Long-term exposure to emissions of certain types of candles could be hazardous to human health and cause poor indoor air quality, according to researchers in the 1890 Research & Extension Program at South Carolina State University.

Lead researcher Dr. Ruhullah Massoudi and S.C. State alumnus Amid Hamidi, who worked with Massoudi while earning his bachelor of science in chemistry, tested various brands of paraffin wax (petroleum-based) and soybean (vegetable-based) candles. The candles were non-scented, non-pigmented and used no dyes.

The candles were placed in an enclosed specially constructed chamber for up to six hours to trap and test the emitted gases of the burning candles. A GC/MS test was conducted to analyze the contents of gaseous products. The chromatograms of the paraffin candles revealed some undesired chemicals, such as alkans, alkenes and toluene, all reported to cause harmful effects to humans.

"The paraffin candles we tested released unwanted chemicals into the air. For a person who lights a candle every day for years or just uses them frequently, inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks like cancer, common allergies and even asthma," said Massoudi, a chemistry professor in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences. "None of the vegetable-based candles produced toxic chemicals."

According to Massoudi, the undesired chemicals of the paraffin candles were emitted because they are by-products of oil refineries, while the soy candles are by-products of vegetables, which are not harmful to people.

Massoudi's research stems from a desire to address a possible public health concern, boost the American agricultural economy and promote sustainability.

Most consumers purchase the usually inexpensive petroleum-based candles to fragrant an environment or inspire a mood. Massoudi said a possible increase in production and demand for soy candles could attribute to a decline of health risks caused by paraffin candles and help disadvantaged small farmers diversify their crops to yield more revenue. Soy wax components, Massoudi said, are also renewable and biodegradable.

The candles emissions study was funded by 1890 Research & Extension. For more information, call Massoudi at 803-536-7112 or e-mail rmassoudi@scsu.edu.

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