What candles are harmful to health. What is the difference between a wax candle and a paraffin candle, the benefits and harms

They used both a primitive torch and a kerosene lamp. But in the age of electric lighting, candles remained just as in demand and popular. I wonder if they will become more perfect a millennium later? And what will wax, aromatic, stearin candles look like then?

The history of the origin of candles

About 5,000 years ago, the candle was first mentioned in Egypt and has been used as lighting ever since. The Romans were the first to gain worldwide fame in the production of such light sources. They impregnated the papyrus with flammable agents with the addition of fat, rolled up a paper wick and set it on fire.

The Chinese formed candles from high-density paper, the Japanese - from the wax of walnut trees, and the Indians were engaged in boiling the fruits of the cinnamon tree. Less expensive methods developed, and rare ones ceased to exist.

In the 12th century, tallow candles were burned in Russia, for the manufacture of which the wick was repeatedly immersed in melted fat. And thus they increased the required diameter.

In the 13th century in Europe, candles became the main way to illuminate rooms. They were realized in any locality, city and village, there were many masters. A smoky tallow candle is depicted as a prototype of poverty and hopelessness.

In the 15th century, a conical shape was invented, and the fat was replaced with beeswax. Such candles gave off a minimum of smoke and smell.

In the 18th century, spermaceti, a substance from the body of a whale that does not melt at high temperatures, became the main candle remedy.

Stearic acid in candles began to be used in the 19th century. It is this substance that will be discussed in the article.

How did stearic acid come about?

In 1820, in France, a method was invented for extracting stearic acid from animal fats, as a result of which the formula of stearin wax appeared, which is quite hard and cleanly burning. And in 1825, the chemist Michel Eugene Chevrel, in collaboration with Joseph Gay-Lussac, created a stearin candle.

When did stearin candle appear? The development of its production in Russia began in 1837. And in 1851, it was established in the United States, thanks to the immigrant Antonio Meucci. Until now, stearin candles are still in demand in Europe.

In the 20th century, paraffin and stearin became the primary components in the production of products in this direction. Since the 1980s, other types of candles have begun to fill the market: scented, transparent, made from mineral oil and polymer additives, palm, soy wax.

Differences in the main components

How to distinguish a paraffin candle from a stearic one? Both substances are different in chemical and physical characteristics. Paraffin is a composition of refined petroleum substances, and stearin is a combination of processed fats and stearic acid with the addition of glycerin.

Stearin candles are only 4% paraffin and, in addition to it, contain palm oil, and paraffin candles include about 3-15% stearin to give strength to the product.
To melt paraffin, a temperature of + 36-55 degrees is needed, and for stearin - 55-72.
The temperature of the flame of a stearin candle reaches 1500 degrees, and of a paraffin candle - 1400 degrees.
Stearin in reaction with an alkaline substance forms a soap foam, and paraffin does not interact with it in any way.
Stearin candles burn longer than paraffin candles and do not deform, unlike them.

Is stearin harmful?

Poor quality paraffin candle smoke is toxic, which is important to remember when you are indoors. The atmosphere gets: toluene, which provokes dizziness, as well as benzene. The second substance has a carcinogenic property, it is dangerous mutagenic, teratogenic, gonadotoxic, allergic, embryotoxic effects. With allergies, the products of combustion of a paraffin product can provoke a spasm in the airways, and if a metal thread is visible in the wick, then this is lead, which is harmful to the heart.

If stearin suppositories are harmful, then it is completely insignificant compared to their counterparts. Unfortunately, they are not very common in Russia. And the most environmentally safe are relatively expensive candles made from natural wax: soy, bees. When they are burned, no harmful components are released. An inexpensive candle is the first reason to think about its chemical composition.

aroma candles

Aroma candles cause severe harm to health if burned daily and for a long time indoors. Prolonged exposure to artificial odor vapors is sometimes tantamount to nicotine poisoning. This should be taken into account by people who prefer meditation by candlelight and use them as a fragrance.

If diethyl phthalate is used for the odor fixer, its influence is fraught with a mass of adverse reactions of the body, up to nausea. Even essential oil loses its original structure when heated, so its pleasant aroma is distorted.

Stearic acid in cosmetics

Some fats and oils contain stearic acid. It is used in the manufacture of:

candles;
soaps;
toothpaste;
creams;
hair dyes;
rubber compounds.

In pharmaceuticals, analytical chemistry, this white crystalline substance is used. Stearin is an odorless ingredient and is therefore highly valued in the cosmetic field.

