DTKR activists called on Ukrainians to use health-safe candles that do not emit toxic compounds during planned and emergency shutdowns.
They advise lighting paraffin candles with high degrees of purification, as well as candles made of beeswax, soy or coconut wax, reports "Enough to poison Kryvyi Rih" in Facebook.
"After the missile strikes by Russian troops on energy facilities, candles have become an integral attribute of Ukrainian evenings," they wrote.
The authors noted that paraffin candles are most often used. Although they are believed to emit toluene and benzene when burned, the European Candle Association has criticized this claim.
So, paraffin is a product of oil refining, and in its production, a mixture of ketones, benzene and toluene is used.
"So, if raw materials of a low degree of purification were used in the candles, these substances can really evaporate during combustion," the material explained.
The authors noted that the quality of paraffin can be visually recognized by its color:
- high level of cleaning (brand P, B) – white and odorless;
- low (brands T, C) – yellowish with a barely noticeable "chemical" smell.
Because of this, eco-activists advised to choose candles without unnecessary additions, in particular aromas.
They also said that there are candles made from organic substances of plant or animal origin, including beeswax, soy wax and coconut wax. These are organic substances of vegetable or animal origin, which are safe and do not oxidize when the wick burns.
"Choose better products without fragrances, or buy from manufacturers you trust. Because it is important to use flavorings that are approved for this product, as they are exposed to high heat," the authors noted.
As EcoPolitic reported earlier, officials of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development developed for Ukrainians advice in case of heating shutdown during cold weather and 4 rules that will help to avoid accidents in force majeure circumstances.
