Maddie James
Candles are a common household item, often used for decoration, in ceremonies, or to create a relaxing ambiance. While candles are generally considered safe, there are some potential concerns about their impact on health and skin. Some candles, particularly those made with paraffin wax, can release pollutants and toxins into the air when burned, including known carcinogens like benzene. These pollutants can contribute to indoor air pollution and may have negative effects on respiratory health and skin quality. However, the impact of candle emissions on health is still debated, with some claiming that the amount of toxins released is not significant enough to pose a health risk. Additionally, the type of candle and the presence of synthetic fragrances or colourants can increase the risk of skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
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What You'll Learn
- Candles can emit harmful toxins, including VOCs and benzene
- Natural candles are better for your skin than paraffin candles
- Candles with synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin
- Burning candles without proper ventilation can irritate your skin
- Lower-quality candles emit more particulate matter and chemicals
Candles can emit harmful toxins, including VOCs and benzene
There is some debate about whether burning candles is harmful to your health. Candles are a combustion product, so they do contribute to air pollution. However, opinions differ on whether the emissions they generate can significantly impact your health.
Burning candles release hydrocarbons, chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon, into the air. In particular, they release trace quantities of toluene and benzene. Toluene is commonly used in paint thinners and adhesives. Without proper ventilation, exposure to toluene can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, as well as cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and anxiety. Benzene is a gas emitted by forest fires, volcanoes, and burning coal or oil. It is used in industrial and pharmaceutical settings, and exposure to it is mostly a consequence of smoking. Benzene is also classified as an indoor air pollutant.
Some candles may also contain synthetic fragrances or colourants, which can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. The synthetic fragrances used in candles often contain phthalates, which are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin when the candle is burned.
Particulate matter is another concern. It is a mixture of extremely small liquid droplets and particles that can enter your lungs, and extended exposure can lead to heart and lung problems. Candles made from natural sources, such as palm stearin, beeswax, or soy wax, release less soot and toxic chemicals, minimising the amount of particulate matter you breathe in.
Overall, while candles do emit some toxins, including VOCs and benzene, the impact on health is disputed, and no definitive research shows that exposure to candle smoke increases the risk of developing health conditions. However, it is always good to take precautions, such as ensuring proper ventilation and choosing candles made from natural sources.
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Natural candles are better for your skin than paraffin candles
Candles are made from a variety of waxes, including paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax. While candles can contribute to air pollution by releasing hydrocarbons, the general consensus is that burning candles does not pose a significant health risk. However, some people may be concerned about the potential negative health effects of burning paraffin wax, especially on the skin.
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining, and burning it releases pollutants, including known carcinogens like benzene, into the air. While the primary concern with indoor air pollution is inhalation, these pollutants can also irritate the skin. Particulate matter from indoor air pollution has been linked to skin issues such as wrinkles, inflammation, and a weakened skin barrier.
On the other hand, natural candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax are considered healthier alternatives to paraffin wax. These natural candles burn cleaner and produce fewer harmful byproducts. For example, beeswax emits negative ions that help purify the air by attaching themselves to positive ions such as dust, mould, and other toxins. Soy wax is also environmentally friendly, providing a cleaner burn than paraffin wax and releasing fewer toxins.
Additionally, scented candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, which may increase cancer risk. Natural candles made from plant-based waxes are less likely to contain synthetic fragrances, reducing the risk of skin irritation for sensitive skin types.
In summary, natural candles made from beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, or other plant-based waxes are better for your skin than paraffin candles due to their cleaner burn, fewer harmful byproducts, and reduced risk of skin irritation.
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Candles with synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin
Burning candles can release hydrocarbons, which include chemical compounds like toluene and benzene. While candles do not pose a significant health risk, the emissions they generate can negatively impact your health. For instance, without proper ventilation, toluene exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and anxiety.
The type of wax used in candles can also impact their potential negative effects. Candles made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, releases pollutants, including carcinogens like benzene, into the air. These pollutants can constitute indoor air pollution and are not ideal for your skin. On the other hand, natural candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or plant-based waxes produce less soot and toxic chemicals.
