The Hidden Toxins in Your Candles

Many people don’t realize that not all candles are the same. 

Even though there are deep fundamental differences between paraffin and beeswax candles, the vast majority of people who buy candles view all candles as the same thing, after all they are simply wax, wick, and flame, right? Well, not exactly.

There has been a lot of scientific research that reveals significant differences between the two waxes, differences which are important for you. Why? Because they directly impact the air quality of your home. This means that the wax your candles are made out of can impact your health.

In this article we will be exploring what the science says about the results of burning paraffin and beeswax candles, and — most importantly — what it means for your health.

We will also touch on the spiritual significance of beeswax candles from the Orthodox Christian perspective.

The Hidden Health Risks of Paraffin Candles

First of all, one might ask, what is paraffin? 

Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct created from the residue left after oil refining. When burned, paraffin candles release a concerning array of chemicals into the air. This is particularly concerning when most people are burning these candles in an indoor setting, enjoying the synthetic blend of chemicals that create a “nice smell”, but not without a certain cost, as we shall see below.

Paraffin “wax”, is used in the vast majority of candles sold today — whether as part of a candle’s “blend” or as a completely paraffin candle. 

Scientific studies have documented the following emissions from paraffin candles:

• Benzene: Linked to leukemia and blood disorders according to EPA research

• Toluene: Causes headaches, dizziness, and central nervous system effects

• Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that irritates respiratory passages

• Naphthalene: The same chemical compound found in mothballs

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Compounds classified as potentially carcinogenic by the CDC

A 2009 South Carolina State University study found that paraffin candles produce emissions "similar in chemistry to diesel exhaust." The research documented immediate respiratory effects including coughing, shortness of breath, and eye irritation among test subjects.

Dr. Sobia Farooq, a pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic, explains that while candle burning generally poses minimal risks in well-ventilated spaces, "studies suggest that lower-quality candles emit more particulate matter and chemicals." Paraffin consistently falls into this problematic category, which should not be surprising, since it is a petroleum byproduct.

Immediate Health Effects Documented in Medical Literature

There is quite a bit of research published in environmental health journals that identifies several concerning symptoms associated with paraffin candle exposure:

Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and throat irritation occur commonly during and after paraffin candle use.

Neurological effects: The Centers for Disease Control documents that toluene exposure causes headaches, fatigue, nausea, and at higher concentrations affects memory and coordination.

Allergic reactions: Synthetic fragrances in paraffin candles contain phthalates—chemical compounds linked to hormone disruption and allergic responses.

Vulnerable populations: Children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions face increased risks during extended exposure periods.

A study in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery found that people exposed to scented paraffin candles commonly reported "vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, chest tightness, and a dry or irritated throat."

So how is it that so many candles containing paraffin, as well as synthetic scents and other chemicals that help provide a stable burn have sold so well, even with so much literature published about how bad they are for us? 

There are many who belittle the research on paraffin and its clearly negative impact on health, and who talk about how all of these effects are “minimal”.

But the bigger contributor has a short answer: Marketing. 

The sense of smell is deeply connected to memory. Marketers of course know this, and try to “sell you back your memories” so to speak, or perhaps some memories you’d like to have had. When you buy a nice smelling candle you are “buying nostalgia”.

However, the market is shifting, and people are becoming more cautious and more prone to research before buying, especially online. The average customer is also becoming more eco-friendly. This is good, but there is still a lot of biased, or misinformation online. However, the facts are the facts.

False Claims Prevalent in the Candle Market

Unfortunately, we’ve learned from our own experience while sampling various beeswax sources, that not everyone is honest. It was a big disappointment when a batch of imported wax from China smelled like tire-rubber. This was a major red flag. It was also the start of a more diligent research into these topics, and it turns out that this type of issue of beeswax being watered down with paraffin or other waxes is a common issue with Chinese sources, as well as some other USA based beeswax suppliers.

Many times Chinese beeswax has been analyzed and proven to be partially paraffin, and in one case we know of completely paraffin, despite the marketing messages and claims of “organic” and “pure”. This marketing language exploits a loophole in the FDA’s own guidelines. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that not everyone is honest.

