While most of us are conscious of the desire for a healthier lifestyle through organic foods, natural skin and body products, and even healthier air through smoking bans, not everyone is aware of the possible harmful effects of burning traditional paraffin wax candles in their homes. Luckily, new soy-based candles are allowing families to burn virtually soot-free candles and still enjoy the lovely light and fragrances that we love in our homes.
Do you know where paraffin wax comes from?
Paraffin is actually a derivative of kerosene. It is a byproduct of oil production, a sort of "bottom of the barrel" scraping of the oil barrel. It's not surprising then, that one of the biggest complaints about traditional paraffin candles is the black residue or "soot" left on the containers, nearby walls, and fingers of those who are trying to clean their candles. Is it any great surprise then, that this same soot would be released into the air that you breathe while enjoying the smell of your candle? And that that same soot is going to coat any interior surfaces and be possibly absorbed by skin contact?
In 2001, the United States Environmental Protection Agency did a study titled "Candle Burning as a Potential Source of Indoor Air Pollution". They purchased 100 sets of candles, and when they burned them found the paraffin wax contained 11 dangerous compunds which are classified as dangerous. Some have been labelled as carcinogenic. One of the compounds, carbon tetrachloride, when experienced in chronic amounts can lead to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
The American Lung Association has issued warnings regarding the burning of paraffin candles as a common, unrecognized cause of poor indoor air quality. | |
| | In contrast, soy-based wax candles are derived from all-natural soybeans that are grown all around the world. It is made by hydrogenating the oil of the soybeans, which are a renewable resource limited only to how many soybeans are grown. They support farmers, and help to relieve some of our dependency on world oil supplies. Because it is made of natural products, it is biodegradable and not as harmful to us or our planet. |
One of the best testimonials I have heard to date regarding the benefits of soy candles came from a self proclaimed "candle-holic". She burned paraffin candles every morning in her family room and was starting to experience some symptoms of asthma. She purchased a small room air-cleaning system to try and ease her symptoms. She noticed that every time she cleaned the filter after burning candles, the filter was covered in the same black soot that she often found on her white upholstery. When she converted to using only natural soy candles, she not only found that her filter remained soot-free, but that her asthma symptoms also abated. What a great story! | |
| | Anyone who has tried to get paraffin wax out of a tablecloth will appreciate the fact that soy wax is easily removed with soap and water. Now, rather than using a hot iron and blotting the item with a cloth for hours or using harmful chemicals, there is the possibility not to destroy family heirlooms. Additionally, the non-toxic nature of soy wax, and the simple cleaning strategy allows us to wash soy candle containers and use them again. |
| | An additional benefit of soycandles is the lower temperature at which they burn. While many people have been burned when candle wax spilled on their skin, many soy wax candle makers who accidently spill the liquefied soy wax on themselves, are able to calmly wipe themselves off and not experience any redness or blistering. Since soy candles are burning at a lower temperature, it's not a stretch to realize they will therfore last longer and continue to throw their room-warming fragrance for many hours after a traditionalnd candle has burned out. |
| So while many people start burning soy candles as a "healthier" alternative to the traditional paraffin candle, most continue to purchase them for so many more reasons! |
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