Which Candles Emit Carcinogens? ( Archived) (19)

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As the days start their slow climb toward the winter solstice I always find myself lighting more and more candles to compensate for the diminishing sunlight. I love the warmth and flicker of light they can infuse a room with, rooms otherwise flat by the increasingly muted autumn and winter skies. Yet while candles can create a lovely mood, some types also create toxic emissions that are hardly worth the ambiance.

The candle culprits? Paraffin wax candles. These candles, which are made from petroleum, are a source of known human carcinogens and indoor pollution, researchers said in a study presented last month at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting in Washington, D.C. In the study, R. Massoudi and Amid Hamidi found that candles made from beeswax or soy, although more expensive, are safer because they do not release potentially harmful pollutants.

“An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you,” Hamidi said in a news release from the American Chemical Society. “But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an unventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems.” Hamidi also said that some people who believe they have an indoor allergy or respiratory irritation may actually be reacting to pollutants from burning candles. They noted that ventilation can help reduce the level of pollutants in closed rooms–but I say, better yet: switch to a healthier alternative!


Found the following info on another website.


Even when a consumer decides they want to burn candles, there are other facts that must be taken
into consideration. One major concern should be candles made of paraffin.


Paraffin is a by-product of the petroleum refinery industry, leftover residue of refined petroleum.

Soot given off from burning paraffin candles is the same as burning diesel fuel or fumes from a
diesel engine.

Soot particles travel deep into the lungs. Breathing soot is not recommended at all!

Tests show that paraffin candles can produce a variety of harmful substances, including benzene &
toluene, known carcinogens.

Testing by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has found over 20 dangerous compounds in
SIGNIFICANT quantities including acetone, benzene, toluene and lead.

The soot from these materials can contain carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

The American Lung Association says, "Burning paraffin candles can emit small amounts of toxins
into the air."

Paraffin is made from leftover residue of the final petroleum refining process. Paraffin candles gives
off the same soot and toxins as the exhaust of a diesel engine, and is considered just as dangerous
as second hand smoke, causing problems, from headaches to lung cancer. Paraffin fumes have
been found to cause tumors in the kidneys and liver of lab animals.

According to California's safe drinking water and toxic enforcement act of 1986, there are eleven
toxins in paraffin candle wax--substances found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers.

It is living thats going to kill us.

wow.

SACK?

Lighten up HL ......

Come on R...

Lying naked in the dark is HEALTHY!!!

Especially when in the arms of another!

Yes, you are right, it is all very romantic untill you get a splitting headache from the Paraffin candle fumes .......