Melting Wax, Acrolein Dangers

[MeAndMyPuppyDog]

I know this is a taboo subject... but I'm interested in knowing how many folks here worry about this? Let's face, naturally we all melt wax, some of us more than others...

Do you worry about it? Do you feel that as long as you keep it under 280*F the danger isn't there?

Your thoughts?

[bugtussle]

OK, I melt a lot of wax. What is Acrolein?????? Carole

[britishgirl]

Acrolein

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AcroleinGeneralSystematic nameAcrylaldehydeOther namesAcraldehyde

Acrylic Aldehyde

Allyl Aldehyde

Ethylene Aldehyde

Molecular formulaC3H4OSMILESC(=O)C=CMolar mass56.06 g/molAppearanceColorless to yellow liquid.

Irritating odor.CAS number107-02-8PropertiesVapor density (air=1)1.94Solubility in waterAppreciable (> 10%)Melting point-88 °C (-126 °F)Boiling point53 °C (127 °F)HazardsMSDSExternal MSDS[1]Main hazardsHighly poisonous. Causes

severe irritation to exposed

membranes. Extremely

flammable liquid and vapor.NFPA 704

3

4

3

Flash point-26°CExcept where noted otherwise, data are given for

materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and referencesIn organic chemistry, acrolein or propenal is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde.

Acrolein is described as having a piercing, disagreeable, acrid smell similar to that of burning fat. Skin exposure to acrolein causes serious damage. Acrolein concentrations of 2 ppm are immediately dangerous to life. Acrolein may be easily produced by the action of approximately 1 part sodium bisulfate on 3 parts glycerine by weight.

Acrolein is such a severe pulmonary irritant and lacrimating agent that it has been used as a chemical weapon during World War I. It is, however, not outlawed by the Chemical Weapons Convention.

When glycerol is heated to 280 °C, it decomposes into acrolein.[2]

Acrolein tends to polymerize when left at room temperature, leaving a gummy yellowish residue with a putrid odor.

Acrolein is also a metabolite of the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide, and is associated with hemorrhagic cystitis.

i never heard of it but thats what www comes up with???

[MeAndMyPuppyDog]

Here's some more info. Needless to say -- it isn't good to be breathing it.

http://www.potters.org/subject23064.htm

[SatinDucky]

Here's some more info. Needless to say -- it isn't good to be breathing it.

http://www.potters.org/subject23064.htm

That was quite interesting.. what I could understand of it anyway

[candlenose]

You know, Ive been making paraffin candles for 5 years now. Ive read just about all the dangers and how bad paraffin candles are for your health.

I don't shove paraffin candles down any ones throat .

Ive starting making soy candles so that I can make a few bucks more, the customers want it ,there for I make it.

With all the cigarettes, drugs, pesticides, crime,etc...etc....If I die making, burning paraffin candles so be it.

[DonnaGA]

Do you worry about it? Do you feel that as long as you keep it under 280*F the danger isn't there?

At temps above 210ºF, I worry about fire.

[Hope]

When glycerol is heated to 280 °C, it decomposes into acrolein.

280C = 536F

Keep the sparks away!

[topofmurrayhill]

I think with a lot of the risks in life, the answers aren't perfectly clear. Even getting new carpeting isn't especially good for you, but for most people it's an acceptable risk.

As a candlemaker using wax temperatures up to 200 and occasionally up to 250, I choose to consider the risks acceptable. Good ventilation is always advisable, considering not only the wax but fragrance oils.

One thing I'm really sure about is that you want to be as careful as possible about even little bits of wax coming in contact with sources of high heat. For instance if you get even a drop or two on a burner, or a hot plate you use to keep wax warm, or you mess up cleaning things in the oven. Those things will make fumes and/or smoke that is toxic. If you stand around or don't have good ventilation in your work area, the coughing and irritation will prove it to you.

That includes vegetable wax like stearic or soy. I remember somehow having a couple flakes of stearic fall to the bottom of the oven once and it was not a good thing.

[MeAndMyPuppyDog]

I think with a lot of the risks in life, the answers aren't perfectly clear. Even getting new carpeting isn't especially good for you, but for most people it's an acceptable risk.

As a candlemaker using wax temperatures up to 200 and occasionally up to 250, I choose to consider the risks acceptable. Good ventilation is always advisable, considering not only the wax but fragrance oils.

One thing I'm really sure about is that you want to be as careful as possible about even little bits of wax coming in contact with sources of high heat. For instance if you get even a drop or two on a burner, or a hot plate you use to keep wax warm, or you mess up cleaning things in the oven. Those things will make fumes and/or smoke that is toxic. If you stand around or don't have good ventilation in your work area, the coughing and irritation will prove it to you.

That includes vegetable wax like stearic or soy. I remember somehow having a couple flakes of stearic fall to the bottom of the oven once and it was not a good thing.

