Why You Should Consider Burning Soy Wax Candles

There are those who advocate not burning candles. They compare it to breathing fumes from a car or truck. This is because paraffin is a by-product of oil refining. It is the most commonly used wax in food, cosmetics, and of course most commercially produced candles.

Paraffin is also is a concern because it burns at a much higher temperature than necessary making it a greater fire hazard. The oil in paraffin candles also makes any accidental spills difficult to clean up.

The belief of many who are opposed to burning paraffin candles is that the chemicals and

other by products of burning these candles exposes a person to carcinogens and irritants that could lead to cancer, neurological disorders, and respiratory difficulties. There is also a belief they can aggravate common preexisting conditions such as asthma.There is some antidotal evidence that the emissions left from burning paraffin candles can be in the environment for up to eight hours after burning the candle.

Soot from burring paraffin candles can leave residue on your walls. Scented paraffin candles pose an even greater risk because they are made with petrochemical scents that add even more unwanted chemicals to be released by burning paraffin candles. Paraffin candles can not have natural oils for scent added because the petroleum based wax will not break these types of natural oils down.

In 1974 American candle manufacturers stopped making wicks that contained lead. There was no official ban insisted on by the government so some candles with lead wicks still find their way to store shelves. It is estimated that %30 of candles have unhealthy levels of lead.

The best alternatives to paraffin candles are organic candles made with soy wax. The only really safe scents are those that are plant based and made with natural plant oil. You must read the ingredients on scent candles very carefully. Many other wise healthy candles may be scented with artificial oils that will still release unwanted chemicals.

You can create soy candles on your own. It is a great craft project to do with the kids over the summer months and soy candles make great gifts. The candles you create will be smoke and soot free.

Brighter Scents has a nice beginner's soy candle making kit that will give you all you need for your first attempt at making soy wax candles except glass containers. Costing at about 20 dollars you get 2 pounds of CB Advanced soy wax, 6 wicks, 3 ounces of fragrance, 1 ounce of liquid dye, 3 warning labels and instructions. Their soybean wax is a 100% natural and is made from soybean growers in the United States. Their wicks are made from natural cotton.

Scents chosen should only be plant based to avoid the artificially scented oils. They have a number of plant based only scents. It is best to avoid combination scents. Blueberry is a plant based scent. Blueberry Pie is not a plant based scent. In addition to supporting a cleaner home environment for your family when using soy wax candles made with soybeans grown in America, you are also supporting American farmers.

Sources:

http://www.wereyouwondering.com/burning-candles-can-cause-indoor-air-pollution/

Dangers of burning paraffin candles and some of the hazards of burning soy as well.

http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/soycandles.htm the evidence and comparison of burning paraffin candles verses soy candles. http://www.brighterscents.com/soycankitbeg.html

Kits to make your own soy candles.