Traditionally, candles were made with paraffin wax. An end-product of petroleum, Paraffin contains up to 11 carcinogenic compounds deemed 'toxic air contaminants' by the State of California. An air quality researcher, David Krause, has documented evidence that candle soot particles contain many of the same compounds as burning diesel fuel. The petrol-carbon soot that paraffin wax emits can blacken walls, ceilings, and furniture, contaminate ventilation ductwork in your home, as well as add toxic carcinogens into the air you breathe.Soy candles are better for you and for the environment. Soy wax is non-toxic and burns cleaner than paraffin, with no petrol-carbon soot.  Soy candles burn slower and cooler than paraffin wax, giving them a longer life-span than paraffin candles. Since soybeans are vegetables, soy wax is naturally biodegradable, making it easier to remove from the candle container after burning, easier to clean up if spilled on other surfaces, and comes out of clothing in the wash.