Is a lit candle toxic?
Have you ever questioned whether lighting a candle is toxic to your environment? Do you wonder if paraffin wax is harmful and soy wax is the healthy alternative? Great News!!! I have done the research for you.
There are many factors that dictate whether or not a burning candle is safe for your environment. When I speak of “environment” I am referring to the air that you breathe. The science of a burning candle is very interesting and is actually a chemical reaction between the burning wick and its interaction with the wax. In simple terms, the energy that is given off by this chemical reaction is converted to the heat that you feel, the flame that you see, and the chemical waste that you do not see. When we burn a candle we do so mostly in an indoor space, such as our home. The chemical waste or toxic chemicals burned off of the wax into the air we breathe are known as volatile chemical compounds or VOCs. The VOCs emitted into the air is the matter of this discussion.
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, which is similar to diesel exhaust in its chemical make-up. When burned, paraffin wax will emit benzene, formaldehyde, acetone and toluene. However, based on research, the emission of these fumes into the air are unlikely to cause health problems. Unfortunately for some candle makers who use paraffin wax, this may sway a person who is very intentional about their health and the health of their loved ones.
Soy wax is another type of wax that you may have come to believe is “safer” than paraffin wax. It is made from the soybean, which is grown from the soy plant. However, we have to know if the soy plant has been grown with pesticides, and in order to turn it into a wax the bean has to be processed. When something is processed it goes through chemical changes. Some research suggests that soy wax indeed emits some of the same VOCs as paraffin wax, albeit “cleaner”.
Coconut wax is a colorless and odorless wax made from coconut oil. It is said to be a “non-toxic” and emission of VOCs is said to be “zero”. It is considered to be one of the safest waxes to use. Some coconut waxes are blended with soy and a small amount of food-grade paraffin to provide a longer burn and better cold and hot throw.
There are other types of wax on the market: Beeswax, Apricot wax, and Palm wax, to name a few.
All burning candles more than likely emit some VOCs into the air. We do not go out into this world without breathing some form of volatile chemical. Think about our car exhaust, factory pollution, cigarettes, cooking smoke, etc. In the end, according to research, burning a candle in your home is safe and the likelihood of adverse health effects are unlikely. However, choosing the best wax, with the lowest VOC release is the best option in my medical opinion. In addition, follow the warnings when burning candles.
*Elayne Rose, LLC uses Virgin Coconut Soy Wax for our candles. Our candles burn longer than traditional candles and should not emit soot. If there is smoke coming from the wick, it needs to be cut back.*
References and further reading from the following sources:
The Science of Candles by Chris Woodford. February 17, 2o22. https://www.explainthatstuff.com/candles.html#:~:text=All%20the%20light%20a%20candle,colorless%20gas%20called%20carbon%20dioxide.
Is Burning Candles Safe or Bad for Your Health? https://www.healthline.com/health/are-candles-bad-for-you
