endocrine disruptors, it is important to be aware of the products and materials that contain these substances and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as choosing products made with safer, non-toxic materials.
The next time you think about reaching for the inexpensive candle at your local TJ Maxx or Bath & Body works, consider the functions and significance of your endocrine system and the disruptors that cheap wax, additives, and synthetic fragrance oils contain.
On the contrary, SoonSun Home crafts products with a mantra of quality and transparency, avoiding any and all forms of toxic materials. While this investment in quality materials is reflected in our product prices, we know our customers value the peace of mind that comes with using products that will never interfere with their health or safety.
