1. Beeswax vs. Soy vs. Paraffin
Candles
Kennedy Palmer

2. Question: Paraffin Beeswax Soy
What kind of candles have better air quality?
Paraffin
Beeswax
Soy

3. Hypothesis:
I think that a beeswax or soy candle will burn a lot cleaner than a paraffin candle.

4. Background Info: What is the reason for your interest in this area?
We thought the different kinds of candles and just wanted to see if a certain one burned cleaner than the rest.
What is meant by PM 2.5?
Particulate matter (PM 2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health when levels in air are high.
What is in the air that causes PM 2.5?
Cars, buses, off road vehicles, and trucks.
Burning wood, coal, or other fires such as forest or grass fires.
Describe the size of a PM 2.5 particle
What is the EPA limit for PM 2.5?
0.035
What percent of time do we spend indoors?
About 85% percent.

5. Soy Candles Cheaper than bees wax candles. Wax is natural.
Last longer.
Produce less soot.
Produce more fragrance.

6. Paraffin Candles Made from petroleum.
Many say that the smoke is toxic, but many also say it is not.
Wax is biodegradable.

7. Beeswax Candles
Many say that burning beeswax candles is better than both soy and paraffin candles.
100% natural.

8. Results:
Paraffin Candles
Way less than 0.35

9. Soy and Beeswax Candles

10. It doesn’t make a huge difference which kind of candle you use
It doesn’t make a huge difference which kind of candle you use. They are about the same.

11. Method:
We used the DustTrak to collect the air quality while burning a beeswax candle and a paraffin candle.

12. Improvements:
Could have tested all three types of candles to get a more thorough results.