Paraffin Candles Could Cause Cancer, Researcher’s Say
admin on Aug 22nd 2009
I’ve been saying it for years, finally, a new study confirms what many in the candle industry already knew, but are afraid to admit. Burning paraffin based candles, even soy “blends”, could potentially contribute to you getting cancer. It is an unrecognized source of exposure to indoor air pollution, including the known human carcinogens, benzene and toulene, scientists report.
In the study by South Carolina State University, R. Massoudi Ph.D., and Amid Hamidi , Ph.D., said that that candles made from bee’s wax or soy, although more expensive, apparently are healthier. They do not release potentially harmful amounts of indoor air pollutants while retaining all of the warmth, ambience and fragrance of paraffin candles (which are made from petroleum).
“An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you,” Hamidi said. “But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems.”
Besides the more serious risks, he also suggested that some people who believe they have an indoor allergy or respiratory irritation may in fact actually be reacting to air pollutants from burning candles.
For more information, visit our soy candle facts or benefits of soy candles page.
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A similar article, posted on cnn.com has a comment from the National Candle Association, stating they have done their own tests on various types of candles, and have concluded that paraffin is a “safe” option. I’d just like to point out such a reaction is expected because the oil industry has assumed a very dominant position in the candle manufacturing business. The oil industry not only sells their byproducts to the candle industry but also has four members sitting on the board of the National Candle Association.