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People have often asked me what's so special about a certain type of wax versus another. The simple answer is really that it's all about preference. Cormar Company is upfront in saying that we use paraffin wax. But it's important to know why. Below is some information that we have found, along with references. Read away as this article addresses everything from what's in waxes, what's better, and case studies. Feel free to link back with proper attribution.
A common myth with soy candles is the idea that they burn with less soot than paraffin candles. This is probably the biggest “upsell” of those who tactically sell soy. (We use the word tactically because we feel those who have to bash other products in ANY area are not confident in their own product, while there are some great legitimate soy sellers that don't resort to this type.) A properly made candle in will have very little soot - if at all - with proper upkeep and wick trims, this includes beeswax and paraffin, and many other waxes available.
The popularity of the all natural candle is another misconception, as soy wax also needs to have additives to make it usable in wax. There is no link in the reputable scientific community between paraffin wax and illnesses or health hazards. Properly made candles in any type of wax are not hazardous to the common healthy person. Many of the carcinogens listed as toxic from paraffin, your common household appliances emit in larger amounts and they are obviously not listed as hazardous to your health. Additionally, some of the carcinogens named as toxic in paraffin is a result of the wicking or fragrance and are just as easily found in soy candles as well. However, there are extreme exceptions such as an allergy to a certain type of wax that can cause medical issues. The FDA has listed soy as a widely known allergen, while paraffin is not on the list of known allergens and paraffin is even used to test for allergies.[1] Something in particular to remember is that all waxes have additives and there is a difference in being labeled “known carcinogen” and “possible carcinogen”. Known is obviously absolute, however in many articles against any given wax, it's never revealed what is known or possible. Possible in this case simply means, it could be, but no one has studied it and it has no links to any ill effects at this time.
Also to note, a few in the science community who have come out against paraffin have not cited any case studies, research, or direct reasoning on how they came to the conclusion of the dangers of paraffin, soy or beeswax. EPA studies found that toxins released in the air from candles were under extreme conditions such as improper burning and untrimmed wicks, where the candle was left to smolder. This study has been cited in reasoning against paraffin, however, due to the combinations ranging in the millions for candles, the specifics of the candles used are unknown.[2] Candle safety goes against this type of burning however.
In fact, paraffin is used in many health care aids and materials, and food prep due to it's exceptional properties, along with many beauty regimens. Paraffin wax is probably sitting in everyone's kitchen, everyday.[3] The same paraffin found in candles is also used to coat apples and chocolates. Additionally, many soy candles are made with fragrance oils which are chemically created. Coloring of soy candle wax may also be chemically created. Essential oils are available and a bit more costly, but unless they are 100% pure, they also contain synthetic chemicals. (Not all EO's are created equal either, they are also not regulated and can easily be unpure.) Additionally, some people may link articles about all candles and without providing proper documentation, conclude they are paraffin. In most articles, commonly ones about soot and fumes, candles are mentioned. However, most often it is never told specifically which type of candle, though these articles are passed as "proof" soy is better. Another note to add, is that soy is touted as biodegradable. This is true of soybeans, however to make soy beans into a viable wax, the combination of chemicals makes it just as biodegradable as paraffin and beeswax. So in truth, soy wax is biodegradable, however it's untrue that its counterparts are not. The original patent, still in effect, actually lists paraffin wax as an additive to soy wax.
Many also claim to support American soybean farmers by using soy, and while this part is true, they fail to acknowledge that the machinery such as a combine harvester is often foreign made and are being used to harvest soy beans fueled by foreign oils, along with the movement from start as soybeans to finished in the makers hands using foreign oil, or the electricity they use to produce the candles is provided by foreign means.[4]
Another myth is that the wick in a soy candle burns cleaner and healthier than a paraffin candle. While this can be true for any wax, there are hundreds of wick sizes and types, and wicks used are determined by the maker of the candle. There are options such as the zinc core wick, paper core wick and the cotton core wick, that are usable in all candles, in all waxes. Today, no certain type of wick is more dangerous to your health than others. Lead wicks were formerly used in candle making and were linked to medical conditions [5][6], however, as the health risks became exposed, they are no longer used in US manufactured candles. It's often spread that zinc wicks contain lead and they no longer do. Candles are not regulated by any federal agencies so it is still possible that foreign made candles (typically found in chain stores) can still have lead in their wicks.
A common conclusion also includes the myth that soy wax has a lower melt point of paraffin resulting in a cooler burn. This is also based on the chemicals added to waxes. Some blends of paraffin wax begin to melt at temps of 100 degrees F, the same general melting point as some soy waxes. This is also due to the choice of chemicals added to both paraffin and soy. It's especially important to remember, that candle ingredients are not required by law to be listed, or be listed as truthful, so a soy candle you are buying could contain other chemicals, and even be completely paraffin. Also to note, fire is fire. The same wicks can be found in any type of US manufactured candle and the wax does not determine the temperature at which the flame burns, the wick does.
Also, because each candle maker is different and adds different items, the vast majority of soy candles are no less toxic than paraffin or beeswax. In some cases, with the chemical choices of makers, they can be more toxic than paraffin candles.
Most myths of soy wax are based on sales tactics, or misinformation spread through ill knowledge, some intentional, some not. There are so many combinations of any candle that can change even the slightest bit of properties for any of them, resulting in different burning.
The final decision on purchasing or producing is more personal preference, than scientific evidence that refutes many of the claims made. It must also be restated that all candles must be burned properly, at all times to minimize health and hazard risks.
References:
1. ^ http://google2.fda.gov/search?client=FDA&site=FDA&lr=&proxystylesheet=
FDA&output=xml_no_dtd&getfields=*&q=soy+allergen&as=GO
2. ^ http://oaspub.epa.gov/eims/eimsapi.dispdetail?deid=20899
3. ^ http://www.candles.org/about_faq.html
4. ^ http://www.nsrl.uiuc.edu/aboutsoy/soyprocessing.html
5. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2001-06-14-epa-candles.htm
6. ^ http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative
/02/01/scented.candles.wmd/index.html
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