Chloe Adams
Candles are a common way to decorate and create a cosy atmosphere, especially during the holidays. However, for people with asthma, they can pose a serious health risk. Burning candles emit ultrafine particles and gases, which can be detrimental to health, especially for those with respiratory conditions. This is because these particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. The fragrance in scented candles can also contain chemicals that can trigger asthma attacks and cause adverse health effects such as irritation, inflammation, and DNA damage. Therefore, it is recommended that people with asthma avoid scented candles and opt for alternative decorations or unscented candles to reduce their risk of an asthma attack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candles bad for asthma | Yes, scented candles can trigger asthma attacks and cause irritation and inflammation in asthmatics |
| Candles that are bad for asthma | Scented candles, especially when burned in unventilated areas |
| Alternative candles for asthmatics | Soy candles, battery-powered candles |
| Other asthma triggers | Respiratory infections, live trees, artificial trees, personal fragrances, dust, pollen, mould |
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What You'll Learn
- Candles can release chemicals like toluene and benzene, which are asthma triggers
- Burning candles emit ultrafine particles that can irritate airways and lungs
- Scented candles can cause respiratory issues and asthma-like symptoms
- Candles are a source of indoor air pollution, which is harmful to asthmatics
- Asthma patients should avoid scented candles, especially during the holidays
Candles can release chemicals like toluene and benzene, which are asthma triggers
Burning candles can emit ultrafine particles and gases, which can be detrimental to health. Candles can release chemicals like toluene and benzene, which are asthma triggers. Toluene is a clear, flammable liquid found in petroleum, while benzene is a compound found in the air resulting from burning coal and oil emissions.
A study by Karin Rosenkilde Laursen and other researchers at Aarhus University found that burning candles can be harmful to people with mild asthma. The study was a randomised controlled double-blind exposure study in which 36 young asthmatics were exposed to three different exposures in climate chambers. The participants were exposed to emissions from cooking, candle burning, and clean air. The study observed indications of DNA damage and signs of inflammation in the blood.
Another study, conducted on university students from different regions in Saudi Arabia, found that the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms in scented candle users was higher compared to users of other fragranced products. The study suggested that the emission of VOCs, phthalates, and PM from scented candles may be a reason for the development of adverse symptoms.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests that if you or someone you live with has asthma, it is best to avoid scented candles. Instead of traditional candles, one can opt for battery-powered candle lights, which will help avoid the burning of unwanted chemicals. Soy wax candles are another alternative, as they burn cleaner and are not toxic.
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Burning candles emit ultrafine particles that can irritate airways and lungs
The study observed that even very young individuals with mild asthma can experience discomfort and adverse effects if the room is not adequately ventilated during the burning of candles. Ultrafine particles and gases are produced when candles are burned, and these particles are small enough to penetrate the deepest regions of the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and reach vital organs such as the heart and brain. This is of particular concern for people with asthma, as they are more susceptible to particulate air pollution due to chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract.
The study also found that females tended to report more severe symptoms than males, which is consistent with previous studies on indoor environments. While there were no clear increases in systemic inflammatory markers, the increase in CCL2 associated with candle exposure suggests a cellular response to tissue injury or inflammation. Changes in SP-A and albumin also indicate a potential increase in the membrane permeability of the respiratory epithelia, which could lead to worsened asthma symptoms and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of prioritising a healthy indoor climate, even during the winter months when there is a tendency to burn more candles and keep doors and windows closed. By improving indoor air quality and reducing exposure to combustion sources, people with asthma may be able to breathe easier and reduce the incidence of serious lung and cardiovascular diseases.
Overall, the evidence suggests that burning candles can emit ultrafine particles that irritate the airways and lungs, particularly in individuals with mild asthma. To minimise the risk of adverse effects, it is recommended to improve ventilation when burning candles and to opt for cleaner alternatives such as soy-wax candles or battery-powered candle lights.
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Scented candles can cause respiratory issues and asthma-like symptoms
Scented candles are a common decorative item, especially during the holidays. However, for people with asthma, they can pose a significant health risk. Burning scented candles can release various chemicals into the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, particulate matter (PM), toluene, and benzene. These chemicals can have adverse effects on respiratory health, triggering asthma attacks and causing respiratory issues even in individuals without a history of asthma.
A study conducted on young university students in Saudi Arabia found that 24.8% of scented candle users experienced respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. Another study on workers in California reported that 3.8% of work-related asthma cases were linked to exposure to fragranced products, including scented candles. These findings suggest that the emission of chemicals from burning scented candles can lead to respiratory problems and even contribute to the development of asthma-like symptoms.
