Where Does the Wax Go When You Burn a Candle?
You may have heard the viral question floating around on the internet, “Where does the wax go when you burn a candle?” People are not only curious about where the wax disappears to but also about whether or not they are inhaling the wax once it has melted and if evaporated candle wax is causing harm to their health.
Throughout today’s article, we are going to walk you through the science behind what happens to candle wax when it burns. We will also delve into the potential side effects of melted candle wax on your health and how you can stay safe while still enjoying your favorite scented candles.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know About Candle Flames
When a candle burns, an interesting chemical process known as combustion occurs. The wick, which is commonly comprised of cotton, serves as a fuel source. When you burn the wick, the surrounding wax melts, allowing it to be pushed up the wick by capillary action. The liquid wax then vaporizes and reacts with oxygen from the air as it approaches the flame. Heat, light, water vapor, and carbon dioxide are all produced by this chemical process.
The carbon-based components in the wax are broken down into smaller molecules during the combustion process. Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is formed when carbon atoms bind with oxygen. The heat produced by the flame expands the surrounding air, resulting in the flickering motion we see. The water vapor created after burning is discharged into the air, contributing to the room's humidity.
Where the Wax Goes
When you burn a candle, the wax transforms rather than disappears. The heat from the flame melts the surrounding wax, converting it into a liquid. This liquid wax is then pulled up the wick by capillary action, which is a liquid's capacity to flow against gravity in small areas.
The tremendous heat causes the liquid wax to evaporate as it touches the flame. The heat breaks down the wax's hydrocarbon chains, turning them into simpler molecules. These molecules react with oxygen in the air, causing a combustion process. The carbon atoms in wax interact with oxygen to make CO2, while the hydrogen atoms react with oxygen to form water vapor.
Carbon dioxide gas and water vapor are discharged into the surrounding environment as a byproduct of the combustion process. They may not be seen, yet they are there in the air.
The Health Effects of Candle Wax
Now that we understand the science behind burning candles, we must consider the quality of the candles we use. Inferior candles, often made from low-quality wax and synthetic materials, can release harmful pollutants into the air when burned. These pollutants, such as soot, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals, can lead to respiratory issues and negatively impact indoor air quality.
When exposed to poor-quality candles, individuals may experience various symptoms, depending on their sensitivity and the extent of exposure. Some possible symptoms include:
- Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of soot and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from low-quality candles can lead to respiratory irritation, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
- Allergic Reactions: Synthetic fragrances and additives found in inferior candles can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, itching, and skin rashes.
- Headaches: VOCs emitted from poor-quality candles have been associated with headaches and migraines in some individuals.
- Asthma Exacerbation: For people with asthma, the release of soot and VOCs from low-quality candles can worsen their symptoms, leading to increased coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
- Eye and Nose Irritation: Exposure to candle emissions may cause eye redness, burning, or itching sensation, as well as nasal congestion and irritation.
The good news is that these symptoms typically only appear when burning a low-quality candle in your space. Investing in quality candles is the #1 way to avoid these problems.
Finding Quality Candles
To ensure a safe and enjoyable candle-burning experience, it is recommended to choose high-quality candles made from natural materials, like soy or beeswax, and scented with essential oils. Essentially, you are looking for a candle made from organic ingredients and not harmful synthetic ones.
These candles burn cleaner, produce less soot, and emit fewer harmful substances, helping to keep your air clean while enjoying your favorite aromas. Investing in quality candles enhances the ambiance and promotes a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.
Smells Product Selection
Discover a wide range of premium candles at SMELLS. From single-wick to 3-wick options, our products are crafted with natural soy wax and infused with delightful scents derived from essential oils. We are committed to only using quality ingredients so that you can rest easy and enjoy the scents of your candles without negative health effects.
Explore our collection and elevate your ambiance with SMELLS candles' captivating fragrances and inviting glow!
FAQ
Can breathing in candle wax be harmful to your health?
Breathing in candle wax itself is not the primary concern. However, burning poor quality candles can release harmful byproducts, such as soot and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), into the air. These pollutants can be inhaled and may lead to respiratory irritation, allergies, and potential health issues, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Is burning a candle bad for the environment?
The environmental impact of burning candles varies depending on factors like the type of wax used and the presence of additives. Traditional paraffin wax candles, derived from petroleum, can release pollutants when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution and increasing atmospheric CO2 levels. Choosing eco-friendly candles made from natural and sustainable materials, such as soy or beeswax, can help reduce the environmental footprint associated with candle burning.
Is burning a candle similar to smoking a cigarette?
Burning a candle does not produce the same health risks as smoking a cigarette. While candles can release pollutants when burned, the concentration and composition of these substances differ from those found in cigarette smoke.
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