When we spill oils, they damage the microbiome of the soil. Harmful substances cause changes in the composition, structure and function of the soil, as microbial activity is inhibited. When harmful substances such as petrochemicals accumulate through the soil, they cause damage to surrounding plants and ecologies. They may also be indirectly absorbed by the human body via food, to the extent that it is harmful to human health.

The smoke from burning candles made of paraffin wax contains high concentrations of toluene and benzene, with toluene causing dizziness and benzene being a known carcinogen. The decomposition of oils, from candles or from human industry, eventually leaches into people and ecologies.

The candles presented in Burning Soils are filled with layers soil and oil, that burn and breakdown as the candle burns. These layers depict petrochemical and hydrocarbon soil pollution in the layers of topsoil that builds up over time. The candle acts as a cross-section through the ground—from topsoil to rock.