Chloe Adams
Candles have been used for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using materials such as animal fat, papyrus reeds, and beeswax to create light. Today, candles are still popular, often used to create a cosy atmosphere or to celebrate birthdays. With the development of paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale, candles became cheaper and burned more cleanly and reliably. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health and environmental impact of burning paraffin candles, with some studies suggesting that they release toxic chemicals and dangerous pollutants. As a result, alternative options such as soy, vegetable-based, and stearin candles have gained popularity due to their lower emissions and longer burning times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are candles made from petroleum products? | Yes, candles can be made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum oil. |
| Other names for paraffin wax | Petroleum wax, product wax, press wax |
| Paraffin wax colour | Usually white or transparent |
| Paraffin wax texture | Soft, colourless solid |
| Paraffin wax composition | Hydrocarbon molecules containing 20-40 carbon atoms |
| Paraffin wax melting point | 37°C (99°F) |
| Paraffin wax boiling point | 370°C (698°F) |
| Paraffin wax uses | Candles, lubrication, electrical insulation, crayons, cosmetics, moisturisers, histology/pathology laboratory tissue impregnation, thermal printer ink, candy-making coatings |
| Health concerns | Burning candles releases chemicals, including VOCs like formaldehyde, which may increase cancer risk. However, no definitive research shows that exposure to candle smoke increases health risks. |
| Health advice | Use candles in a well-ventilated space. Soy, vegetable-based, and stearin candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin candles. |
| Historical candle-making materials | Papyrus reeds dipped in animal fat, tallow (animal fat), beeswax, plants, insects, seeds, nuts, whale oil |
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What You'll Learn
- Paraffin wax is a petroleum product used to make candles
- Candles made from natural sources are the best option for minimising particulate matter
- Burning scented candles can release VOCs like formaldehyde
- Ancient Egyptians used papyrus reeds dipped in animal fat for torches
- Tallow candles were popular in the Middle Ages due to affordability
Paraffin wax is a petroleum product used to make candles
Candles have been around for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using animal, insect, seed, and nut fats as sources. However, the candle in its most popular form today is made from paraffin wax, also known as petroleum wax.
Paraffin wax is a soft, colourless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It consists of hydrocarbon molecules containing 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Paraffin wax was first created by German chemist Carl Reichenbach in 1830, revolutionising candle-making technology. The new wax burned more cleanly and reliably than tallow candles, and was also cheaper to produce. Chemists discovered how to separate naturally occurring paraffin wax from petroleum, creating paraffin candles.
Paraffin wax is sold in liquid or solid form and has a range of applications, including lubrication, electrical insulation, crayons, and candles. The wax may be processed to remove colours and odours, and blended to achieve desired properties such as melt point. Candles made from paraffin wax can be dyed and scented, or left un-dyed and unscented, in which case they are odourless and bluish-white.
There is some debate about the health effects of burning paraffin candles. A study by South Carolina State University found that the combustion process releases toxic chemicals such as toluene, a benzene derivative and known human carcinogen. Researchers suggested that frequent use of paraffin candles could cause harmful "pollutants drifting in the air", particularly in unventilated spaces. However, the National Candle Association has contested this claim, stating that no scientific study has proven paraffin wax to be harmful to human health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved the use of paraffin in food production and medical applications.
To minimise the potential risks of burning any type of candle, it is recommended to always burn candles in a well-ventilated space.
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Candles made from natural sources are the best option for minimising particulate matter
Candles are made from a variety of materials, including paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax. While candles are a source of light and can be used for decoration or to create a relaxing atmosphere, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with burning them.
The process of burning candles releases chemicals, and the type of candle can determine the level of risk. Candles made from natural sources, such as palm stearin, are considered a healthier option as they release fewer toxic chemicals and less soot. Research indicates that natural candles made from palm stearin produce only half as much soot as paraffin candles. Additionally, natural candles emit the least dangerous chemicals, making them a safer choice for minimizing the amount of particulate matter inhaled.
Paraffin wax, a common ingredient in candles, is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It is a soft, colourless solid consisting of hydrocarbon molecules. While paraffin candles have their advantages, such as being odourless and having a higher melting point, they may pose potential health risks due to the release of toxic chemicals during combustion.
Scented candles, in particular, have been the subject of concern. Studies have shown that scented candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, which may increase cancer risk. However, it is important to note that the levels of VOCs released are still below the recommended amounts set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, scented wax melts, marketed as a safer alternative to candles, have been found to produce significant amounts of atmospheric nanoparticles, similar to those emitted by combustion sources.
To minimize the potential health risks associated with burning candles, it is recommended to use natural candles and ensure proper ventilation in the room. Keeping candles away from drafts can also help reduce the amount of smoke produced. While the research on the health impacts of candle smoke is ongoing, taking these precautions can help create a healthier environment when enjoying candles.
