The candle industry accounts for the one of largest uses of refined wax in the United States with petroleum-base paraffin wax being the preferred raw material for candle making. Paraffin wax is a safe, natural product that is so highly refined that it complies with FDA requirements for use in foods, yet it has been attacked as “unsafe” for this application on a number of small internet sites. The National Candle Association states that all types of candle wax will burn cleanly when formulated and used properly. The properties of the wax, the shape of the candle, the wick characteristics, and air flow around the candle all have to be balanced to achieve a properly burning candle with minimal emissions. Although there are conflicting data, the majority of the fact-based studies on candles report that the correct use of paraffin wax in candles has minimal safety and toxicity concerns. This paper will review the current status of candle safety, toxicity, and emission information. Health and environmental claims made by alternate wax products will be evaluated.
展开▼
