Paraffin wax has become one of the most widely used substances for candle making. Today, many companies are using paraffin to save money while producing more candles than ever before.
Unfortunately, there is still a question of whether it’s environmentally friendly to use paraffin wax in candle making. Is paraffin wax bad for the environment?
Paraffin wax has some issues that concern environmentalists, but for those who are concerned about candle safety and clean-burning, it can be a great option.
How does it affect our environment
The burning of candles emits pollutants into the air and paraffin is a common substance in candles. A paraffin wax candle is a by-product of petroleum refining.
It consists mainly of hydrocarbon with carbon ranging from 30 to 44 carbon atoms long. It is a colorless or yellowish transparent solid, waxy substance that can be either clear or opaque depending on the production process.
According to many experts, paraffin is not biodegradable. It leaves behind a residue in the environment after it has burned which emits toxic fumes when it comes in contact with oxygen in the water or air.
Paraffin releases carcinogenic substances when it burns and creates air pollution to the air we breathe. Even though the air we breathe is already polluted, with candles burning continuously in our homes, they increase the level of pollutants to dangerous levels.
It is best not to use paraffin wax in candle making and switch to natural and environment-friendly materials instead. One alternative for paraffin wax is soy wax which burns equally well and is a natural alternative.
Another is beeswax which burns cleanly and produces a pleasant aroma as it burns. It also does not pollute the environment when it burns as paraffin wax candles do.
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Effects of paraffin wax on humans
Paraffin is considered to be a carcinogen and has been linked to health problems, such as lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. It causes skin irritations in many people causing allergies and eczema. It also causes respiratory problems when inhaled continuously or in big amounts.
The air pollution released when paraffin wax candles are burned can trigger asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to the substances produced when it is burned.
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Effects of paraffin wax on animals
Studies have shown that paraffin wax is harmful to animals, especially birds. The candle wicks fall into the bird’s nests and kill their offspring due to the toxin in the paraffin when the parents try to remove them from their nests.
Another study showed that paraffin wax could potentially accumulate in an aquatic environment such as water bodies and oceans, and endanger its natural habitats but further studies are needed to confirm this.
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Effects of paraffin wax on plants
Paraffin wax is highly toxic to plants. Although it is widely used as a weed controller in agriculture, as it can be sprayed on weeds and they wither away.
When exposed to paraffin wax, plants have been observed producing fewer leaves and flowers. It may also cause mutation of plant genes affecting their growth. It can cause changes in the plant’s metabolism resulting in mutations and eventually death of the plants.
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What is soy wax, is it safe?
Soy wax is a natural alternative to paraffin wax. It is made from soybean oil that has been hydrogenated and then refined. Soy wax does not contain carcinogenic substances that paraffin wax emits when it is burned, so it is considered to be safe for use in soy candle making.
It burns cleanly without polluting the environment as paraffin wax candles do. The best part is that there are many soybean oil suppliers who will be glad to be of assistance if you need to know more about how to make soy wax candles.
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Is beeswax candle harmful?
Beeswax candles are made from all-natural products and do not contain heavy metals such as lead contained in paraffin wax. They also emit pleasant scents when they burn instead of poisonous fumes, so beeswax candles are considered safe for use.
However, we must bear in mind that beeswax candles are made from natural substances and can be affected by environmental conditions. For example, if they are left in a very hot environment for a long time, the wax will melt and spill.
Additionally, beeswax candles must not get wet because they lose their shape when they get wet and this might cause them to melt too fast when lit, so they must be kept away from water.
Beeswax is good for the environment and safe to use. However, if you are new to making candles, we recommend that you try soy wax first because it can tolerate high temperatures and also lasts longer than both paraffin and beeswax candles.
Soy wax burns cleanly and emits pleasant aromas when it is burned. It is also safe to use and has no harmful effects on humans, animals or plants.
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What is crude oil, is it safe?
Crude oil is a liquid containing many different substances, with the main ones being petroleum and any other organic liquids. It is obtained from the ground and it must be refined before it becomes a candle wax so it can be used to make candles.
Crude oil is not safe for use in making candles because during the refining process it emits toxic fumes which pollute the environment while it is being refined. It also contains carcinogenic substances which are known to be harmful to humans, animals, and plants.
The toxins emitted after it has been refined can cause a wide range of diseases in people who inhale it or get it on their skin or even ingest it. The fumes produced when candles made with crude oil are lit pollute the environment, so it is not safe for use.
Crude oil is harmful to the environment because it hurts animals, birds, and fish that come into contact with it. It also emits harmful toxins when it is refined which can pollute the air, water, and soil.
Crude oil also contains many carcinogenic substances which can cause cancer and other diseases, so it must be handled properly to avoid ingestion or inhalation.
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Are coconut wax and palm wax safe?
Coconut wax and palm wax are known to be safe because they do not contain any carcinogenic substances. They are both plant-based wax. They can also be used as candle wax. However, they emit vapors when burnt which can irritate the eyes and respiratory system if people breathe it in.
Additionally, the burning of these candles emits soot into the environment because their wicks are made from cotton.
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Paraffin wax versus organic wax:
Which is better for the environment? Paraffin wax and organic wax both come from natural sources. However, paraffin wax contains harmful substances which make it dangerous to burn in candles. It emits carcinogenic toxins when it burns, polluting the air and causing people who inhale them or get them on their skin to fall ill.
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How long does it take for the wax to biodegrade?
Paraffin wax is not biodegradable, so it can take up to 500 years for it to degrade naturally. While Soy wax is biodegradable, it takes a long time to degrade naturally. Beeswax is also considered to be non-biodegradable.
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Conclusion
Many people prefer to use paraffin candles and wax paper because they are inexpensive and easy to find in many stores. Unfortunately, petroleum-based paraffin wax is bad for the environment. Alternative types of candles that burn cleanly without polluting the environment should be used instead of or simply switching to a petroleum-free lifestyle.
Paraffin wax is bad for our environment and the world around us with its non-biodegradable properties. It continues to emit poisonous fumes after it has been burned continuously in homes, offices, stores, etc. not just polluting the air but also causing serious respiratory problems.
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Final thoughts
We all have our preference in buying wax, depending on our budget and lifestyle but we also have a responsibility towards our environment so we can all co-exist.
FAQs
Is paraffin wax toxic to the environment?
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining that is commonly used in candles, cosmetics, and other products. Paraffin wax is not inherently toxic to the environment, but its production and use can have negative environmental impacts. When burned, paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to air pollution.
Additionally, the extraction and refining of petroleum, from which paraffin wax is derived, can have significant environmental consequences, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Which wax is most environmentally friendly?
Is soy wax the most environmentally friendly wax? Soy wax is a natural wax made from soybean oil, making it a renewable resource. It is biodegradable and has a lower melting point, which means it requires less energy to produce. However, it is important to note that the production of soybeans can still have negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation and the use of pesticides. Other environmentally friendly wax options include beeswax and coconut wax.
Is paraffin wax biodegradable?
Paraffin wax is a type of wax commonly used in candles, cosmetics, and food packaging. It is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Paraffin wax is not biodegradable, meaning it does not break down naturally in the environment and can contribute to pollution.
Why is paraffin wax not sustainable?
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum and is not sustainable because it is non-renewable. Additionally, the production of paraffin wax requires significant amounts of energy and releases harmful greenhouse gases, contributing to environmental degradation. Therefore, alternatives such as beeswax or soy wax are more sustainable options.
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