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Burning scented candles can release VOCs like formaldehyde
Candles have been used for centuries, dating back to Ancient China, India, and Egypt. In modern times, candles are often used to create a cosy atmosphere, with seasonal scents like pumpkin, apple cinnamon, and coffee. However, burning scented candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, which may have negative health effects.
VOCs are emitted from candles made with synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes. When these candles are burned, they release a variety of chemicals, including formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. Formaldehyde is not the only harmful substance released; other common VOCs found in candle smoke include benzene, toluene, acetaldehyde, and aromatic hydrocarbons. These chemicals are linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even more serious long-term health effects like cancer.
The potential dangers of scented candles are particularly relevant when burned indoors, as studies have found higher quantities of pollutants like formaldehyde and VOCs compared to background levels. The discharge of combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, can also contaminate indoor air. Additionally, scented candles may contain low-quality raw materials, including dyes and artificial scents, that release harmful chemicals when burned.
To minimize the potential risks associated with burning scented candles, there are several recommendations. Firstly, opt for candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin wax candles. Choose candles scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes, as these release fewer pollutants. Proper wick maintenance is also important; always trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before lighting to reduce soot production.
Additionally, ensure that the room is well-ventilated when burning candles to help disperse any pollutants. Open windows, use exhaust fans, and ventilate the room after extinguishing the candle. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the ambiance and fragrance of candles while minimizing potential health risks associated with indoor air pollution.
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Ancient Egyptians used papyrus reeds dipped in animal fat for torches
The use of candles dates back to around 3,000 B.C., when the Ancient Egyptians used papyrus reeds dipped in animal fat and lit them as torches. These were known as rushlights, a type of candle made by soaking the dried pith or core of the rush plant in melted animal fat or grease. Rushlights were an important innovation in human development, as they demonstrated that light could be contained and transported, and that fire could be harnessed. They were also inexpensive to make and accessible to all.
Papyrus was an important material in ancient Egypt, used for writing and making artefacts like boats, mats, rope, sandals and baskets. It was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, Cyperus papyrus, a wetland sedge, and was first manufactured in Egypt as far back as the 3rd millennium BCE.
The Romans and Egyptians first made rushlights out of animal tallow-soaked reeds, and the Romans later used papyrus to create a wick, which was then coated in beeswax. This was an improvement on animal tallow, as beeswax burned cleanly, without smoke, and emitted a pleasant smell.
Today, candles are commonly made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. Paraffin wax was first created in 1830 and marked a major advancement in candle-making technology, as it burned more cleanly and reliably than tallow candles, and was cheaper to produce.
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Tallow candles were popular in the Middle Ages due to affordability
Candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. However, candles have not always been made from paraffin wax. In fact, throughout history, candles were made from various natural materials, including animal fat, plant fibres, and waxes made from plants and insects.
During the Middle Ages, tallow candles were commonplace in Europe. Tallow is rendered animal fat, typically sourced from cows or sheep. These candles were affordable and accessible due to the widespread availability of animal fat. However, the popularity of tallow candles extended beyond their affordability. They played a significant role in daily life, with candle makers, known as chandlers, going from house to house to create candles from kitchen fats.
The use of tallow candles dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting their presence in the Roman Empire and earlier civilisations. The Romans created dipped candles from tallow, a practice that continued for centuries due to the accessibility of the material. Tallow candles were also significant in the Middle Ages due to their versatility and ease of production.
While tallow candles were widely used, they had unpleasant odours due to the presence of glycerine. This issue prompted the search for alternative materials, leading to the introduction of beeswax candles in Europe during the Middle Ages. Beeswax candles burned cleanly and emitted a pleasant fragrance, making them highly desirable. However, beeswax was challenging to obtain, making beeswax candles expensive. As a result, their use was predominantly limited to the wealthy, churches, and royal events.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the whaling industry introduced spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whales, as another alternative to tallow. Spermaceti candles burned without an unpleasant odour, produced a brighter light, and had a harder texture that resisted softening in warm temperatures. These qualities made spermaceti a preferred choice for candle-making, and they became known as the first "standard candles".
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum oil, and it is used to make candles.
Paraffin wax is a soft, colourless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It consists of hydrocarbon molecules containing between 20 and 40 carbon atoms.
Yes, candles can also be made from beeswax, tallow (animal fat), spermaceti (whale oil), stearin (animal and plant materials), soy, or vegetables.
Burning paraffin wax candles releases chemicals and pollutants, such as toluene and benzene, which can be harmful when inhaled. However, there is no definitive research that proves that exposure to candle smoke increases the risk of developing health conditions. It is recommended to burn candles in a well-ventilated area to minimise the smoke you breathe in.
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