Unknown.

DCL

Flicking off the harsh electric lights and burning a few candles is a frugal way of conjuring up some instant mood lighting. But unless you're lighting a candle that's free of petroleum-based paraffin, you could be exposing yourself to soot and neurotoxic fumes, including volatile organic compounds such as benzene and toluene.

Alone, soot particles pack a boatload of carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins-but throw in some synthetic fragrances that contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, as well as chemical fixatives, synthetic glosses, and dioxin-bleached wicks with lead-based wire cores, and you've got a lethal chemical cocktail that can prove hazardous to your health.Pure beeswax candles, which you can often find at farmers' markets, are the least-polluting choice. Besides their golden amber color, you also get the wafting aroma of honey when you burn them. And, not only do beeswax candles last longer than their paraffin counterparts, but they also smoke very little as they burn.

Another popular alternative to paraffin is soy wax, which is made from soybeans (a renewable resource), is biodegradable, and, according to more than one soy-candle maker, supports U.S. farmers instead of "creating further U.S. dependence on foreign oil."

100 percent soy candles are also said to produce a great deal less soot than paraffin does (95 percent less by some counts), while burning up to 50 percent longer without any toxic off-gassing. Their lower melting point also means a slower and more even scent dispersal.

If unscented candles aren't quite up to snuff in your household, make sure those you purchase use pure essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances-check with the candle manufacturer for a full list of ingredients, if you're not sure. A better way of scenting the air is to use a diffuser with pure, organic essential oils.

The Green Guide offers another tip: Trim the wick to 1/4-inch before lighting each time. If the wick doesn't burn at the same rate as the wax, it'll get longer and the candle will produce more soot.

Here are a few soywax brands you can check out:

Asana Soy Candles: Made from blends of soy wax, beeswax, and pure essential oils. ($22)

Anna Sova Luxury Organics: Candles are poured into 100 percent post-consumer-waste recycled glass. (From $9 for single votive glass)

Bluewick: Uses organic cotton-paper wicks. (From $6 for a pocket candle)

Greenspace Candles: Wicks made from naturally grown hemp fibers. (From $7.50 for a 5-ounce tumbler)

Lotion Glow: Doubles as a massage oil. (From $7 for a 1-ounce candle)

Maddison Avenue: Uses lead-free and paper-wick cores. (From $5.95 for a 2-ounce travel tin.)

Method: Comes in a ceramic container. (From $8 for a 6-ounce candle)

Vermont Soy Candles: Its Clean Air candle also removes smoke and other odors. (From $7.99 for a small, unscented pillar)

Difficulty level: Easy