In cosmetic products, it acts as a thickener and stabilizer, which restrains the separation of unstable ingredients into separate substances. Thanks to stearin, the cream looks homogeneous and opaque.

Benefits of Stearin

Stearin candles are not produced in their pure form. Only a small proportion of the substance is added to the base material of candles, and manufacturers value it for the following advantages:

economical combustion;
brighter candle flame;
products with stearin come out of the molds without coercion;
stearin does not form soot (paraffin candles require soaking the wick in sodium nitrate);
stearin protects products from distortion when heated.

Market

In Europe, 90% of candles are made from paraffin. Consider the magnitude of the constituent components of the industrial line. About 4% of production is stearin household candles, 0.5% of production is made from bee wax, the rest of the market share is products from soybean and palm plant wax. In Sweden, Norway, stearin as a raw material for candles is much more widespread. Sometimes up to a quarter of stearin is present in paraffin products. Composite candles are also common, consisting of stearin, spermaceti, hard fats with bismuth and the addition of arsenic for strength.

You can buy multi-colored stearin candles in the market or in an online store. Their cost is higher than that of paraffin analogues, but the quality, service life and impressions from them are worth it.

Homemade

To create a candle, ordinary wax (including cinders), paraffin, available in stores, or stearin are suitable. The latter is easy to obtain by melting crushed soap, which is dissolved on fire in a container of water, and then vinegar is added to it. The substance that floats to the surface is collected with a spoon. This is stearin, which is rinsed and dried with a cloth.

A thick cotton thread is used as a wick. Artificial is not suitable, as it will quickly burn out and give off an unpleasant odor. You can use floss or remove the wick from a regular wax candle.

To give the desired shape to the product, you need to use the appropriate container in the form of a ball, can, plaster, wood, metal. The opening should be wide enough to fill the container with molten stearin.

In order for the candle to have color, food coloring or crushed wax crayons must be added to the composition of the filler. The exception is water-based and alcohol-based dyes - they are not suitable. You can also add flavor - any essential oil you like.

Procedure:

dissolve laundry soap over low heat;
collect stearin from the surface;
melt the stearin in a water bath;
soak the wick with melted substance;
add flavor and color to the mass;
weight the end of the wick with a weight;
hold the wick exactly in the center of the form;
pour the mass into the mold, wait for solidification;
remove the finished candle from the mold.

To make a stearin candle a surprise, delight and create a festive atmosphere, decorate it with accessories: beads, shells, coffee beans that can be fused into the hardening material. And the end of the ornamental image will be an original candlestick or an unusual chandelier.

The saying "the game is not worth the candle" came from gamblers who used this phrase, comparing winnings with the cost of a burnt candle when playing.
Some churches have introduced virtual services. The Cathedral of the city of Santiago de Compostel delights parishioners with the inclusion of electronic candles for 1.4 euros.
The Pacific Ocean is home to fish with a high proportion of body fat. Locals burn it like a candle, stretching a wick through it.
As distributors confirm, 96% of candles are purchased by women.
The largest candle in the world was lit in honor of the national holiday in the Kingdom of Bahrain, it weighed three tons, reached 73 meters in height and had 14 thousand wicks.

The times when people did not know about electric lighting are long gone - at least in the countries we call "civilized" or "developed". True, in Russia there are remote places where electricity does not always “reach” - for example, in the Arctic, in the tundra and not only: in such corners people use kerosene lamps and candles as lighting devices.

Scented candles - dangerous romance

In our everyday life, candles are rarely used for their intended purpose, but they have another function: they are very fashionable to create a romantic atmosphere - romantic candlelit dinners are shown in almost every melodrama - and to scent the air in the rooms. At first glance, this is a wonderful way to brighten up our everyday reality, and this use of candles is welcome, but experts - chemists, environmentalists, etc. - do not think so. On the contrary, most of them believe that the craze for scented candles cannot lead to anything good - however, here we are talking about their regular use, and many people, carried away by various exotic practices, light candles almost every day.

Meanwhile, studies show that burning scented candles can release as many toxins into the air as lit cigarettes - many room scenters are unaware of this. Often, such candles are lit in order to get rid of unpleasant odors, and they are left to burn all night, and even in the bedroom - the concentration of harmful substances in the air does not decrease, but grows.

As a result, the risk of acquiring respiratory diseases, skin problems and even oncology increases - hardly anyone needs such acquisitions. Do we really have to give up the scented candles that have become so popular?

