[Donnah (OP)]

What's the chemical composition of Parowax and is it edible?

 []

[paul.fr]

Ok, i am guessing in part. I think parowax, is just a shortened name for parafin wax. It is used in baking things such as cookies, so i guess it's safe to eat!

[daveshorts]

I could believe it wasn't poisonous although I would doubt that it has much in the way of nutritional value as parrafin wax is just long chains of CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂ and in the same way that you can't metabolise petrol, you won't be able to metabolise this.

[another_someone]

I could believe it wasn't poisonous although I would doubt that it has much in the way of nutritional value as parrafin wax is just long chains of CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂ and in the same way that you can't metabolise petrol, you won't be able to metabolise this.

But does the fact that it can't be metabolised mean it has no biological effect?

Roughage is food that generally can't, or is difficult to, metabolise; but it has an effect on the digestive system itself.

Could not any inert waxy material cause a coating win the lining of the intestine, or somehow irritate the intestine (this may be either beneficial or harmful, or even both), or effect the efficiency of action of the enzymes within the digestive tract?

[eric l]

I suppose that the purpose of adding parafin wax to cookies (or other hardbaked goods) is to reduce the sensitivity to air moisture.  In this way, hard baked cookies may remain "crispy" much longer when exposed to the atmosphere.

[Hayliestwin]

Where could a person find more info on the long term effect of Parowax on the body? []

[paul.fr]

Where could a person find more info on the long term effect of Parowax on the body? []

No idea, but here is a recepie in the mean time:

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 ½ cups smooth peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups rice crispys
1 stick butter

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolates
½ square parowax (household wax)

Freeze the first mixture for ½ hour, then shape into small balls . Boil water in the bottom of a double boiler,and bring to a boil. On the top, melt 12 ounces of chocolates and ½ a square of parewax. Dip the small balls into the boiling mixture. Remove them with a different spoon and place each on wax paper. Makes about 4 dozen.

[kdlynn]

yum!

[DrDick]

Where could a person find more info on the long term effect of Parowax on the body? []

Here's an MSDS for paraffin wax online.

http://www.sciencestuff.com/msds/C2200.html

Although this stuff is mostly harmless, not all paraffins are.  Hexane is a paraffin (though not a wax) and is a fairly potent neurotoxin after chronic exposure.

Dick