08.24.09
New research suggests that burning certain kinds of candles may generate indoor air pollutants if used in an unventilated space, according to reports.
Researchers at South Carolina State University studied petroleum-based and vegetable-source candles to determine their emissions.The analysis found that paraffin-based candles emitted potentially toxic chemicals such astoluene and benzene. Soybean candles did not, according to the study, which was presented at the recent American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C.
The researchers also said that lighting a paraffin candle once in a while is unlikely to pose a health threat.
However, The Consumer Specialty Products Association is questioning the scientific validity and conclusions of a study. According to CSPA, the results and assertions of the researchers are in stark contrast to earlier studies and contradict the overwhelming body of scientific data on the topic.
CSPA noted that In 2007, an international consortium sponsored a large-scale study that analyzed the combustion products of candles made from several waxes including soy wax, beeswax and paraffin for more than 300 chemicals known or suspected of toxicity or other health effects.
According to the Association, this study demonstrated that the combustion products from all of the waxes were virtually identical in both composition and quantity. All candles produced combustion products at levels far below the most conservative indoor-air standards. This international study clearly demonstrated that all waxes burned cleanly and safely, which is in direct contrast with the results and conclusion of South Carolina State University researchers, insisted CSPA.
Researchers at South Carolina State University studied petroleum-based and vegetable-source candles to determine their emissions.The analysis found that paraffin-based candles emitted potentially toxic chemicals such astoluene and benzene. Soybean candles did not, according to the study, which was presented at the recent American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C.
The researchers also said that lighting a paraffin candle once in a while is unlikely to pose a health threat.
However, The Consumer Specialty Products Association is questioning the scientific validity and conclusions of a study. According to CSPA, the results and assertions of the researchers are in stark contrast to earlier studies and contradict the overwhelming body of scientific data on the topic.
CSPA noted that In 2007, an international consortium sponsored a large-scale study that analyzed the combustion products of candles made from several waxes including soy wax, beeswax and paraffin for more than 300 chemicals known or suspected of toxicity or other health effects.
According to the Association, this study demonstrated that the combustion products from all of the waxes were virtually identical in both composition and quantity. All candles produced combustion products at levels far below the most conservative indoor-air standards. This international study clearly demonstrated that all waxes burned cleanly and safely, which is in direct contrast with the results and conclusion of South Carolina State University researchers, insisted CSPA.