Paraffin candles - a chemical product

Fortunately, not all candles are harmful, but only those made with the help of the achievements of the great science - chemistry. This science is really great: today we can enjoy many benefits, thanks to talented chemists, but in recent decades, chemistry has been used not to make life easier for us, but rather to add problems - unintentionally, as the owners and managers of large industrial enterprises claim. Paraffin candles are one of these products: they seem to be necessary, but at the same time they pose a health hazard.

It is clear that there will be no harm from one candle that we light from time to time, but many people - especially young and middle-aged women, are addicted to lighting candles every time they take a bath, and during dinner too - and at the table In addition to adults, there are also children. When a paraffin candle burns, toxic compounds - benzene and toluene - are released into the air, and they do not have time to burn out - because the combustion temperature is low.

About benzene and toluene: the harm of paraffin candles

Why are these chemicals so dangerous?

In industry, they are used very widely - for example, benzene is one of the most used products. On its basis, rubber, synthetic rubber, plastics and other artificial materials are produced; paints, dyes for fabrics and leather, explosives and even medicines. As flavorings, benzene and its derivatives are used in the perfume and food industries - in very small quantities, but it is better to talk about this separately.

The main way that benzene enters the human body is through the respiratory tract, so people who work where there is always benzene vapor in the air often suffer from sleep disorders, weakness and dizziness. If small doses of this substance enter the body regularly, over several years, the kidneys and liver begin to work poorly in a person, the functions of the nervous and circulatory systems are disrupted; diseases of the bone marrow and blood, up to leukemia, can also develop. Acute poisoning is rare - for this you need to get a large dose of benzene, but sometimes they end tragically.

Toluene is also an aromatic compound, and it is it that is the raw material from which benzene is obtained, and trinitrotoluene is also a well-known explosive, since toluene “can” ignite within a few seconds. It also enters the body through the respiratory system, but it can also through the skin, and immediately affects the nervous system, and then the circulatory system - sometimes the changes are irreversible.

Is it really that dangerous?

These descriptions may seem out of place - after all, there is little benzene and toluene in paraffin candles, and they can bring harm only if you breathe poisonous fumes for days, but everything is not so simple. In everyday life, we are constantly surrounded by things made on the basis of chemicals: synthetic fabrics, carpets, finishing materials, household chemicals, and there are a lot of chemical additives in food - it’s impossible to list everything. If you add paraffin candles here, and light them in the premises regularly, the state of health will worsen even “more stable”, although no one will immediately fall ill and die.

British researchers say that the occasional use of paraffin candles is not dangerous for health, but at the same time, it is advised to ventilate the room when they burn to reduce the amount of toxins in the air. As usual, opinions differ here too: some doctors believe that there is no particular problem - there is no direct evidence, however, when they appear, it may be too late for many lovers of scented candles.

By the way, although the church is now becoming commercial, and its ministers often strive for profit, conscientious priests call the burning of paraffin or other candles, except for wax ones, in God's temple a "godless" and "vile" thing - and this is not accidental.

Wax candles - free of soot and toxins

Wax candles are 100% natural ingredients., and cannot harm health, even if there are a lot of them burning in the room. In former times, church candles were made only from beeswax: such candles burn evenly, do not smoke and do not emit any harmful substances into the air.

Now scented wax candles with propolis have appeared on sale, which are not only not harmful, but also useful: they are recommended to be lit indoors during epidemics, to relieve stress or simply to create a romantic atmosphere - you can dine with such candles without fear. True, they cost more than paraffin candles - however, like all natural ones.

In recent years, soy wax has become popular - it is cheaper than bees, and is also 100% safe if it does not contain impurities; Unfortunately, according to the standards, candles are considered soy if they contain only 1/4 of such wax, but serious manufacturers of such products do not produce such products. Soy wax candles can be easily recycled: the wax is melted and poured into a mold, and if desired, it can be tinted and scented with your favorite essential oil.

It is not difficult to distinguish wax candles from paraffin ones. If the paraffin is cut, it crumbles, and the wax is cut easily and evenly; besides, wax candles do not leave black soot - it is impossible to smoke glass with them.

Many people involved in spiritual development and yoga often use candles. For example, lighting them while doing some practice and creating a special atmosphere in the room. In yoga, there is such a shatkarma (cleansing practice) as looking at a candle flame, called trataka. Also trataka is.

