Irish health experts have recently highlighted the potential dangers of scented candles and incense, citing serious health risks including cancer.
Research indicates that these popular household items could lead to significant health issues, such as heart disease and chronic respiratory problems due to their emission of toxic chemicals, Mail Online reported.
Scented candles, which people appreciate for their pleasant aromas and aesthetic enhancement, appear in over 70% of households. Despite their popularity, many do not recognize the covert dangers these products pose. Health experts, including Drs. Asit Kumar Mishra and Marie Coggins, have raised alarms about the pollutants these candles release when burned.
The substances scented candles emit are not just fleeting fragrances. They include hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other toxins that can linger in the air long after the flame has been extinguished. This continuous risk to indoor air quality poses a threat to the health of the occupants.
The work of Drs. Mishra and Coggins have shown that a significant portion of indoor air pollution in homes can be attributed to candle burning. According to their findings, candles could be responsible for as much as 60% of particulate matter in household air. This revelation points to an urgent need for awareness and actionable change in consumer habits.
In their research, the health experts found that burning scented candles, especially in confined or poorly ventilated spaces, could dramatically raise the levels of fine particles to 15 times above the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and are known to cause a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
Scented candles comprise various chemical compounds, many of which have troubling health profiles. Chemicals such as aldehydes, hydrocarbons, alcohols, naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene do not just give off a pleasant smell; they also carry potential carcinogenic risks. It’s these compounds that can lead to diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic bronchitis from prolonged exposure.
The effects of inhaling these candle emissions can be immediate and concerning. Exposure to the smoke from candles could lead to lower cognitive function, as evidenced by short-term symptoms reported by users. A 2020 survey highlighted that around a quarter of individuals using scented candles experienced negative health effects such as headaches and respiratory issues.
Adding to the complexity of this issue is the lack of stringent regulations on the candle manufacturing industry. Currently, there are no federal mandates that require the disclosure of ingredients used in candles, only recommendations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they bring into their homes.
HVAC expert Jessica Wicks spoke about the potential for reducing personal exposure to harmful emissions. She recommends opting for candles made from natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut oil, which generally burn cleaner than their paraffin counterparts. Additionally, choosing candles with cotton wicks can also mitigate the release of toxins into the home environment.
According to Drs. Mishra and Coggins, taking simple steps to improve ventilation while using scented candles can significantly reduce the level of exposure to harmful air pollutants. They suggest avoiding the use of scented candles or incense in conjunction with other poor air quality practices such as smoking inside, especially in homes with inadequate ventilation.
"Some of the organic compounds emitted by home fragrance products, such as benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde, may cause cancer – and burning scented candles and incense sticks indoors is a major source of formaldehyde," the researchers explained, emphasizing the need for heightened caution and awareness among consumers.
As researchers continue to delve into the risks associated with everyday household items like scented candles, it becomes increasingly important for the public to be educated on the potential hazards. Making well-informed choices about the products used in homes could go a long way in preventing health issues down the line, safeguarding both personal and family health.
