Toxins in Candles

Alayne
Aug 18
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Paraffin is derived from petroleum. Candles made from paraffin wax can easily be classified as one of the most toxic candle options. Paraffin candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from their wax, fragrances, and wicks, with potential exposure to these compounds being highest while burning. Let's look at some VOCs.

Lit White Candles of Various Sizes with Eucalyptus Sprigs on a White Wood Table — *Check Your Labels*

VOCs Released by Candles:

Acetaldehyde: Probable human carcinogen. Linked to cell/tissue damage in the liver, pancreas, and brain. May cause permanent DNA damage.
Acrolein: A chemical that can cause death if too much is inhaled.
Benzene: A carcinogenic gas that increases the risk of leukemia and other blood cancers.
Benzopyrene: Linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancer, red blood cell damage, and anemia.
Formaldehyde: A well-known carcinogen
Toluene: Found in paint thinners and adhesives. Skin/eye/respiratory irritant.

Additional Bad Actors in Candles:

Soy, vegetable, and soy blend waxes: Rarely organic or non-GMO, so they may contain traces of pesticides and GMOs. These ‘safer’ waxes still release the same VOCs as their paraffin counterparts, only with lower levels of emissions.
Synthetic fragrances: Contribute to toxicity by releasing VOCs (yes, more) and phthalates (semi-VOCs) which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Phthalates are known endocrine/hormone disruptors and are linked to cardiovascular disease, child development issues, and decreased fertility.
Synthetic Dyes: Derived from petroleum or coal tar. Contribute to VOCs. Synthetic fragrances are to blame for higher levels of VOCs than dyes, but they each play a role in the toxic cocktail that is released into the air.

Worth Noting:

Coconut wax candles are soot-free, vegan, plant-based, sustainable, and Eco-friendly (no harmful toxins are released into the air). They also provide a longer burn time and better scent throw than other waxes.

Beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer than paraffin, soy, vegetable, and blends, but are not vegan if that is a concern for you.

Toxin-Free Candles

Hemlock Park handcrafts premium non-GMO pure coconut wax candles made from natural cold-pressed coconuts and coconut oils. Each Hemlock Park candle is fragranced with premium essential oils, is free of dyes, and is paired with an FSC-certified wood wick harvested from sustainable fruit trees. Their scent-throw and burn times are phenomenal (trim the blackened wood from the wick before each burn).