To minimize potential risks, it is recommended to choose higher-quality candles, ensure proper ventilation, and follow candle handling guidelines, such as trimming the wick and avoiding burning candles in drafty areas.
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Burning candles without proper ventilation can irritate your skin
Burning candles does release hydrocarbons into the air, but it is not enough to pose a significant health risk to most people. However, it is important to note that burning candles without proper ventilation can irritate your skin.
When you burn a candle, you release hydrocarbons—chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon—into the air. In particular, burning candles release trace quantities of toluene and benzene. Toluene is commonly used in paint thinners and adhesives. Without proper ventilation, exposure to toluene can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and anxiety. Benzene is a gas emitted by forest fires, volcanoes, and burning coal or oil. It is used primarily in industrial and pharmaceutical settings, and exposure to it can also irritate the skin.
The type of wax used in candles can also affect skin irritation. Candles are often made of cheaper paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Concerns around paraffin wax stem from the pollutants it releases into the air when burned, including known carcinogens like benzene. According to Dr. Johanna Ward, this substance constitutes indoor air pollution and the particulate matter released is not great for your skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Murad links particulate matter to skin issues such as wrinkles, inflammation, and a weakened skin barrier. Natural candles made from palm stearin, beeswax, or soy wax release less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin wax candles.
Synthetic fragrances and colourants in candles can also irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitive or reaction-prone skin. The fragrances used in candles usually contain phthalates, which are released into the air and can be absorbed through the skin when the candle is burned. Additionally, the wicks of some candles may be 'cored', meaning the cotton is wrapped around something else like metal. The soot produced by these wicks can be harmful to your lungs and skin.
To minimize skin irritation, choose candles made from natural waxes such as beeswax, soy, or palm stearin, and avoid artificial fragrances and cored wicks. Ensure proper ventilation when burning candles, and follow safety guidelines such as trimming the wick and avoiding drafty areas.
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Lower-quality candles emit more particulate matter and chemicals
While candles are a source of air pollution, emitting hydrocarbons and particulate matter when burned, the scientific community is divided on whether these emissions significantly impact one's health. Lower-quality candles, in particular, emit more particulate matter and chemicals.
Particulate matter refers to a mixture of extremely small liquid droplets and particles that can enter your lungs. Prolonged exposure to particulate matter has been linked to potential heart and lung problems. Additionally, candles emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are carbon compounds that easily turn into gases at room temperature. Certain VOCs, like formaldehyde and benzene, are potentially carcinogenic. While scented candles release lower amounts of these compounds than the recommended levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO), their impact on health remains unclear.
Lower-quality candles are often made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Burning paraffin wax releases pollutants, including known carcinogens like benzene, into the air. This constitutes indoor air pollution and can have adverse effects on the skin, such as wrinkles, inflammation, and a weakened skin barrier.
To minimize the potential risks associated with candle burning, opt for higher-quality candles made from natural sources, such as beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax. These alternatives produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin wax candles. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation when burning candles to mitigate the potential impact on your health and skin.
It's worth noting that synthetic fragrances and colourants in candles can irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitive or reaction-prone skin. The fragrances used in candles often contain phthalates, which can be released into the air and absorbed through the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid artificial fragrances and opt for natural alternatives when choosing candles to reduce potential skin irritation.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning candles release hydrocarbons, which can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Synthetic fragrances or colourants can also irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, there is no definitive research showing that exposure to candle smoke increases the risk of any health condition.
Paraffin wax candles are the most common type of candle due to their low cost. However, they release pollutants, including carcinogens, into the air. As an alternative, you can try candles made from beeswax, soy wax, vegetable waxes, coconut oil, or other plant-based waxes.
Many people find the therapeutic benefits of burning candles to outweigh any health risks. Candles are used for decoration, in ceremonies, and to release relaxing fragrances.
To burn candles safely, ensure that your space is well-ventilated. You should also choose candles with paper-core, cotton, or wood wicks, and avoid artificial fragrances and paraffin.