If you were to go online and search for beeswax candles you could see for yourself that many places online are selling “Beeswax Candles” which are shipped directly from China. But reading the 1 star reviews carefully (which there are plenty of) reveals what the experienced candle enthusiasts are saying, versus the 5 star reviews from people who are new to burning beeswax candles and who seem to be trying to find an “eco-friendly bargain”.

The Benefits of Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles have a long history of being valued for their purity and a clean burn. They are also believed to purify the air, standing in stark contrast to paraffin candles which, as we;ve seen, pollute your air. The idea that they can help clean the air is linked to the fact that they release negative ions when lit. These negative ions are believed to attract and neutralize positively charged particles like dust, mold, and allergens such as pollen, which then fall out of the air.

While all candles can release negative ions to some degree, the effect is often counteracted by the soot that paraffin produces. A properly burning beeswax candle, in contrast, does not normally produce this soot.

Another benefit of a beeswax candle is the burn time. Beeswax burns longer because it has a higher melting point than most other waxes, allowing beeswax candles to burn significantly longer than paraffin of a similar size, even up to 3 times longer in some cases. This means that, depending on where you get them from, they might be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

The smell of our 100% pure beeswax candles is something that we constantly hear about from our customers: the sweet and natural scent of our candles. Of course, pure beeswax candles have a light, natural fragrance derived from the nectar and honey collected by bees. The scent is often described as subtly sweet and honey-like, without the use of added synthetic fragrances.

And of course, as a natural product of honey bees, beeswax is a renewable resource. Unlike paraffin, beeswax is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Orthodox Tradition and Pure Beeswax Candles

The Orthodox Church has historically preferred beeswax candles for both spiritual and practical reasons. Although 100% beeswax isn't canonically required, it has always been strongly preferred. OrthodoxWiki states that non-beeswax candles "are frowned upon." We have noted the same in our experience, seeing many go out of their way to buy beeswax candles and bring them to church if the church doesn’t have pure beeswax candles.

Of course, burning candles in church for the Orthodox Christian is an act of prayer, and there is a rich symbolism attached to it. 

St. Symeon of Thessaloniki says, “The pure beeswax is offered because it is from a pure creature, and it signifies the purity of our Lady Theotokos from whom Christ took flesh. The wick signifies the soul, and the flame the divinity of Christ, for He is both God and man.” 

St. Jerome also notes that, “We do not light candles during the day as if to dispel the darkness, but to show that our hearts should be illuminated by the true Light, Christ.”

St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain also comments: “The light of the candle signifies the divine light of Christ. The burning wax is the soul burning with love of God. The rising flame shows the prayer of the faithful rising toward heaven.”

This symbolism requires actual purity—petroleum byproducts have no place in these sacred metaphors.

Making Informed Candle Choices

If you prefer candles that have customized scents, and unique nostalgic value, then a paraffin candle might be a great addition to your living space, at a price — possibly the cost of your health, depending on how sensitive yo are and how well ventilated your burning area is. 

But for individuals prioritizing health, environmental responsibility, and traditional practices, pure beeswax represents the optimal choice. When evaluating candle options we need to consider the following:

• What percentage is actual beeswax?

• What other materials are included?

• Can you provide composition certificates?

• Do these produce soot or petroleum odors?

If this information is not readily available in product description or on labels, you should ask the supplier.

At sjmshop.org we only use 100% pure beeswax, domestically sourced in the USA, from apiaries we know and people we trust. 

The Path Forward

The scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that candle composition directly affects indoor air quality and human health. Paraffin candles release measurable toxins, while pure beeswax produces virtually no harmful emissions.

For Orthodox Christians, choosing pure beeswax also honors centuries of tradition and maintains theological authenticity in liturgical practices. The combination of health benefits, environmental responsibility, and spiritual significance makes pure beeswax the clear choice for discerning consumers.

Understanding these differences empowers better decisions about what we burn in our homes, churches, and sacred spaces. When health and tradition align, the choice becomes obvious.