Paraffin candles, a by-product of petroleum, have dominated the candle world since the 1800’s. Soy candles did not come along for another 140 years. Studies have shown that burning paraffin candles contribute to pulmonary problems as well as damage to homes. Purchasing paraffin products not only leads to damage in the environment and to our health, but it also supports the economies of other countries.

            The American Lung Association (ALA) states: “Burning candles can emit small amounts of toxins such as acetone, benzene, lead and mercury into the air.” The declaration advises choosing natural candles, such as bees’ wax, which do not produce toxins harmful to the lungs. Paraffin wax emits carcinogens – cancer causing agents. Paraffin burning produces the same toxins as diesel fuel.

            The Environmental Protection Agency (2000) reports that the black soot residue from candles “is airborne and is subject to inhalation, the particles have the  potential to penetrate the deepest areas of the lungs - the lower respiratory tract and alveoli.” Also, the ALA and others say soot causes damage to furniture, walls, and the heating and cooling systems of homes. The repair of this damage can cost thousands of dollars. Home Owners insurance may not pay for candle soot damage. Insurance companies are investigating whether it is accidental or over time according to State Farm Insurance. (Insure.com, 2003)

    Paraffin candles come from petroleum - a non-renewable resource. When the American people purchase paraffin candles they fund foreign countries. Fifty nine percent of our petroleum comes from overseas countries. Forty one percent comes from the United States, (PBS.ORG). The U.S. is the largest consumer of petroleum products and uses twenty-five percent of the world’s supply.

    Natural candles, like soy wax candles, are a better alternative for many different reasons.  Finally, in the1990’s the first all soy wax candles and were created by Natures Gifts, Inc. Since then soy wax candles have been the leading alternative to paraffin candles

Soy candles do not produce the carcinogenic soot paraffin does. The soot that soy candles produce is non-carcinogenic and cleans up with soap and water. Soot is produced in soy candles because of a carbon-head build up. A carbon head build up that looks like a mushroom (and is called mushrooming) indicates that the wick needs to be trimmed. Soy candle warning labels specifically state: “Keep the wick trimmed to ¼ inch to prevent smoking and carbon mushrooming. Trim the wick before every use.” (NGI)

    Soy candles are made from soybeans, a renewable resource.  Soy resources can be easily replenished by growing more soy beans!  Soybeans reach full maturity in 50 days. Each bushel of soybeans can be crushed to yield over 10 pounds of soybean oil. (SoyOhio)   Paraffin, a by-product of petroleum, is a basic raw material which is made up plants which have decomposed over millions of years.   As a renewable resource, soy helps to support United States farmers. With unemployment surging to 25% ( USA Today, 9/3/2005).in the areas hardest hit by Katrina, supporting US farmers is responsible course of action.

Soy burns cooler than paraffin wax. Soy candles burn up to 40 percent longer than paraffin candles. Melted soy wax makes a great hand lotion. Soy candles are 100 percent soy with some botanical additives. Soy meets FDA and Kosher standards. (NGI, 2005) Soybean Wax is biodegradable.

    With all the health and environmental benefits soy candles have to offer it is time to eliminate the use of paraffin candles. Soy candles are priced competitively with paraffin. Paraffin candles have been around for more than 140 years. Let’s not wait another 140 years to make soy candles number one.