The Health Effects of Burning Candles

Are burning Soy Candles Really Better for Your Home and Your Health?

Two popular issues surrounding the use of scented candles are one, the positive environment and effects of aromatherapy treatment and two, the threat of soot and toxins creating an unhealthy environment. Evidence suggests that if you not careful, it is possible to create an unhealthy environment while trying to create just the opposite.

Let's deal momentarily with the topic of aromatherapy. One of the basic concepts of mind/body medicine is that a positive frame of mind helps to keep people in good health. Aromatherapy is thought to improve a person's mental outlook and sense of well-being by affecting the area of the brain that regulates emotions. Relaxing and pleasant smells stimulate emotional responses of pleasure and relaxation. Without any technical qualifications to endorse or reject the ideas for any particular health result, I'll leave that debate to the trained professional aroma-therapists.

Now let's explore the second matter - soot and toxins. With 7 out of 10 households enjoying candles on a regular basis and scented candles being a popular gift, we should know if we're giving poisons to our loved ones. Paraffin candles, even expensive or popular brands, produce toxins, probable cancer causing agents, and nasty black soot that leaves visible trails in your home. While most candles made in the US do not use metal in their wicks, there are no laws governing it and many candles, especially imported candles may still contain lead wicks. A University of Michigan School of Public Health study revealed that after one hour, one third of the candles tested emitted unsafe levels of lead into the air. We recommend that you never burn a candle with a metal core wick.

How much damage can one candle cause? According to David Krause, of Indoor Air Solutions, results of recent experiments have shown that certain paraffin candles can produce up to 100 times more soot than low-soot producing candles. The American Lung Association also warns that burning paraffin candles can emit toxins in measurable amounts, into your home's air and testing by the EPA has confirmed that paraffin candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

No one knows for sure if paraffin candles cause cancer, but there are at least 4 cancer-causing chemicals associated with paraffin candles. The EPA lists these chemicals on their website:

1) Benzene (EPA classification as Group A, known human carcinogen).

2) Carbon Tetrachloride (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).

3) Trichloroethane (EPA classification as Group C, possible human carcinogen).

4) Toluene (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).

So what's the alternative to petroleum based candles? The long-standing favorite has been beeswax, but beeswax is very expensive and is generally not an option for the most popular candle variations - scented jar candles, tea lights and votives. The relatively new petroleum alternative comes from soybeans grown in Iowa. Be forewarned, many large candle makers are offering so-called soy candles, that may be as much as ninety percent paraffin (petroleum based) and 10% soy wax. Soy "blend" is not the same as a 100% soy wax candle. Candles made entirely from soy wax burn cooler and last longer than paraffin wax. Soy wax is derived from plants and is a renewable resource that's non-toxic, biodegradable and better for the environment.

As more people learn about the effects of burning paraffin candles in their homes, they're switching to soy candles and coming back for more while sharing great success stories. So the next time you want to create a relaxing, inviting or romantic atmosphere in your home, don't do so at the risk of your health or home. Choose natural soy candles as a healthy alternative.

Paraffin vs. Soy - some facts

Paraffin candles are made with paraffin, a white waxy substance that is a bi-product of fuel. When burned and in liquid form, it emits soot and carcinogens, such as carbon monoxide, into the air. Since this is airborne, you, your loved ones and your pets can breathe these substances into your lungs. The gray-black residue that is left behind is known as "ghosting" and can be seen in excess on the tops of candles, curtains, walls, and in your air filters. High levels of these toxins have been known to cause illness in some who frequently burn paraffin-based candles. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness and nausea. Those with pet birds or reptiles should be extremely cautious burning paraffin candles since these animals are very sensitive to pollution.

Over the past few years, the soy candle has grown in popularity and for good reason. Soy candles do not contain any of the toxins or soot that paraffin candles release. This means you can burn your candles without the worry of ghosting on your curtains and walls, or clogging up your air filters. You can also breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you and your family are enjoying cleaner air that isn't polluted with carcinogens. Some allergy sufferers find that soy candles are less irritating than paraffin candles because of the absence of soot and toxins. Soy candles are easy on the environment, not only do they not emit toxins, but they are a renewable source! Unused paraffin wax is not biodegradable, but soy candle wax burns clean. You can even use the jar for other purposes after you've cleaned it. Here's some more good news, soy wax can actually hold more fragrance than paraffin wax, so you get a strong fragrance throughout the life of the candle. You can also enjoy your candle much longer because soy wax burns at only 127 degrees fahrenheit, which is a much lower temperature than paraffin candles.

So to sum up: soy candles burn longer and cleaner than paraffin. Why would you burn anything but soy?