I recently heard that paraffin candles give off pollution that is "as harmful to our health as second-hand tobacco smoke". This sounds like a big marketing scheme to me. Has anyone else heard of this? I know that they definitely give off ash, but that much pollution? This is what a natural candle making description says about its product:

"Beeswax, the purest of all candle waxes, is not only a renewable resource, but it burns 90% cleaner and at least 50% longer than conventional paraffin candles. Housed in a large keepsake tin, these custom-formulated, three-wick candles are the ultimate expression of all-natural beauty and luxury. Traditional paraffin candles are one of the major sources of indoor air pollution. In fact, recent testing by the Environmental Protection Agency and The American Lung Association has confirmed that paraffin, a petroleum-based, non-renewable resource, contains at least 20 dangerous chemicals that release choking toxins and black soot upon burning. When released into the air we breathe, these pollutants are as harmful to our health as second-hand tobacco smoke. The Healthy Candle is an all-natural alternative that puts health concerns to rest and creates a safe home environment with a beeswax blend completely free of Paraffin (commonly used in candles), Formaldehyde (commonly used in candles), Petrochemicals, Phthalates (commonly used in candles), Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oils, Synthetic Dyes, Sulfates, and Parabens. "

Source: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P225365&categoryId=C16290