A candle is a symbol of connection with the Cosmos, the Higher Mind. Her fire is the light of our soul, our bright thoughts. Like a small sun, the fire of a candle helps to transform a person and move towards a righteous life. The softness and suppleness of wax expresses a person's readiness for obedience, his humility, and a short burning - an unfaithful life that is easy to extinguish, its transience. When a person prays, lighting a candle at the same time, he makes a sacrifice to God (instead of animals), thereby showing his respect and humility.

It is believed that if you look at the fire, it cleanses the human aura and the space around.

The history of candles goes back hundreds of thousands of years. The first candles were made from animal fat and oily fish, in contrast to modern wax and paraffin candles. Initially, they resembled a small torch. The Romans invented the wick, the Chinese and Japanese continued their work. Some used rice paper as a wick, others rolled the papyrus into a tube and immersed it in a container where the fat was. Candles were also made from resin and plant fibers. The American Indians obtained wax by burning the bark of the wax tree or resin tree. Candles were also made from pine resin. Much later, cotton and hemp fibers began to be used for wicks.

In the Middle Ages, they began to make candles from bee wax. This made it possible to avoid the shortcomings of oil candles, since the wax does not produce any soot or an unpleasant odor, it burns brightly and evenly. But fat is easier to obtain in large quantities than wax, so wax candles were expensive, however, as they are now.

Invented in 1850 paraffin from which most modern candles are made. Paraffin is obtained from oil and shale. The mass production of paraffin made it possible to make cheap candles, since it cost much less than wax and similar substances. The material for paraffin candles is, of course, paraffin, but mixed with stearin (stearin 1 gives the candle softness, makes it less fragile). Dyes are used fatty: they are perfectly soluble in paraffin and give even saturated tones. At the end of the 20th century, a “candle renaissance” began all over the world. Decorative fragrant candles have become an indispensable attribute of the holidays, an original gift, interior decoration. In addition to traditional elongated candles, you can now find figurine candles, gel candles in glasses, floating tablets, tea candles (in an aluminum case), candles in glassware or coconuts.

The fruits of scientific and technological progress, unfortunately, are not always favorable for people. The use of most modern candles can be very harmful to human health! This is what I want to talk about below. So, why are candles harmful ...

Firstly, during combustion, paraffin releases benzene and toluene into the air, carcinogens that are very harmful to a living organism. Along with carcinogenic, benzene has mutagenic, gonadotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic and allergic effects. Toluene is a general toxic poison that causes acute and chronic poisoning. Its irritant effect is more pronounced than that of benzene. It causes endocrine disorders and reduces performance, prolonged contact with small doses of toluene can affect the blood. Due to its high solubility in lipids and fats, toluene accumulates mainly in the cells of the central nervous system.

Secondly, many manufacturers use a complex compound as a fixative for the durability of the aroma - diethyl phthalate, which chemists refer to the medium toxic category. It can cause allergic reactions and eczema, dizziness, headache, irregular breathing, watery eyes, nausea and vomiting. It has a teratogenic and mutagenic effect, which is very dangerous for pregnant women. With regular exposure, it can affect the nervous and respiratory systems, internal organs and blood cells, and contribute to the formation of malignant tumors. By the way, very often this fixative is used in perfumery.

Thirdly, almost all chemical (helium, stearin 1 and paraffin) candles contain up to 70% of various additives, dyes, fragrances and other ingredients. In the production of scented candles, artificial additives are very often used. It is good if these flavors have a neutral effect on human health. There is a high probability that the fragrance in the candle will be cheap synthetic, and therefore harmful, the dye will also be used in such a way as to reduce the cost of the product.

Even if the candle is scented with natural essential oils, the fragrance burns out in the process and its effect can be harmful. The oil is very hot, its chemical structure changes and the aroma is distorted. Therefore, I do not advise abusing even natural scented candles ...

Rare use of paraffin candles will not bring any severe harm, but systematic use will have an effect on your body. If a paraffin candle burns in a ventilated room 2-3 times a week, for about half an hour, nothing bad will happen.

Often candles are lit in poorly ventilated rooms and in the evening. Because of this, lovers of various aromas sleep in a smoky room with a high content of toxic substances in the air. Be sure to ventilate the room! Scientists state the fact that inhaling the vapors of an aromatic candle throughout the evening is equivalent to several hours of passive smoking.

In small rooms, a large number of lit candles is especially dangerous. Enough 1-2.

Do not light candles for several hours in a row and use them as an air freshener.

