Frequent use of certain candles produces unwanted chemicals

Long-term exposure to emissions of certain types of candles could be hazardous to human health and cause poor indoor air quality, according to researchers in the 1890 Research & Extension Program at SC State University.

Lead researcher Dr. Ruhullah Massoudi and SC State alumnus Amid Hamidi ‘09, who worked with Massoudi while earning his bachelor of science in chemistry, tested various brands of paraffin wax (petroleum-based) and soybean (vegetable-based) candles. The candles were non-scented, non-pigmented and used no dyes.

The candles were placed in an enclosed specially constructed chamber for up to six hours to trap and test the emitted gases of the burning candles. A GC/MS test was conducted to analyze the contents of gaseous products. The chromatograms of the paraffin candles revealed some undesired chemicals, such as alkans, alkenes and toluene, all reported to cause harmful effects to humans.

“The paraffin candles we tested released unwanted chemicals into the air. For a person who lights a candle every day for years or just uses them frequently, inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks like cancer, common allergies and even asthma,” said Massoudi, a chemistry professor in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences. “None of the vegetable-based candles produced toxic chemicals,” he added.

According to Massoudi, the undesired chemicals of the paraffin candles were emitted because the candles are by-products of oil refineries, while the soy candles are by-products of vegetables which generally are not harmful to people.

Massoudi’s research stems from a desire to address a possible public health concern, boost the American agricultural economy and promote sustainability.

Most consumers purchase the usually inexpensive petroleum-based candles to fragrant an environment or inspire a mood. Massoudi noted, a possible increase in production and demand for soy candles could attribute to a decline of health risks caused by paraffin candles and help disadvantaged small farmers diversify their crops to yield more revenue. Soy wax components, cites Massoudi, are also renewable and biodegradable.

The candles emissions study is funded by 1890 Research & Extension, a federal and state funded program that helps ensure SC State achieves its land-grant mission of improving the lives of limited resource individuals, families and communities through research, teaching and service.

For more information on the study, contact Dr. Ruhullah Massoudi at (803) 536-7112 or rmassoudi@scsu.edu.

Soy Candles Vs . Paraffin Candles Which Can Be The Particular Best For Your Well Being To Burn?

A soak in the steamy tub, surrounded by candles definitely appears like a excellent solution to unwind. But brand new research implies that burning particular types of candles may well create indoor air pollution.

Frequently lighting numerous candles within an unventilated living space can lead to issues, state analysts.

Researchers from South Carolina State University studied petroleum-based as well as vegetable-source candles to discover their pollutants. The researchers allowed candles from several manufacturers burn for as much as six hours in the small-scale box about (8″ x 8″ x 26″), after which they compiled and assessed substances released directly into the air.

The researchers discovered that paraffin-based candles — typically the most popular sort — emitted toxic chemical substances like toluene and benzene. But in accordance with the analysis this is not the case for scented soy candles.

The research workers state that burning a paraffin-based candle occasionally is not likely to pose a wellness danger. Even so, frequently burning several candles inside an unventilated space might lead to difficulties, and might irritate asthma, produce allergy-like symptoms, or aggravate the actual respiratory system.

Even so, regardless of whether certain candles are safer than others remains arguable, based on some experts. Nevertheless there really does seem to be adequate evidence out there to state that some types of candle waxes are generally far better than others. Soy candles continues to prove to be an eco-friendly alternative to a paraffin based candles.

Researchers urge folks to be sensible regarding lighting any type of candle — regardless of whether it’s paraffin, beeswax, or soybean — in an enclosed room. “Merely lighting a match to begin a candle produces sulfur air pollution within the air. Lighting matches is one of the major sources of sulfur within the indoor environment, so employing a lighter most likely be cleaner. Again it is highly advised to utilize some type of gas lighter to initially light your candles no matter exactly what wax they are made from.

Although you are not placing your life on the line by lighting a candle, you must exercise at the very least some caution. You should really try to minimize your own exposure to paraffin wax candles. Plus whenever you light any type of candle, you may well turn on the exhaust fan; even if it ruins the ambiance, it vents out the fumes. Men and women just simply need to utilize common sense.

Not necessarily every person is knowledgeable about soy candles as soy candles actually have not been on the marketplace much earlier than the mid-1990s. However soy candles are a product that is actually gaining more popularity because of their particular eco-friendly nature. Soy candles may be created in all colors and scents similar to the paraffin-based candles.