Yeah -- I have to say, that about sums it up on my end at this point too.

[Wick'n'Wax]

mmmmmmm....is this really something to worry about?

My candles are made in the kitchen at the cooker with the stairs and lounge doors closed and the back door open. THats mainly because of fo lingering.

However, I have had a chest infection for the last 2 weeks that won't shift?

I'm either going to get an answer saying, I'm being paranoid, or of course the wax is doing it

[candlenose]

Found this on Prairie candle blog

Did you know that most candles are made from the sludge in the bottom of a barrel of oil which is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein?

They’re called paraffin candles and burning one puts all the same horrible toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the air in your home that burning diesel fuel in your home would.

And THEN adds the NCA in here,

The National Candle Association estimates that more than 7 million people in the US alone burn candles every year.

But testing by the EPA has confirmed that those candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

I would think if you accidentally left wax on and it got too hot, causing fumes in the air it would be bad for you.And yes, Ive gotten sick working in my shop from the fumes .

So, really can a votive burning put out enough fumes it would be dangerous for your health?

[flyspeck40]

I chain smoke, run power tools, mess with my breaker box running new lines, drive a semi on icy roads, hang out at 3 in the morning in the not so nice part of town waiting to get unloaded, ride my harley in traffic, clean with bleach. Make candles. Something is going to kill me. And if it doesn't, old age will get me. I'm having a wonderful life. It wouldn't be so wonderful if I worried about everything that will harm me.

[topofmurrayhill]

flyspeck, I like your attitude. Just avoid smoking wax, otherwise I'm with you. Oh yeah...and don't ride Japanese bikes. But that's more a matter of style than health.

candlenose, what you quote is distorted. Information is always useful. Misleading propaganda from people with an axe to grind, not so useful.

WnW, I can't diagnose your chest infection but I know it's possible to get symptoms of respiratory irritation from fragrance oils and certainly if any wax gets burnt. Just practice due care and a fan to facilitate ventilation never hurts.

[flyspeck40]

I just smoke tobacco. And my bike is made in the US of A.

When I get bronchitus, if it doesn't clear up oon it's own in two weeks, I take anti-biotics. If you don't your messing with pnemonia. Go to the doc.

[candlenose]

What part am I mis-quoteing?« Longing for the Scent of Summer?

Limited Stock Scents »

Are Everyday Candles Destroying Your Home And Health?

Are Everyday Candles Destroying Your Home And Health?

Did you know that most candles are made from the sludge in the bottom of a barrel of oil which is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein?

They’re called paraffin candles and burning one puts all the same horrible toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the air in your home that burning diesel fuel in your home would.

The National Candle Association estimates that more than 7 million people in the US alone burn candles every year.

But testing by the EPA has confirmed that those candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

The American Lung Association also warns that burning paraffin candles can emit toxins (in measurable amounts) into your home’s air.

It might shock you to learn that after burning just a few paraffin candles in your home, the overall effect on the quality of the air in your home could be worse than the air in major cities like Los Angeles!

Not only is your health affected, but the health of your pets and children as well.

Cathy Flanders who has been at the forefront of addressing health and safety issues involving candles says, “With the current ‘candle-craze’ and increased candle burning in homes, expectant Moms need to be aware of the fact that the emissions from some candles are toxic, reproductive toxins, neuro-toxins and/or carcinogens. This has been a growing cause for concern for the EPA and children’s health agencies.”

And it might hit your pocket book soon too. Not only is the price of oil spiraling out of control, but you might have a nasty surprise the next time you go to renew your homeowners insurance.

The NIA Group (Insurance and Financial Services) lists the following problems with paraffin candles in an article on their website:

* Reduces the internal air quality in your home.

* Damage by particulate deposits on interior and exterior walls, carpets, furniture, appliances, window treatments, floors and other surfaces.

* Contributes to health problems from inhaling particulate matter or ingesting harmful chemicals.

* Spews hazardous chemicals that are either in the paraffin wax, the wick, or are present when paraffin wax is burned….Acetone, Benzene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene and Lead

They go on to say…

“Another surprise is that the candle-making industry is not required to tell consumers about the ingredients used in their products, including when a wick is used which contains a lead core.”

No one knows for sure if paraffin candles cause cancer, but there are at least 4 cancer-causing chemicals associated with paraffin candles.

The EPA lists these chemicals on their website:

1) Benzene (EPA classification as Group A, known human carcinogen).

2) Carbon Tetrachloride (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).

3) Trichloroethane (EPA classification as Group C, possible human carcinogen).

4) Toluene (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).

Would you burn animal fat in your home?

Most of us would answer an emphatic “No!” or “Yuck!” to that question, but like something straight out of a horror movie, you might react in horror to realize that you probably are burning animal fat in your home when you burn paraffin candles.