Buy safe scented candles made from natural wax - bees or soy. Beeswax candles don't even need to be scented - they smell like honey and propolis when they burn, but they often have the right essential oils added as well. Soy wax is obtained from soybeans - they learned how to make candles from it not so long ago, but they were immediately appreciated by experts. There are candles that use palm and coconut wax. To determine a paraffin or wax candle, remove the shavings from it with a knife. The paraffin wax will crumble.

Safe, natural-scented candles are sold only in specialized stores. The smallest candle made of beeswax or soy wax can be more expensive than a whole pack of paraffin candles.

If you set a goal, then, surfing the Internet, you can find the most diverse and original eco-friendly wax candles. Now many craftsmen offer their author's works. Personally, I found a very interesting option for myself - herbal wax candles.

And my last parting word, dear reader: carefully examine the wick of the candle. If you notice a metal rod in the weaving of the wick, then this is a lead thread. Well, the harmful effects of lead on the cardiovascular and nervous systems have long been known to us ...

I hope the one who reads this article will become more attentive to the choice of candles.

Take care of yourself and be healthy! OM.

1. Stearin(French stearine, from Greek stear - fat) - an organic product derived from fats. Consists of stearic acid with an admixture of palmitic, oleic and other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Now you can find vegetable stearin, it is obtained by pressing chilled coconut or palm oil.

When no one even dreamed of electricity, candles were in almost every home. Then an ordinary candle could cause a lot of trouble, ranging from an elementary fire hazard to an extremely harmful composition and fumes for the body. Today, candles are a popular decorative element. But are they harmful?

About harm

It is really difficult to choose a quality candle these days. Modern candles are made from materials that are very different in terms of safety: there are models from paraffin, palm wax, beeswax, stearin, glycerin, fat and various additives.

“Depending on the material, candles can be hazardous to health or absolutely safe,” explains environmental consultant Vadim Rukavitsyn. - So, when burning, paraffin candles emit benzene and toluene, which are carcinogens. Other types of candles are usually safe if they do not contain low-quality synthetic additives.

The composition of a candle is not the only indicator of its safety. Some instances may
smoke. This happens if the manufacturer is inattentive to observing the proportions in the size of the candle and the thickness of the wick. In this case, during burning, the candle emits, which is also dangerous for humans.

“But you should understand that there will be no harm from a few candles that people light every six months,” the ecologist clarifies. “Candles can be dangerous only if there are a lot of them in a poorly ventilated room and if they burn for a long time.”

For home use, it is still better not to buy paraffin candles if. Beeswax candles will even be useful, but they are much more expensive than paraffin ones. Candles made of glycerin do not pose any danger and are not so expensive. But still, it is better to beware of bright patterns like gilding and harsh aromas, since it is very difficult to guess the composition of such paints and additives.

Stock Snap / Pixabay (CC0 1.0)

How to choose?

So how do you end up choosing the safest candle possible? You can try to figure out the composition, but it’s not a fact that the manufacturer will honestly indicate on the packaging what the product is actually made of. Together with the ecologist, we noted several signs that you should pay attention to when buying a candle.

If a thin candle has a thick wick, the candle will smoke.
If the candle is transparent, then it is made of glycerin and is not dangerous to health.
The beeswax candle smells. The paraffin candle itself is odorless.
A paraffin candle feels like soap, a little greasy, while a beeswax candle is a bit rough.

kaboompics / Pixabay (CC0 1.0)

About relevance

Today, the candle remains fashionable, but its presence in the interior is appropriate only if certain rules are observed. Obviously, candles should be chosen in accordance with the home decor and the overall style of the interior - color, shape and texture should be in harmony with the rest of the decor.

“Candles are both decor and additional subdued lighting, and an attribute necessary to create an atmosphere of relaxation, a special mood. But it’s also worth choosing and arranging them wisely,” explains Natalya Preobrazhenskaya, head of the Uyutnaya Kvartira design studio. - With the help of candles it is easy to place accents on a particular piece of furniture. For example, a large fireplace will look much more attractive if you place candlesticks on high legs nearby, and pick up the candles themselves in a cylindrical or round shape. As an additional accent, use candles to decorate countertops and shelves in your kitchen. To maintain the style of the room, add the appropriate decor.

