Paraffin is a petroleum product - a byproduct of oil refining. As a result, it contains dangerous toxins and carcinogens such as benzene, acetone, lead & mercury when burned. Moreover, paraffin produces more soot, coating ceilings and walls, damaging your home; paraffin burns at a higher temperature meaning that is burns faster; it is not water soluble or biodegradable; and many people get headaches around paraffin candles due to the toxins emitted.