Soy Wax Information

Candles are a simple way to add a touch of elegance, coziness, or a fresh scent to any home. They make wonderful gifts, and are almost universally enjoyed. But many people are unaware of the potential threat that many candles pose to their health.

The most popular wax used in candlemaking is paraffin, which is made from petroleum wastes. Paraffin has many drawbacks that are ignored by the leading candle manufacturers. When burned, it produces petrol-carbon soot which can blacken walls, ceilings, and furniture; and contaminate ventilation ductwork in your home. In fact, one air quality researcher stated that the soot from a paraffin candle contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Aside from the soot, the burning paraffin wax itself releases known carcinogens like benzene and toluene into the air. Another problem with paraffin is that, because it is derived from petroleum, it is a non-renewable resource that perpetuates our dependence on oil.

Gel wax has been rising steadily in popularity, but it is not a solution to the traditional paraffin waxes. Although not much research has been done on gel wax, it is a fact that this wax is simply petroleum oil that has been converted to a gel. Therefore it is not far-fetched to assume that gel candles, too, would pose a health risk because of the pollutants and carcinogens in petroleum.

Candle wicks are also a potential health hazard. Before 1974, most wicks were wrapped around a lead core to reinforce them. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency found that the levels of lead burned into the air by these candles exceeded acceptable levels, and the National Candle Association banned the use of lead wicks. However, many imported candles still use lead cores, and these can still be found in American stores. In February 2000, the Public Citizen’s Health Research Group conducted a study of candles sold in the Baltimore-Washington area and discovered that 3% of the candles they bought had a lead content of 33-85%. The most common type of wick used today by U.S. manufacturers is reinforced with a zinc core, which burns off negligible pollutants.

Soy wax, a newcomer to the candle industry, provides a ready solution to these problems. Soy wax is made from soy beans and is 100% natural; it burns cleanly, producing little soot and no known pollutants, including the dangerous carcinogens found in paraffin. No health problems have been associated with burning soy candles. In addition to this, it is a renewable resource, and because Heaven Scent buys all its components from American manufacturers, it supports our economy. Even better, soy candles burn up to 50% longer than traditional paraffin and gel candles. This is because there are chemicals in paraffin that actually prevent the wax from burning completely. When a soy candle is burned, a large 'burn pool' is created around the wick so that nearly all of the wax is melted. Because so much more wax is available to be burned, the soy candle lasts much longer than a traditional candle.

This makes the soy candle even more economical--you are getting a lot more for your money. Yet another advantage to soy wax is that it is biodegradable; unlike regular wax, it can be washed off of clothes, furniture, and candle holders with soap and water.

Heaven Scent uses cotton wicks with interwoven paper filaments instead of wicks with a metal core to ensure health safety.

*Discusses a lawsuit that was filed in 1997 against the Gap regarding the candles they sold http://www.lead.org.au/lanv7n4/L74-4.html

*An article that was done back in 2002 printed in USAToday discussed soy candles - http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002-08-20-candle_x.htm

*There was a study done by Iowa University as to emissions of different waxes, released in January of 2001. Two known carcinogens were found in paraffin - Benzene and Toulene.

*A report was issued by the Agricultural Engineering Department at Purdue University, it stated: "Paraffin contains aromatic compounds which are released when candles are burned that are detrimental to health. Paraffin candles release carcinogens when they are burned." Petro-soot is as harmful as second-hand tobacco smoke. (See Wall St. Journal, front page, 3/31/99: Gap Sued for Candle Soot.)

*The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) has been receiving numerous reports about black petroleum carbon soot deposits from paraffin candles. According to a research study by the Consumer Study group, Smith and Kline, 7 out of 10 homes burn paraffin candles on a regular basis. The National Home Builders Association states that this has far reaching implications, effecting millions of homes. This causes millions of dollars in home repainting costs and is potentially a very significant health problem.

*"The American lung Association also has warned consumers of unhealthy indoor air quality from burning candles containing petroleum byproducts.”