Paraffin Wax
Paraffin · Paraffinum · Mineral Wax
What it is
A mixture of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) derived from petroleum refining (CAS 8002-74-2). The primary structural and fuel component of most commercially produced scented candles, comprising 80–100% of the candle by weight.
In this product: Candle wax, provides the solid structure and is the primary combustion fuel that releases fragrance during burning.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Inhalation of combustion byproducts, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde), and carbon monoxide generated during burning. Exposure is intermittent but concentrated in the immediate vicinity of a burning candle. A closed, unventilated room substantially increases indoor pollutant levels.
EUROPEAN UNION
No mandatory EU indoor air standard specific to candle paraffin wax combustion in residential settings. Yankee Candle SDS identifies hazardous decomposition products as ‘carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, wax fumes and smoke.’ EU ambient air quality standards for benzene (5 μg/m³) and benzo[a]pyrene (1 ng/m³) apply broadly but are not candle-specific.
UNITED STATES
No US regulatory standard for paraffin candle emissions in residential settings. No mandatory emissions disclosure. Occupational ACGIH TLV for paraffin wax fumes: 2 mg/m³ TWA, an occupational standard, not a consumer residential guideline.
The evidence
Yankee Candle official SDS (2011, Staples repository): Section 5 Hazardous Decomposition Products: ‘Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, wax fumes and smoke.’ Total PAH emissions for reference paraffin candle: 3.713 ng/g wax (Ökometric/NCA 2007 study); rise to 15.586 ng/g in high-soot (over-wicked) conditions.
regulatory · 2011 · source
PMC case report (PMC10783381, 2024): A 66-year-old woman diagnosed with exogenous lipoid pneumonia after chronic inhalation of vaporized paraffin from burning candles, documenting a real but rare worst-case endpoint from prolonged enclosed exposure.
human · 2024 · source
California Prop 65: Benzo[a]pyrene (an IARC Group 2A PAH produced during paraffin combustion) is listed on California Prop 65 as a carcinogen. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde (combustion byproducts) are also listed on Prop 65.
How to avoid it
Use candles in well-ventilated rooms. Beeswax and soy wax candles produce less soot. Avoid burning candles in closed bedrooms or small unventilated spaces for extended periods. Snuff rather than blow out flames to reduce soot.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.