Eco-Friendly Soy Candles

The popularity of candles, especially aromatherapy candles, has grown recently to the point that it is considered a “boom” market. It has been estimated that seven of every ten households in America regularly burn scented candles. The candle business is over $2 billion annually according to the National Candle Association.

Unfortunately, burning common paraffin wax candles is a serious health threat. The scent oils and paraffin used to make common candles are derived from petroleum. Burning them can release carcinogens and neurotoxins into the air. The EPA has done air chamber analysis on a random group of over 30 candles, and identified many poisonous compounds. Included in the list are acetone, benzene, carbon disulphide, toluene, styrene, phenol, and lead particulates, to name a few.

You can eliminate these poisons from your home by burning eco-friendly soy candles. Soy candles are the healthy alternative. Soy candles are made from natural, biodegradable, renewable soy wax. Soy wax burns clean and at a lower temperature than paraffin. Soy candles typically use a cotton wick that burns at the same rate as the wax, thereby eliminating smoky soot. Soybeans are an American agricultural product, and soy wax is processed in the US. Candle manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on their labels. Soy wax candles are labeled as such, and soy candle makers often proudly include other information about their earth friendly product. While the cost of a soy candle may seem a bit higher than a paraffin import, remember that soy candles burn 50% longer, making soy candles a more economical choice.