Soy Wax versus Paraffin Wax

Many people today have become conscious of trying to live a healthier lifestyle through natural products along with bans on smoking in public places, but not everyone is aware of the possible harmful effects of burning the traditional paraffin wax candles in their homes. Now soy candles are allowing people to burn candles and have the feeling that they are not harming their health and polluting the air.. Soy wax candles are virtually soot-free.

Have you ever heard where paraffin wax comes from?  Paraffin is actually a derivative of kerosene. It is a by product of oil production, sort of like the sludge at the bottom of the barrel. So, it shouldn't be surprising that one of the biggest complaints about paraffin wax candles is the black residue or "soot" left on the containers, nearby walls and fingers when you try to clean the containers. Does it surprise you that this same soot would be released into the air that you are breathing as you burn the candle and that this same soot will attach itself to any interior surfaces in your home  and then possibly be absorbed by contact into your skin?  See the report by the Environmental Protection Agency done on 2001: http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/insideiaq/ss01.pdf 

Paraffin wax is known to contain 11 dangerous compounds which have been classified as dangerous by the EPA, some of which have been labeled as carcinogenic. One of these compounds is carbon tetrachloride as a "Group B2" compound., a human carcinogen. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of this can cause liver, kidney and central nervous system damage. As a result the American Lung Association has issued warnings regarding the burning of paraffin candles as a common, unrecognized cause of poor indoor air quality. An air quality engineer and former employee of the Florida Department of Health has stated that  some of the air contaminants in paraffin  fumes include toluene, benzeme, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and naphthalene--substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers. Benzene and Toluene are probable human carcinogens.

Candle Wicks can also be toxic: About 30% of the candle wicks on the market have lead wicks. Lead and Zinc are metals commonly used in the core of the wicks.A study has shown that one-third of the candles tested from the United States and overseas released more lead into the air than is recommended as safe by the EPA. The study also showed that the amounts of lead in the air increased the longer the candles burned.

Contrast Paraffin wax with Soy wax; Soy wax is derived from all-natural soy beans  that are grown all around the world, but especially in the United States. Soy wax is a renewable source limited only to production of soybeans. Purchasing soy wax helps support the American farmer and helps relieve our dependence on foreign oil. Whose economy should we be supporting anyway? Because it is made of natural products, it is also biodegradable and not as harmful to our planet's health.

There are many testimonials regarding the benefits of using soy wax over paraffin. Have you ever walked into a candle shop and immediately had a headache and wondered why? Well, maybe the paraffin wax (Refined oil by-product) was the culprit! If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, burning a paraffin wax candle can contribute to the on-set of attacks.

Have you ever tried to get wax out of a tablecloth or other fabric? With Soy wax all you have to do is wash it with warm soap and water  to remove it.

Soy Wax burns at a lower temperature so  Soy Wax Candles will burn up to 10 hours per ounce longer than paraffin.  Soy wax burns completely, paraffin will leave a portion of the wax in the bottom of the jar and many times around the sides of the container. There are specials wicks used in soy wax candles that don't contain lead.

Helpful Hint about burning your Soy Wax Candle:  Create a memory when you burn your candle: The first time you burn your Soy Wax Candle , the melted wax will start to pool across the top of the candle. The candle seems to remember how far it pooled the first time and will only pool the same diameter the next time you light the candle. The first time let your candle burn "at least" until the melted wax reaches the edge of the container . This will create the memory and you will not have wax left on the sides of the container if you will let it burn each time until the wax is melted to the sides of the container. It Works!!