Natalia also advises paying attention to candlesticks, they can become independent. They should be chosen based on the location in the interior: “Consider various options - from decorative plates to large glass vessels. Try placing candles in decorative wall lamps or candle holders. Just remember that changing such a decor will not work quickly. Wall-mounted candlesticks will stay there for a long time.”

dkmk / Pixabay (CC0 1.0)

Maria Solovyova

We purchased candles from various churches and a honey shop and experimented to see which candles were actually wax.

Unfortunately, nowadays it is extremely difficult to find 100% good quality wax candles. All over the world preference is given to paraffin candles, they are cheap, but all the advantages of paraffin candles end there.

Paraffin is a derivative of oil, in addition to paraffin, the composition of the candle includes a large set of chemical wax substitutes, stearin and fragrances. When burning, such candles release toxic substances, and paraffin itself is a carcinogen when burned. Now think about what the candles that we love to light on birthday cakes are made of? And they do drip into the cake when burning.

Candles made from real raw beeswax are not only safe, but also healthy! Such candles include propolis, which gives a special smell to candles and when burned, evaporating, cleans and disinfects the air in the room and has a beneficial effect on the entire human body.

How can you tell wax candles from paraffin candles?

The experiment involved:

1. Control candle - a candle made by the owner of the Old Believer Church by hand from the raw bee wax of our bees in the Russian Taurus. (Read the production of our wax candles in the previous article)

2. Factory-made wax candle from refined wax, bought in a church on the square in 1905.

3. Half-wax candle from the church on the square in 1905 (The percentage of wax in the candles turned out to be low).

4. Candle “wax” from a honey shop, as it turned out in the experiment, paraffin with other wax substitutes and perfume.

5. Festive paraffin candle from the church on Goncharny Lane.

6. The Jerusalem candle, burnt with holy fire, bought in the same church, turned out to be 100% paraffin.

The experiment showed:

1) By smell:

1. Our raw wax candle has a strong natural wax scent that can be felt when the candle is held up to the nose.

2. The factory candle has a very slight wax smell, almost no smell, as it is made from purified wax, from which all impurities that give such a unique aroma to our candles have been removed.

3. The semi-wax candle is odorless.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop has no smell.

5. Paraffin candle is odorless.

6. Jerusalem paraffin is also odorless.

2) Touch:

1. Our candle is slightly rough, pleasant to the touch, waxy.

2. The factory wax candle is smoother but also natural to the touch.

3. Semi-wax is less pleasant to the touch, more like paraffin.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop is unpleasant to the touch, it also resembles paraffin more

5. and 6. Paraffin to the touch like soap, very unpleasant, greasy.

3) When cutting with a knife:

1. Our candle is easy to cut, like plasticine, it does not crumble on the cut

2. Factory candle behaves the same

3. Semi-wax is a little more difficult to cut, it is more solid.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop is cut normally.

5. Paraffin is cut in the same way as semi-wax. Apparently, in addition to paraffin, there are other wax substitutes in the composition, which make the candle closer in properties to wax.

6. Jerusalem candle behaves like 100% paraffin, crumbles when cut, there is no plasticity.

4. When burning:

1. Our candle burns evenly, does not flow (does not cry), melts when burning, forming a drop of wax inside the candle. During combustion, it periodically crackles. Burns slowly. Gives a very faint smell of wax. The candle is easily placed on a drop of wax on a glass surface.

2. The factory light is also on.

3. Semi-wax burns a little faster.

4. "Wax" from the honey shop burns very quickly. It was not possible to put it on the surface, the droplet instantly froze, indicating a paraffin origin, greasy to the touch.

5. Paraffin burns quickly, flows, but there is a drop during melting, which also indicates the presence of other impurities in it besides paraffin. Does not smell when burned. I also failed to light a candle.

6. Jerusalem behaves like pure paraffin, burns very quickly, as if evaporating in the air, without forming droplets. Does not smell when burned. Failed to light a candle.

5. If you hold glass over a candle flame:

1. Our candle does not give soot or gives a very slight subtle darkening of the glass.

2. Factory candle also.

3. Semi-wax smokes glass moderately

4. "Wax" from the honey shop heavily smokes the glass, it turns black

5. Paraffin strongly smokes the same as the previous candle

6. Jerusalem paraffin also gives a lot of soot on the glass.

6. When extinguishing a candle:

1. Our candle gives off a natural, waxy scent in places.

2. factory also

3. Semi-wax gives a slight unpleasant paraffin odor.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop gives a strong unpleasant paraffin smell

5. and 6. An even more unpleasant strong smell.

7. Plasticity of the candle:

1. Our candle is very plastic, bends easily, and does not break or crumble.