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So, you love candles, and nothing gives you more pleasure than the refreshing aroma of scented candles.
So, you love candles, and nothing gives you more pleasure than the refreshing aroma of scented candles.
But, does the type of candle matter?
If you have been following literature on candle wax, you’ve probably read about the benefits of beeswax candles. They are rather compelling and could sway your candle-buying decisions.
Humans have explored beeswax for millennia. It was an essential material in the preservation of ancient Egyptian mummies. In the far East, beeswax was a crucial ingredient in ancient Chinese medicine. All around the world, different cultures used beeswax in various applications. Today, beeswax is mainly exploited for candle manufacture and in the cosmetics world. It stands out from other wax materials.
Let’s explore what makes beeswax candles so popular and some of the cons.
One hundred percent Beeswax candles are all-natural and non-toxic.
Bees make the wax. All we (humans) do is collect and filter it. Beeswax candles are the most natural candles available today. They are also naturally scented with honey and have a natural yellowish color. It is perfect for creating a relaxed ambiance.
So what makes some candles toxic?
Studies show that paraffinic raw materials and additives significantly influence the pollutant characteristics of a candle. Since beeswax candles are all-natural, they are less likely to contaminate the air as they burn.In actual fact it has been proven that beewax candles clean the air by releasing negative ions.
On the contrary, many beeswax candle fans claim that burning beeswax candles purifies the air. They suggest that upon burning, beeswax candles release negative ions. The ions neutralize any freely floating or radical positive ions in the atmosphere. Thus, lighting a beeswax candle enhances the aroma and makes the air cleaner and safer. This explanation has been used to some extent to elucidate why beeswax candles are considered safe for people with respiratory conditions.
But here is a word of caution.
Look out for the label 100% beeswax rather than “pure” beeswax. In the US, the term “pure” could mean the main component in the product is beeswax. A manufacturer who makes products that are 51% beeswax can describe the product as containing “pure beeswax.” The remaining 49% of the product could comprise ingredients such as paraffin wax and other elements that could be toxic.
Vegans have a code: they abstain from consuming animal products, especially in their diet. But the code is not limited to diet only. According to the vegan society, veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose .”
Vegans believe that animals have a right to be free from exploitation by humans. Whether it is for food, clothing, science, or entertainment, exploitation is considered an infringement.
As such, strict vegans consider beeswax candles as an animal bi-product – produced after the exploitation of bees. Beeswax candles do not adhere to the code of a strict vegan. Thus it is considered non-vegan.
However, some vegans consider the entire process of manufacturing beeswax candles and the impact on bees and reconsider their stand. One such beekeeper in the UK broke down the meaning of “exploiting the bees” and explains how it benefits the bees.
Whether beeswax candles are vegan friendly or not comes down to personal belief. Some vegans consider it non-friendly and some, who think about the entire process, think the candles are great!
Unlike paraffin wax candles which are oil-based, 100% beeswax candles are all-natural.
The process of making beeswax candles is simple:
The process does not consume too much energy, and there is no trail of pollutants.
Besides, one never has to worry about disposing of residues of 100% beeswax candles because they are biodegradable.
One study found that 100% of beeswax products were broken down entirely within one month of placing them in a simulated environment.
Beeswax is a renewable product. Compared to oil-based waxes it is more sustainable. Apart from candles, other products manufactured from beeswax are more sustainable than their commercial alternatives. For example, beeswax food wraps are more sustainable than polythene cling film.
Moreover, the entire production process of beeswax promotes the principles of sustainability.
Studies show that the population of honey bees and many other pollinator species have been declining. This has been due to climate change, destruction of natural habitats, and use of pesticides. However, beekeeping (and thus the production of beeswax candles) promotes the health and wellbeing of bees. It promotes better habitat for the bees (and other pollinators) and advocates for scaling down the use of pesticides.
Consequently, the production of beeswax candles triggers a ripple effect in the conservation of natural habitats. It also boosts agricultural production.
Do beeswax candles burn well?
English scientist, Michael Faraday, was intrigued by how candles burn. He said, “ There is not a law under which any part of this universe is governed which does not come into play and is touched upon in these phenomena. There is no better, there is no more open door by which you can enter into the study of natural philosophy than by considering the physical phenomena of a candle.
When a candle burns, there are several chemical and physical processes that take place. These processes influence the quality of the flame and how long the candle would burn.
Beeswax candles have a higher “minimum ignition energy.” They require temperatures to rise above 400 degrees Fahrenheit to undergo the entire combustion process. This means the following:
Pros and cons of making candles from beeswax
Like any other raw materials, there are benefits and downsides to using beeswax in making candles. Here are a few:
Beeswax candles have been around for eons. They are safe to handle and are not toxic. Beeswax candles contain no additives, hardeners, colors, or scented oils. Furthermore, they are eco-friendly, sustainable, and easy to make at home.
Beeswax candles are nature’s solution for people who love the aroma of scented candles but have health and environmental concerns.
Press Release Distributed by The Express Wire
To view the original version on The Express Wire visit Are Beeswax Candles toxic?
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