The issue with scented candles is twofold. Firstly, they don't burn hot enough to destroy the dangerous molecules they release. Secondly, they are often lit in unventilated areas, increasing the concentration of harmful particles in the air. This combination creates an environment that can be triggering for people with asthma and even those without a prior diagnosis.
Additionally, the fragrances used in scented candles can be a cause for concern. Many synthetic fragrances contain chemicals that can have immediate or long-term health effects. These chemicals are often derived from petroleum and animal sources, and their presence can increase the risk of respiratory issues, especially for individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivities.
To minimize the risk of respiratory problems and asthma attacks, it is recommended to avoid scented candles altogether, especially if you or someone close to you has asthma. Battery-powered candle lights or soy wax candles are recommended as alternatives. By prioritizing a healthier indoor climate, individuals can reduce their exposure to harmful particles and potentially improve their respiratory health.
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Candles are a source of indoor air pollution, which is harmful to asthmatics
The ultrafine particles emitted from candles are suspected to be a potential risk to health. While there were no clear increases in systemic inflammatory markers in one study, the increase in CCL2 associated with candle exposure suggests a cellular response to inflammation or tissue injury. Changes in SP-A and albumin also indicate a potential increase in the membrane permeability of the respiratory epithelia, which could worsen asthma symptoms and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Scented candles, in particular, have been linked to adverse respiratory symptoms, including cough and shortness of breath. The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and particulate matter (PM) from scented candles may be responsible for these adverse effects. A study of young university students in Saudi Arabia found a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among scented candle users, which may lead to adult-onset asthma.
Additionally, the fragrances used in scented candles are often made from petroleum and animal sources, with synthetic fragrances containing chemicals that can have immediate or long-term health effects. The combination of burning scented candles in unventilated areas increases the risk of an asthma attack, as the candles do not burn hot enough to destroy the dangerous molecules they release.
To minimize the risk of asthma attacks, it is recommended to avoid scented candles and opt for battery-powered candle lights or soy wax candles, which burn cleaner and slower without producing toxic fumes.
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Asthma patients should avoid scented candles, especially during the holidays
The holidays are a time of celebration, but for asthma patients, they can also be a time of increased exposure to triggers. Scented candles, in particular, can pose a serious risk to asthmatics, as the fragrances and chemicals released into the air can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to asthma attacks.
Scented candles emit ultrafine particles and gases that can be inhaled, causing adverse health effects. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even translocate into the bloodstream, potentially affecting vital organs such as the heart and brain. The fragrances in scented candles are often made from petroleum and animal sources, with synthetic fragrances containing chemicals that can have immediate or long-term health effects. The burning of scented candles may release chemicals such as toluene and benzene, which can be especially harmful to asthmatics.
The risk of an asthma attack is heightened when scented candles are burned in unventilated areas, as this increases the concentration of harmful particles in the air. A study conducted on young university students in Saudi Arabia found that the prevalence of respiratory-related symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath was higher among scented candle users. Another study reported that individuals with asthma and chemical sensitivity showed adverse effects to scented products, with 3.8% of confirmed work-related asthma cases in California from 1993 to 2012 linked to exposure to fragranced products.
During the holidays, the use of scented candles is particularly common, creating an increased risk for asthma patients. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recommends that individuals with asthma avoid scented candles, air fresheners, and scented pinecones. Live trees can also bring indoor allergy and asthma triggers, such as mold, pollen, and the strong scent of pine.
To minimize the risk of asthma attacks during the holidays, asthma patients should avoid scented candles and other fragranced products. Battery-powered candle lights can be used as a safer alternative, providing the same ambiance without the smoke or harmful chemicals. If using actual candles, soy candles are a cleaner and slower-burning option that is non-toxic. Increasing ventilation in the room can also help reduce the concentration of smoke and harmful particles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles can be bad for asthma. Scented candles, in particular, can release chemicals into the air, including toluene and benzene, which can trigger asthma attacks.
Scented candles are the most common type of candle that can trigger asthma attacks. However, it is important to note that even non-scented candles can release ultrafine particles and gases when burned, which can be detrimental to people with asthma.
Scented candles release chemicals into the air, such as toluene and benzene, which are known to be asthma triggers. These candles also don't burn hot enough to destroy the dangerous molecules they release, increasing the risk of an asthma attack.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to scented candles that can be used to reduce the risk of asthma attacks. These include battery-powered candle lights, soy candles, and increasing ventilation when burning candles.
In addition to scented candles, other common asthma triggers during the holidays include live trees, artificial trees coated in fake snow, respiratory infections, and exposure to pets or smoke in other people's homes.
