Effect Candle to Human Health
In late 2007, an independent lab has completed the most
extensive and rigorous scientific investigation of candle
emissions to date. The tests were conducted at the Bayreuth
Insitute of Environmental Research in Germany. A recent study
of all major candle wax types shows that when candles are
well-made, they have the same clean-burning behavior and pose
no discernible risks to human health or indoor air quality.
Paraffin, stearine, soy wax, palm wax and beeswax candle was
tested in specialized testing chamber. The emission gasses were
analyzed for more than 300 chemicals that are known or
suspected of toxicity, respiratory irritation or health risks.
These chemical groups included furans and dioxins, short-chain
adehydes polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic
compounds.
Comparison then be made between recorded emission levels and
the known relevant indoor and standards.
The investigation found all of the waxes burned cleanly and
safely, with no appreciable difference in burning behavior.
Their combustion byproducts were virtually identical in
composition and quantity, with all emissions levels registering
far below the most restrictive of any applicable indoor air
standards.
The investigation also looked at two candle types -- paraffin and soy -- that were
specifically made to soot at high levels. The investigation
found that even though these candles generally produced greater
levels of emissions than the reference candles, they were still
far below the most stringent of the applicable air quality
standards.
The study was sponsored by the Association of European Candle
Manufacturers, the Association Latino Americana de Fabricantes
de Velas, Cargill, Inc., the European Wax Federation, the
National Candle Association, and the National Petrochemical
& Refiners Association.
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