Originally, beeswax candles were a luxury item, afforded only by the Roman Catholic Church and European nobility. Today, beeswax candles are readily available to the masses, though the Church still uses over 1.4 million kilograms of the fragrant wax each year.
Dangers of Paraffin Wax
Candles are a simple and economical way to provide atmosphere, warmth, and a sense of well being. However, the majority of candles on the market contain paraffin, a toxic petroleum by-product made from the sludge left over from the petrochemical and gasoline refining process. Paraffin also has a low melting point, so it burns quickly and can produce a lot of smoke in the process.
According to a study funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture, lit paraffin candles emit many pollutants including benzene, toluene, and ketones, all of which have been linked to asthma, cancer, and birth defects.
There have also been several reported lethal cases of children ingesting liquid paraffin wax, mistaking it for juice. According to Dr. Barbara Bulleid, even less than a teaspoon of ingested wax can be fatal to children, as the toxins spread so quickly. In 2000, Bulleid treated a 16-month-old child who almost died after swallowing a liquid form of paraffin. Bulleid has since written the Canadian Paediatric Society to warn them against the dangers of paraffin, especially where children are concerned. She advises any household with children in it to avoid purchasing paraffin of any kind.
Beeswax Benefits
There are so many reasons to pass on paraffin and purchase beeswax instead. Beeswax is a by-product of honey, and has a high melting point, giving it a longer burning time and making it more economical. The flame of a beeswax candle is brighter (thus giving off more light) and burns hotter, making it a good candle to have in an emergency. Beeswax doesn’t emit smoke and burns extremely clean, producing a lovely, natural, honey scent. Lastly, beeswax is completely sustainable and renewable, providing we can keep bees alive long enough to produce it.
Beeswax is also the only known fuel to release negative ions as it burns. Negative ions are commonly produced in waterfalls, electrical storms, and mountain regions. Though it may seem counterintuitive, these ions are actually a good thing. Negative ions attract positive ions, which are particles that are positively charged, including dust, pollen, mould, smoke, and airborne germs. When this attraction occurs, the negative ions neutralize the positive ions so they are no longer circulating in the air we breathe. This process is extremely beneficial for anyone suffering from allergies or sinus problems.
How to Properly Burn a Beeswax Candle
Like anything worthwhile, beeswax candles require a little effort on your part and shouldn’t be left unattended. The most important thing to remember when burning a beeswax candle is to keep the wick trimmed to ¼-1/2 an inch, which will help prevent smoking and dripping.
From time to time, it may be necessary to press in the edges of the candles, working from the edge towards the centre of the candle to ensure the candle is burning evenly.
When purchasing a beeswax candle, you will definitely notice the price difference. Quality tends to cost more and beeswax is no exception to that rule. However, since the burning times of a beeswax candle are so long, the cost usually works out to fewer than 25 cents an hour.
Most of us are aware that our dependence on petroleum products cannot be continued much longer. In a time when oil is becoming more and more scarce, surely the beauty, sustainability, and renewability of beeswax can’t be ignored.
GOG101
References:
- Pesce, Nicole Lyn. Candlelit dinner with a side of toxic chemicals? Paraffin candles emit cancerous
- CBC News. Parents warned about the dangers of paraffin. www.cbc.ca. 2010.
- Reno, Bill. Bountiful Beeswax. Alive.com 2010.
Johanna Bailey - I am a freelance writer and editor with an honours degree in Professional Writing from York University. My greatest passion is the ...
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