As the holiday season approaches, many households are filled with the festive aromas of scented candles like peppermint, pine, and pomegranate.
While these fragrant candles can spark joy and create cozy atmospheres, a new study warns that they could also be quietly increasing your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory issues, reported the New York Post. Researchers Asit Kumar Mishra and Marie Coggins from Ireland have raised concerns about the harmful substances emitted when scented candles are burned and how poor ventilation can amplify these risks.
When you light a scented candle, you’re releasing delightful fragrances while also emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These carbon-based chemicals are notorious for becoming airborne quickly. While some VOCs are harmless, others can cause immediate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and throat irritation. More concerning, prolonged exposure to harmful VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde has been linked to serious health conditions, including leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Paraffin wax, a common candle ingredient, is often the culprit behind these toxic emissions.
Burning candles doesn’t just release VOCs; it also generates carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. These gases can be particularly dangerous when candles are used in small, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, can impair oxygen delivery in the body, leading to fatigue, confusion, and heart and brain damage in extreme cases. Similarly, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide can trigger respiratory distress, aggravating conditions like asthma and heart disease.
The risks underscore the importance of ensuring good airflow when enjoying your favorite scented candles.
Another lesser-known risk comes from the fine particulate matter (PM) burning candles produce. These tiny soot particles can irritate the lungs and, over time, contribute to heart disease, stroke, and lung damage. Scented candles, in particular, generate higher PM levels than their unscented counterparts. Mishra and Coggins found that burning scented candles in poorly ventilated rooms could cause PM levels to spike up to 15 times the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. These particles can linger in the air long after the candle is extinguished.
The pleasant scents in many candles are often derived from synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates.
These chemicals, classified as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with hormone function and have been linked to health issues such as ADHD, asthma, and even breast cancer. Dr. Kunal Sood, a pain management specialist, cautions that burning candles infused with these fragrances can release harmful phthalates into the air, adding another layer of risk to what seems like a harmless holiday tradition.
The risks associated with scented candles are magnified in spaces with inadequate ventilation.
Harmful gases and particulate matter can accumulate without proper airflow, increasing your exposure over time. In their research, Mishra and Coggins observed that concentrations of pollutants like formaldehyde could reach irritating levels in poorly ventilated rooms. This can lead to symptoms like headaches, throat irritation, and worse asthma attacks. The dangers are especially pronounced during colder months when windows are often shut.
Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your favorite holiday candles entirely.
Mishra and Coggins offer practical tips to minimize risks. Use candles in large, well-ventilated spaces to disperse harmful pollutants. Keep windows slightly open and ensure air vents are clear to improve circulation. Blow them out outside to avoid releasing concentrated smoke indoors when extinguishing candles. Opt for candles made from natural materials like beeswax or soy, which produce fewer harmful chemicals than paraffin-based alternatives.
While scented candles can enhance the holiday spirit, balancing enjoyment with awareness of potential health risks is crucial.