Health Hazards of Paraffin Candles

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Paraffin wax, classified as a chemical preservative, is commonly used in the majority of candles burned worldwide.

Paraffin is a heavy hydrocarbon that comes from crude oil. One of the many products derived from the refining process is lubricating oil. It is from this part of the refining process that petroleum waxes are derived. It is an inexpensive by-product that is whitened using a 100% bleach solution and then texturized with acrolein, a known carcinogenic product . 

The American Chemical Society states that when burned, paraffin emits toluene, benzene, and other toxins that are linked to health issues such as asthma, eczema, migraine headaches and even cancer.

The American Lung Association has issued warnings that burning paraffin candles can emit toxins (in measurable amounts) into your home's air. “Paraffin candles are as dangerous to the lungs as second-hand tobacco smoke and even more so if you are in the habit of burning many at the same time.”

David Krause, an air quality engineer and former employee of the Florida Department of Health, after his research on paraffin candles reported, “The fine particulate matter collected from candle emissions was similar to that of diesel engine exhaust in particle size, morphology, elemental carbon content, and absorbed chemical constituents.”

The State of California, under it's Proposition 65 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, identified a toxic stew of ingredients released by paraffin candles: acetone, 2-butanone, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, cresol, chlorobenzene, carbon monoxide, cyclopentene, ethylbenzene, phenol, styrene, tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, benzene and tolene. Many of these chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins, which are not only inhaled but then remain as a residue in the areas in which they are burned.

However, due to lack of regulations of the candle industry, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers are not required to list or disclose toxic compounds found in paraffin wax or its emissions.

It should further be noted that there can also be serious problems associated with lead in the wicks found in many candles being imported from Asia and South America .  While lead wicks have not been used since the 70's in most of Central Europe and the USA , cheaper candles made with wicks containing lead are being imported from other countries and still being distributed and sold in our marketplace. It is estimated that on average, 30% of candles being sold today still contain lead in their wicks. Burning only a few candles with leaded wicks for 3 hours will increase lead levels 9 to 11 times over acceptable limits.

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