About This Sister Eden Short
The Sister Eden laboratory conducted an experiment to test which type of candles last longer: beeswax, paraffin or soy. The results will amaze you!
The companies represented:
The beeswax candles were from Beeswax Candle Company in Lynchburg, Virginia. I used their tea lights candles all the time back in my event planning days because I could buy large quantities and I L-O-V-E their eco packaging which includes packing peanuts that dissolve in water!
The paraffin candles are from IKEA.
The soy candles are from Handmade Habitat, in Takoma Park, Maryland. I met the owner, Amina Ahmad, at Fenton Street Market in Silver Spring, Maryland. If you don’t live locally, you can purchase her candles, and all her everyday luxuries online at etsy.
More About the Facts and Articles Referenced in this Short
Referenced Article #1 – Romantic, Candle-lit Dinners: An Unrecognized Source of Indoor Air Pollution
Source: American Chemical Society
A study presented at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) indicated that paraffin candles can be harmful and that people who believe they have an indoor allergy or respiratory irritation may in fact actually be reacting to air pollutants from burning candles. The study also indicated that candles made from beeswax or soy, although more expensive, “…do not release potentially harmful amounts of indoor air pollutants while retaining all the warmth, ambiance and fragrance of paraffin candles (which are made of petroleum).
Referenced Article #2 – Candles and Incense as Potential Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: Market Analysis and Literature Review
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This is a detailed report on some of the toxins found in candles. We should point out that it is from 2001 and since that time, there are new regulations on candles sold in the United States. Of particular concern is that before 2003, wicks could contain a metal thread to make them stand up better. Some were made of lead. Yes, candle wicks from not that long ago had lead in them! Burning the candle would put lead fumes in the air! Scary! Perhaps I won’t burn those old candles I got from my parents when I was cleaning out their house 2 years ago.
Fly In Fact #1 – Scented candles in particular can contain harmful chemicals
Source: Yahoo News
The article entitled, “Scented Candles Release as Many Harmful Toxins as Cigarettes” explains, “Since they are often lit in poorly ventilated rooms, such as bathrooms, or during the evening when windows are likely to be closed, the release of chemicals can cause indoor pollution that is potent enough to raise the risk of asthma, eczema and skin complaints.”