The Dangers of Paraffin candles:
In 2001 the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) concluded that burning paraffin candles emit harmful amounts of toxins in the air that are considered
above the excess cancer risk, with multiple exposures.
According to California’s safe drinking water and toxic enforcement act of 1986, there are up to twenty toxins in paraffin candle wax, -substances which
are found in paint, lacquer and varnish removers.
Petro-soot from paraffin candles gives off the same soot 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.
In 2005, when the American Lung Association issued a warning to the public about the dangers of paraffin the National Candle Association (NCA) threatened
them with legal action. The NCA has also sent letters to others who tried to warn the public.
Paraffin is made from leftover residue of the final petroleum refining process. The wealthy oil industry (which not only sells their by-products to the candle industry but
also has four members sitting on the board of the National Candle Association) has assumed a very dominant position in the candle manufacturing business.
Additionally increasing the amount of particulates, volatile compounds, and soot released into the air
· the type of wick
· inclusion of any synthetic fragrant oil scents and/or dyes
· anytime you have a flame and combustion.