Lighting scented candles is one of the best-loved housewarming methods. Fragrances like lavender and sandalwood can be relaxing - while others, such as pine and cinnamon that can set a celebratory mood in your home. However, beneath the alluring fragrances and flickering flames, a health concern has been brewing - are scented candles bad for health?
The reality, like many things, is that the risks of scented candles can be quite complex. Factors such as the materials used in scented candles, how they are burned, and individual sensitivities all play a role in determining their safety. Now, let's delve deeper into the potential health concerns and how to minimize them.
What Are Scented Candles Made Of?
Wax: Most scented candles are produced from wax - the base material. The most common types of wax are paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax. Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum, while soy and beeswax are natural.
Frangrance: This is where the alluring scent comes from. It can simply be natural essential oils or artificial scents. However, synthetic fragrances often contain chemicals that may be harmful when burned. These complex mixtures can release harmful substances into the air, making it important to be cautious about their use.
Wicks: Wicks are the string or material that keeps the candle burning. Cotton wicks are the most common, but some candles use wood wicks or paper wicks. The type of wick influences how cleanly a candle burns. For example, some wood wicks can produce more soot than cotton ones, potentially increasing indoor air pollution.
Additives and Dyes: Many candles contain dyes and additives to make them colorful or to improve look and scent stability. Some dyes are synthetic, and certain additives include stabilizers or fragrances that may emit harmful chemicals when burned. These substances can negatively impact indoor air quality, especially with frequent use.
Why Are Scented Candles Bad for Health?
The potential health concerns of scented candles are primarily due to their ingredients and how they are burned.
Paraffin Wax Concerns
According to research, burning paraffin wax can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. All of these are irritants and can cause many health problems, ranging from headaches, dizziness, and breathing problems. Long-term repeated exposure at high concentrations can even cause cancer, but normal daily usage would not meet these concentrations.
Synthetic Fragrances
Scented candles contain mostly synthetic scents that are petrochemical-derived. The fragrances release chemicals into the air that can trigger allergies, asthma, and other breathing sensitivities. Phthalates, which are often used to stabilize fragrance, are endocrine disruptors and are linked with reproductive and developmental issues. Even natural essential oils can provoke reactions in those with sensitivities.
Soot and Particulate Matter
Burning candles, particularly draft candles or long-wicked candles, emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The particles are small enough to reach into the lung tissue and circulatory system, exacerbating breathing issues and even leading to cardiopulmonary issues.
Lead-core Wicks
Lead-core wicks have been phased out of common use but are still present in foreign or older candles. Burning lead can release poisonous heavy metal chemicals, an extremely dangerous health risk, especially for children.
How to Use Scented Candles Safely?
Actually, you don't have to give up your favorite candles just because of potential risks. By making smarter choices and adopting safer burning habits, you can significantly minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals:
- Use an Air Quality Monitor: Position an air quality monitor in the space where scented candles are frequently lit. Specify a safety threshold for air quality, and if it’s exceeded, you have to stop the burning and open windows to ventilate. Look for models with the ability to monitor multiple air quality parameters like INKBIRD 10-in-1 IAQM-129-W.
- Choose Natural Waxes: Choose candles that contain natural waxes i.e., beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These are cleaner burning candles, which release fewer soot and VOCs compared to traditional paraffin wax.
- Choose Natural Aromas: Use candles that are scented with essential oils or other natural fragrances. It's important to check that the label clearly indicates >the source of the aroma.
- Trim the Wick: Regularly trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each time you plan to use it. This simple step can prevent excessive smoking and soot.
- Burn Candles Outdoors: Burn candles outdoors so VOCs and other pollutants have an opportunity to ventilate. Even when burning candles indoors, have at least one window slightly open.
- Prevent Overburning: Burn for intervals of 3-4 hours at maximum. Burning for extended periods of time releases increased emissions.
- Opt for Trustworthy Brands: Choose candles from well-known brands with good reputation for quality ingredients and reliability. Sticking with trusted names ensures you get a product that meets your expectations.
- Consider Alternatives: Use alternatives to fragrance your home, such as diffusers with essential oils or simmering water with whole spices and citrus peel. These options can create a pleasant atmosphere without releasing harmful chemicals.
FAQs
Do scented candles cause cancer?
Research has found that some scented candles, especially those made with paraffin wax, release potentially carcinogenic compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene and toluene when they are burned. These chemicals are toxic at high concentrations and may increase cancer risk if used frequently and for long periods of time in poorly ventilated spaces.
Are scented candles bad for dogs and cats?
The short answer is: potentially, yes. Both dogs and cats spend more time closer to the ground, where heavier particles from burning candles are likely to accumulate. Their smaller size and more sensitive respiratory systems also make them more susceptible to breathe higher levels of airborne chemicals compared to humans. It's best to avoid scented candles that contain tea tree, peppermint, and cinnamon oils.
Are natural and soy candles safer?
Yes, it is safer to switch to natural and soy candles. But "natural" doesn't automatically mean safe. Even natural candles can emit harmful chemicals during the burning process. Therefore, ensuring good ventilation while using them is still essential.
