Candles made from Soy

In a study presented at the annual American Chemical Society meeting, scientists presented information that proved burning candles made from paraffin wax (which is the most common kind of candle used) IS in fact an unrecognized source of exposure to indoor air pollution, including the known human carcinogens.

“An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you,” Hamidi said. “But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems.“ Besides the more serious risks, he also suggested that some people who believe they have an indoor allergy or respiratory irritation may in fact actually be reacting to air pollutants from burning paraffin candles.

For the study, the researchers burned paraffin candles for up to six hours in a small box and then analyzed the results. What they found was that the paraffin candles released  toxic chemical into the air.

In the South Carolina State University study, R. Massoudi Ph.D., and Amid Hamidi Ph.D. also analyzed soy candles.  They said that that candles made from soy wax, although more expensive, apparently are healthier.  They do not release potentially harmful amounts of indoor air pollutants while retaining all of the warmth, ambiance and fragrance of paraffin candles (which are made from petroleum).

It is our duty to inform those who aren’t aware, what they may be breathing in when they burn paraffin candles.  Won’t you spread the word?

Click here to learn more about the American Chemical Society

Melissa

© 2009, Candles made from Soy. All rights reserved.

Our sense of smell is one of our strongest memory triggers. Ever walk past someone wearing a particular scent and have it remind you of “the one who got away”? Does the smell of warm apple cinnamon remind of you baking pies with mom as a child? Do you have a certain scent you wear when you want to feel you’re sexiest? If you’ve answered yes to any of these, you know what I mean.

Research shows that odors have a significant effect on the central nervous system. Fragrances also seem to have the ability to affect our thoughts and behavior. Work got ya stressed? Light a soy candle with a Lavender or Jasmine scent and feel your tension lift.  Vanilla can be very calming as well. If you need a “pick me up”, burn something with a citrus scent such as Orange, Lemon or Lime Verbena. My personal favorite at the moment is a mixture of Vanilla, Strawberry & Musk.  It just makes me happy.

There are also certain scents that offend people and may promote negative physical responses. Cigar smoke can send some people running for the bathroom. Even though we used to offer Patchouli in our soy candle line, I had to just about have to hold my breath while pouring this one.

If you notice, marketing people have long caught on to this concept. Remember the certain “herbal scented shampoo” commercial that left us blushing? And there was something about the “orange morning wake-up burst” promise that had me buying a different brand face wash recently.

I feel so lucky to be able to choose whichever scent tickles my fancy at the time.   As a candle maker sometimes the hardest part is to remember our scent line can’t always be all MY favorites!

So the next time you need to unwind, relax, or “take yourself back”… Light your favorite candle scent. It’s one of life’s last affordable luxuries.

Tell me your soy candle experience story.  What scents take you where?

© 2009, Candles made from Soy. All rights reserved.