Australian Beeswax vs Paraffin Candles: The Safer, Natural Option for Aussie Candle Lovers and Makers
Are you someone who loves to gift people candles as a thank you or for celebrations? Or do you like burning them around your home? We do too!
But recently we were given a candle and we really didn’t know what to do with it. Why? It was made from paraffin and it was scented. YIKES! We didn’t even want to gift it on, as the thought of someone burning it, just didn’t seem right.
Why? Not all candles are created equal. The type of wax (and fragrance) used can significantly impact both our health and the environment.
And that’s why the recent piece in The Conversation and picked up by other media caught our attention. Called: ‘How home fragrances can impact indoor air quality – and your health’ the article noted that ‘while using scented candles, peak fine particle concentrations could increase to 15 times the limits prescribed by the World Health Organisation’. Manufacturers are not even ‘required to disclose all the substances used in scented candles.’
We’re beekeepers, working with or surrounded by beeswax nearly every day. Candlemakers around Australia buy our beeswax because they understand it comes direct from our hives here on the Mid North Coast and is not mixed with other beekeeper’s wax, let alone counterfeit ‘wax’ (often contaminated if not outright made from paraffin) from overseas.
So let’s delve into the differences between paraffin wax candles and natural beeswax candles to shed light on why choosing beeswax is the healthy choice…for you AND for the environment.
FYI: you can buy pure Australian beeswax from us direct at the Real Food Markets and Foreshore Markets in Port Macquarie, and we have some available at Kaleidoscope Stores in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. You can also purchase beeswax online from us here too. We sell beeswax in 1kg blocks through to 10kg slabs (not available to WA or Kangaroo Island).
Paraffin Wax Candles: A Closer Look
Paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, is commonly used in candle production due to its cheapness and ability to hold fragrances and colors well. However, burning paraffin candles has raised health concerns. Research indicates that paraffin wax can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene when burned. These substances are known carcinogens and have been linked to respiratory issues and other health problems.
Moreover, the soot produced by paraffin candles contains ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory irritation and other health concerns. (Source: Healthline – https://www.healthline.com/health/are-candles-bad-for-you)
Natural Beeswax Candles: A Healthier Alternative
In contrast, beeswax candles are made from the wax produced by honeybees. Yay! They are natural, non-toxic, and burn cleanly with minimal soot. One of the remarkable properties of beeswax candles is their ability to release negative ions when burned. These negative ions can bind to airborne pollutants, effectively purifying the air and creating a healthier indoor environment.
And if you’re like us, you’ll love the natural aroma of a pure beeswax candle. They don’t require the addition of synthetic fragrances either, further reducing the risk of indoor air pollution.
Insights from Australian Research
Australian studies have also highlighted concerns regarding indoor air quality associated with candle use. The ABC News article ‘Too many smelly candles? Here’s how scents impact the air quality’ discusses how burning scented candles can release a mix of chemicals into indoor environments, potentially lowering air quality. The article emphasises that even products labeled as ‘green’ or ‘organic’ can emit hazardous materials, and using candles in moderation, along with proper ventilation, is advisable to maintain indoor air quality. (Source: ABC News – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-09/too-many-smelly-candles-here-s-how-scents-impact-the-air-quality/101823806)
Making an Informed Choice
When selecting candles for your home, it’s crucial to consider the potential health implications. While paraffin candles are widely available and often more affordable, the possible release of harmful chemicals during burning is a significant drawback. On the other hand, beeswax candles, though typically more expensive, offer a natural and cleaner-burning alternative that may even improve indoor air quality.
By choosing pure, unscented beeswax candles, you’re not only enhancing the ambiance of your space but also taking a step toward a healthier living environment.
If you’d like some Australian beeswax for your candlemaking, we have some beautiful beeswax harvests available now.