That’s because many paraffin candles contain large amounts of animal fats to give them a more textured or rustic look.

So what’s the alternative?

Believe it or not, the answer comes from soybeans.

The soy plant produces a waxy substance that not only burns cooler, but can burn up to 50% longer than paraffin wax.

Since soy wax is derived from plants, it’s a renewable resource that’s a pleasure for candle makers to work with.

Some of the surprising benefits of soy candles include:

* Burn with no toxins, carcinogens or choking soot.

* Burn up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.

* Cruelty-free, contain no animal fats.

* Non-toxic, biodegradable, derived from a renewable resource.

* Cleans up easily with soap and hot water.

* Better for the environment.

* Use no nasty chemicals to release fragrance.

* Supports the American farmer - not foreign oil.

As more and more people learn about the harmful effects of burning paraffin candles in their homes, they’re substituting soy candles with surprising results.

Karen Key, a mother of three in Washington state, had this to say, “I’m asthmatic and when I burn paraffin candles in my home, or get around smoke or perfumy scents, my airway closes down and I start to panic. So I was more than a little nervous when a friend lit a scented soy candle in front of me. I have to say I’m completely amazed. Shocked is a better word. With soy candles I now have no problem breathing and I can finally enjoy the beauty and magic of candles in my home once again!”

So the next time you want to create a warm, inviting, and romantic atmosphere in your home, don’t destroy your home - or your health, choose all-natural soy candles as a healthy alternative.

To learn more about the dangers of paraffin candles you can go to any of the following websites:

http://www.epa.gov

http://www.soycandlemaker.biz

http://www.scorecard.org

http://www.webref.org

http://www.fpinva.org

About the Author

To reach the author, learn more about soy candles or start your own fun and highly profitable soy candle making business go to:

http://www.soycandlemaker.biz

“The most fun you’ll have making money!”

You can also download a free ebook on the topic at:

http://www.soycandlemaker.biz/freeebook.html

[RobinInOR]

Well, for starters:

Did you know that most candles are made from the sludge in the bottom of a barrel of oil which is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein?

...

burning one puts all the same horrible toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the air in your home that burning diesel fuel in your home would.

...

But testing by the EPA has confirmed that those candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

(check the quantities of candles burned in a small room)

...

It might shock you to learn that after burning just a few paraffin candles in your home, the overall effect on the quality of the air in your home could be worse than the air in major cities like Los Angeles!

...

...

* Spews hazardous chemicals that are either in the paraffin wax, the wick, or are present when paraffin wax is burned….Acetone, Benzene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene and Lead

(notice they don't say anything about the fact that lots of these chemicals come from the fragrance being burned)

I stopped looking after that..

[candlenose]

ooppss ,read your post again tops....thought you were accusing me of mis-quoteing someone. sorry.:embarasse

Yes, it sounds bad but like flyspeck said:

Something is going to kill me. And if it doesn't, old age will get me. I'm having a wonderful life. It wouldn't be so wonderful if I worried about everything that will harm me.

[britishgirl]

is there any thing out there that wont kill you will be sure to look both ways when crossing the road tomorrow

[candlesprite7]

Life is hazardous...just another thing I am not going to worry about.

[Wick'n'Wax]

I just smoke tobacco. And my bike is made in the US of A.

When I get bronchitus, if it doesn't clear up oon it's own in two weeks, I take anti-biotics. If you don't your messing with pnemonia. Go to the doc.

had it for a week, got anti-biotics, took them for 5days, finished a week ago, still coughing like a trooper lol

got an inhaler too. I suppose I could lay off making candles for a few days, see if that helps, but then the stress, depression, anxiety and nail biting from not being near the double burner will kick in

oh well, what don't kill ya will cure ya I suppose.

Right now, I can cope with the coughing if I'm candling. :embarasse

thats what you call an addiction!

[MeAndMyPuppyDog]

Risk of any issues with double boiler is very very low.

Rest easy...

[Patience]

Lesson learned....cross ventilation is key when working with wax and FO.

Open two windows.

The double boiler method needs ventilation as well. The steam will carry vapors.

[SatinDucky]

I chain smoke, run power tools, mess with my breaker box running new lines, drive a semi on icy roads, hang out at 3 in the morning in the not so nice part of town waiting to get unloaded, ride my harley in traffic, clean with bleach. Make candles. Something is going to kill me. And if it doesn't, old age will get me. I'm having a wonderful life. It wouldn't be so wonderful if I worried about everything that will harm me.

:highfive:

[Brenny]

Hey, I had a history of sinus trouble and infections before I started making candles. I have only been making candles about 5 months and my sinuses aren't any better or worse so I guess I'll live thru this addiction and if not I will have had fun doing something I love.:highfive: