The Argument for Abstaining from Scented Candles Use – Permanently
Scented candles, a common household item, might be releasing pollutants that could pose significant health risks. A recent study has revealed that scented wax melts emit nanoparticles in concentrations comparable to those from gas stoves and car exhaust [1].
These emissions include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter. Some of the toxic and carcinogenic chemicals found in these emissions are formaldehyde, benzene, and ultrafine particles comparable to diesel exhaust [4]. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health issues.
Respiratory Issues
VOCs and particulate matter can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, worsen asthma, and trigger breathing difficulties, especially in sensitive individuals [1][2]. Children and pets, who breathe more air per body weight than adults, are particularly vulnerable to indoor air pollutants from scented candles and air fresheners.
Allergic Reactions and Migraines
Synthetic fragrances and VOCs are common triggers for headaches, migraines, and fragrance allergies [1][2][5]. Scented candles can also trigger problems for people with asthma or migraines, even if they aren't burned.
Hormonal Disruption and Carcinogenic Effects
Some emitted compounds are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, potentially impacting long-term health [1]. Babies, whose developing lungs and immune systems are still fragile, are at a greater risk of respiratory diseases when exposed to indoor air pollutants.
While natural or "green" alternatives like soy or beeswax candles may reduce exposure, they still release some VOCs when burned, particularly if fragrances are added [1][3]. Soy candles generally burn cleaner than paraffin, producing fewer VOCs and soot, making them a relatively safer choice [3].
Modern homes, designed for energy efficiency, often lack proper ventilation, leading to prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants like VOCs, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide [6]. This is concerning as nearly all fragrance products, including "green" and "organic" ones, release at least one hazardous chemical [7].
Air fresheners, diffusers, and other room fragrance products release over 100 different chemical compounds, including terpenes that degrade air quality [8]. These VOCs usually come from petroleum-based waxes and synthetic or natural fragrances.
Michael Bergin, a civil and environmental engineering professor at Duke University, stated that it would be almost impossible to not make some indoor pollution with any type of candle [9]. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions, especially for vulnerable groups such as asthmatics.
In summary, the indoor air pollution from scented candles and similar products can lead to lung damage, allergic and respiratory symptoms, hormonal disruption, and increased cancer risk due to VOCs and fine particulate matter. It is recommended to opt for unscented or naturally scented candles, if possible, and to ensure proper ventilation in the home.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7279860/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814237/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6026308/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7279860/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814237/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6026308/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6217209/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6217209/ [9] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/04/science/candles-indoor-air-pollution.html
- The implications of technology in ecology are vast, as seen in the recent study revealing that scented wax melts, a common household item, emit pollutants similar to those from gas stoves and car exhaust.
- These emissions from scented candles, contributing to climate change, include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter, some of which are toxic and carcinogenic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and ultrafine particles comparable to diesel exhaust.
- Exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health issues, such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, migraines, hormonal disruption, and increased cancer risk.
- Modern homes, designed with tech for energy efficiency, often lack proper ventilation, leading to prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants, which can impact long-term health, particularly for vulnerable groups like babies and asthmatics.
- Research in health-and-wellness, environmental-science, and climate-change fields has shown that air fresheners, diffusers, and other room fragrance products release over 100 different chemical compounds, including terpenes that degrade air quality.
- Technology in science and medicine offers potential solutions, such as the development of natural or "green" alternatives like soy or beeswax candles, which may reduce exposure to VOCs but still release some pollutants when burned.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines and diet, including nutrition, play a role in preventing and managing health issues caused by indoor air pollution, providing a holistic approach to maintain wellness.
- As awareness grows about the potential risks of indoor air pollution from scented candles and similar products, it is crucial to take necessary precautions, such as opting for unscented or naturally scented candles, ensuring proper ventilation, and being mindful of thechoices made for the sake of personal health and global environmental health.
