Candle Facts

The Dangers of Paraffin

Paraffin wax was discovered in the mid-1800s, and since then, it’s  been a cornerstone of the candle making industry. Most candles that you  find today are made of paraffin wax, but unfortunately, it’s not the  safest compound to be inhaling as it burns. Paraffin is derived from  petroleum and made up of straight-chain hydrocarbons, which combust to  produce a dark soot that can get into linens, stain walls, and lead to  respiratory problems.

Candles made of paraffin also contain hidden dangers in the form of  additives, or chemicals added to wax in order to make the resulting  candles look, smell, and burn better. You can find additives derived  from petroleum called microcrystallines, which help improve the texture  of wax, as well as polyethylenes produced from natural gas that add a  glossy finish. Some of the most common compounds found in paraffin  candles include:

• Vybar: This polymer raises the melting point of paraffin and allows the wax to blend evenly with scents and dyes.
• Mineral oil: Candlemakers can achieve an attractive mottled effect using mineral oils.
• Polysorbate 80: This compound helps to blend oils and scents into paraffin wax.
• UV light inhibitor: Adding this inhibitor prevents premature fading of colored candles due to sunlight.

Daily use of paraffin candles over the years may contribute to the  development of health problems in adults. In one study, researchers at  the South Carolina State University found that long-term exposure to certain types of candles can lead to  poor air quality and pose a health hazard to a home’s inhabitants.  Paraffin candles released undesired chemicals such as alkanes, alkenes,  and toluene, all of which are toxic to humans. Inhaling these compounds  over a long period can increase the risk of developing chronic  conditions such as common allergies, asthma, and even certain types of  cancer.

Why Choose Soy?

Soy candles are made from soybeans, not only making them a safe and  natural alternative to petroleum-based paraffin, but also renewable and  biodegradable. By buying soy wax products, not only are you helping to support soybean farmers, but you’re also ensuring that the newest addition to your home decor burns clean and won’t detract from your air quality.

When vegetable-based candles such as soy candles were tested in the  South Carolina State University study, they were not found to release  any of the pollutants given off by paraffin. They also don’t produce any  unsightly black soot, which is not only a pain to clean but is a health  hazard as well. With prolonged use, soy candles may create a fine white  residue that’s nontoxic and easy to clean. Soy wax cleans off of just  about any surface with a simple solution of warm, soapy water.

While  soy candles tend to be slightly more expensive than their paraffin  alternatives, you also get more for your money. Soy wax burns at a  cooler temperature, meaning that your candle will burn for more hours  than a paraffin candle of the same size. The wax is also less likely to  scald if touched, which is an important consideration for households  with curious little ones. 

If you abstain from using animal products, then you might find candle  shopping to be a frustrating endeavor. So many types of candles use  animal products! Beeswax comes from the hives of beeves, tallow comes  from the fat of animals, and some wax even comes from whales or  dolphins. Soy candles are 100% vegan and do not require any animal  products in their production or use.

Even if you make the decision to switch to soy candles, there are still  an overwhelming number of choices available on the market. While soy wax  is safe, some candles may contain additional elements that could be  harmful to your health. When shopping for a new soy-based candle, there  are some questions that you should ask before making a purchase. 

Are you looking for a scented candle? Candles can carry aromatherapeutic benefits, but certain synthetic scents may end up making you sick. You should stick to candles that use  natural oils to create a soothing smell. Soy candles tend to hold scent  better than paraffin candles because they burn slowly, releasing oils  gradually. There are even scents catered towards men, such as the Wax  & Wick Oakmoss Soy Candle!

Is the dye safe? Soy wax comes in a natural cream color, but you can  also find dyed candles in a spectrum of colors. While colored candles  might be pretty, certain dyes contain toxic compounds that may be  dangerous if inhaled. You should look for candles that use safe, natural  dyes, or purchase from reputable manufacturers that use safe artificial  pigments.

Is the wick made of a safe material? Not all wicks are made equal,  and some may be downright harmful to your health. Many candles use a  cored wick, in which cotton is wrapped around a metal core. Lead was  long used as a main component in these cored wicks until the discovery  of lead poisoning led to stricter laws regarding its use. Although the  U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead wicks in 2003, many other countries don’t have as stringent of codes.

When it comes to wicks, it’s best to stick to a non-cored variety  made of hemp or cotton. These are generally safe to burn and produce no  pollutants. No matter what type of wick you use, however, you should  make sure to trim it to ⅛” to keep your candle burning evenly. Keeping  your wick at the correct length can also help to prevent the buildup of  residue around the candle.

Paraffin candles are popular in homes, restaurants, hotels, and more,  but they may pose hidden dangers to our health with long-term exposure.  If you’re a fan of candlelight, you may want to consider switching to  soy wax candles. They’re renewable, biodegradable, and perhaps best of  all, nontoxic.