The National Candle Association recommends people who are environmentally conscious, in addition to being health-conscious, burn soy candles instead of ordinary paraffin candles because soy candles burn longer and cleaner, and they are non-toxic with no petrol-carbon soot.  The soy candles come from a renewable source, soy grows from the ground like other plants whereas paraffin candles contribute to the dependency on crude oil.

Paraffin wax candles release thick black soot when burned, as well as 11 documented toxins, two that are carcinogenic – toluene and benzene.  The American Lung Association has warned consumers of unhealthy indoor air quality from breathing paraffin candles.

One research study done by the Agricultural Engineering Department at Purdue University stated that “paraffin contains aromatic compounds which are released when the candle is burned and are detrimental to [a person’s] health.  Petro-soot is as harmful as secondhand tobacco smoke.”

Many soy candles are made with essential oils and different oils help to improve various medical problems including headaches, depression, insomnia, stress, pain and infections.

Paraffin wax, because it is partially oil based, is not easily removed from clothing, carpets, linens or other materials it may drip on; however soy candle wax easily cleans up with soap and water and can be extracted from glass, tin, and other materials for recycling.

Some of the paraffin wax candles use animal fats – which have vegetarians and vegans up in arms – and other paraffin candles use petroleum based oil – which anger environmentalists.  Therefore, numerous people are making the switch to the all natural, plant-based soy candlesIt may sound like common sense but people still burn soy candles near flammable items such as curtains or on tablecloths.  Soy candles should never be burned near or on anything that could catch on fire.  Keep burning candles away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpeting, paper, books, flammable decorations, etc.  The National Candle Association reports that 20 percent of all residential candle fires occur because a combustible item was placed too close to an open flame from a candle.

 

Many people think about where a candle looks good, not where it will burn without starting a fire.

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