posted by Sam Houston 1 year ago

my wife has always been known for burning candles in our house, mainly because of how they smell. but when i tell her that parafin wax, which is what common household candles are usually made from isn't so green she's not going to be very happy. parafin wax is a byproduct of oil refining. Even the wicks of some candles can cause problems - they may have a lead or other type of metal core that release toxic emissions during burning.

Paraffin wax consists of alkane hydrocarbons and melts between 47°C and 65°C (around 120° to 150° F). It is derived from light lubricating oil distillates. When burned, the fumes can contain a number of carcinogens including Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Toulene.

As the carbon within paraffin wax was was originally deep underground in oil deposits, when they are burned the carbon they contain is released into the atmosphere, adding just a little bit more to the already high levels present.

Unfortunately, by using paraffin based candles, we are helping to support the environmentally destructive oil industry and further poisoning our air.