SOYBEAN CANDLES FOR HEALTHY LIFE AND WELL BEING

PROJECT DIRECTOR: Massoudi, R.

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
ORANGEBURG,SC 29117

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Several studies of candles indicated that paraffin wax candle burning could cause serve health problems from the harmful burning emissions. This project is going to study and address the health problems associated with the use of petroleum based candles and the possible use of its replacement by soybean candles that is claimed to have no harmful emissions.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this proposal is to address the realization of health and well being of our citizens by considerably reducing the possible environmental pollutants caused by candles made from petroleum-base. Studies related to the harmful chemicals of paraffin candles and the lack of comparable pollutants in soybean candles are of utmost interest. The second objective is to address the economical feasibility of replacing a renewable source like soybean for petroleum source, which is not renewable and depletes and depends on foreign import. Beyond that, using soybean would bring a healthy economy to our farmers by producing more and better products. Certainly this study would provide great deal of information concerning health issues relating to inhaling emissions from candles.

APPROACH: Whereas soybeans are mass produced in the world and many consumer items such as printing ink, body and skin care products, hair care products, cleaning products, candles, etc., has resulted because of soybeans research. One of the primary advantages of candles made from soy wax is that the soot emitted is considerably less compared to those made from paraffin wax. The soot from paraffin candles may cause damage to your walls, ceilings, vents, curtains or blinds, and even carpets and other areas of your home. Since soybeans are a renewable and biodegradable resource, it is a prime source for candle wax. Because of the abundance of this agricultural product, new uses of it are being researched. Careful studies indicate that candle burning could cause severe health problems under the normal burning conditions just because of harmful emissions. This project is going to study and address the health problems associated with the use of petroleum based candles and study the possible use and replacement of soybean candles that is claimed to have no harmful emissions. Apparently, this research is necessitated because of the health problems related to the use of petroleum based products. By replacing paraffin wax with soy wax in candles, an estimated 60 million pounds of soybeans would be required for annual candle production. This requirement will have a direct economic impact on soybean farmers as well as a health and environmental impact in this country. The burning of soy candles in homes and cars address the real issue at hand, which is the health of American and global consumers. The burning of paraffin candle gives off more toxic fumes than soy candles which may be harmful to individuals.


 

New York International Gift Fair to Feature WYK Candles

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ – WYK Candles, a distinctive line of fine candles inspired by nature, will be featured in the “New York’s Newest” show, part of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).

New York’s Newest presents 250 exhibitors new to the NYIGF, spanning all categories and featuring fresh and innovative lines from key retailers, manufacturers and magazines. It will be held August 14-18 at Pier 92, not far from the main show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

The NYIGF itself is one of the most highly acclaimed and comprehensive gift shows in the world, with 35,000 buyers from 50 states and 85 countries.

ABOUT WYK CANDLES

WYK candles made their show debut in July at AmericasMart® Atlanta, the nation’s largest wholesale gift & home furnishings marketplace, featuring buyers from every U.S. state and 89 countries.

The line of candles was also featured at the 2010 Women’s U.S. Open in Oakmont. All of the pro golfers and top USGA executives received WYK candles in their gift bags.

Hand-poured by candle artisans, WYK candles are made of 100% soy wax from beans farmed in the United States, with 100% cotton wicks primed in bees’ wax. They have a 30-40% longer burn time than soy blend or non-soy products, are carcinogen- and toxin-free, leave no soot or black residue, and come in signature scents featuring cosmetic-grade fragrance oils and essential oils.

The candle’s distinctive package design has been recognized by design professionals at the American Advertising Federation show in Pittsburgh with a Silver ADDY award.

WYK is currently hiring a national network of sales representatives focusing on the gift industry.

ABOUT OAKMONT CANDLE COMPANY

WYK candles are manufactured by the Oakmont Candle Company of Oakmont, PA, a private-label specialist. The company has manufactured candles for more than 11 years for brands found at Barneys, Nordstrom’s, your favorite hotel chains, high-end resorts, spas and gift stores, and on QVC. Their candles are shipped globally.

INTERVIEWS

Joseph Mosso, Jr., 724.787.0625, joemosso@wykcandles.com

Gene Alese, 412.607.0707, gene@wykcandles.com

SOURCE WYK Candles