Brooke Martin
Candles are a popular way to create a relaxing atmosphere, but are they safe? Many candles are made from paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum refining, which releases harmful chemicals when burned, including known carcinogens like benzene and toluene. Synthetic fragrances in candles have also been linked to negative health effects, such as endocrine disruption and respiratory issues. However, not all candles are harmful, and natural candles made from beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax are considered safer alternatives. These candles burn cleaner and longer, without releasing the same level of harmful toxins as paraffin wax candles. While there is ongoing debate about the safety of synthetic fragrances, natural essential oils are generally recommended as a safer option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are candles synthetic? | Most commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. |
| Are candles toxic? | Some candles contain toxic chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic dyes. |
| What are the health risks of scented candles? | Inadequate ventilation and prolonged exposure to scented candles can increase the risk of developing urothelial cancer and respiratory issues. |
| How to minimize health risks? | Choose candles made from natural materials like beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax, and scented with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. |
| Are candle wicks safe? | Candle wicks in the US do not contain lead, as it was banned in 2003. However, some cheap candles may still contain lead or other heavy metals, which can be released into the air when burned. |
| How to identify safe candles? | Look for candles labeled as "phthalate-free," "paraben-free," and "synthetic dye-free." Opt for natural wicks made from 100% cotton or wood. |
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What You'll Learn
- Scented candles: Synthetic fragrances, such as phthalates, can be toxic
- Paraffin wax: A common candle ingredient, it releases harmful chemicals when burned
- Health risks: Burning candles may release pollutants and particulate matter
- Candle wicks: Lead wicks are banned, but some wicks may still contain heavy metals
- Natural alternatives: Soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are
Scented candles: Synthetic fragrances, such as phthalates, can be toxic
While candles can be a great way to fill your home with comforting fragrances, create a cosy atmosphere, or offset unwanted odours, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients that make these scents linger.
Scented candles are often made with synthetic fragrances, such as phthalates, which can be toxic. Phthalates are plasticizers that prolong the life of scents. They are commonly found in personal care products, cleaning products, and candles. These chemicals tend to remain in household dust and are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. EDCs can mimic hormones, potentially throwing off the body's hormonal balance. Exposure to EDCs has been linked to developmental issues in children, fertility challenges in adults, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
The burning of scented candles can release phthalates into the air, which can then be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. This can exacerbate allergic symptoms and asthma, trigger migraines, damage liver function, and disrupt reproductive hormones, leading to infertility and other hormonal imbalances.
In addition to phthalates, other toxic synthetic fragrance chemicals found in scented candles include the carcinogens benzophenone and styrene. Pure essential oils are a safer alternative, but it is important to check the quality and ensure they are not blended with artificial fragrances.
To minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, it is recommended to choose candles manufactured from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with pure essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. After burning scented candles, it is important to air out the space to get rid of any chemical compounds produced during burning.
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Paraffin wax: A common candle ingredient, it releases harmful chemicals when burned
Paraffin wax is a common ingredient in candles due to its affordability and ease of use. It is a hard, translucent substance derived from a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons, with a melting point ranging from 120° to 150°F. Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum or crude oil refinement, which produces fuels like gasoline.
While paraffin wax is widely used, it has been associated with several potential health risks. When burned, paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to human health. These chemicals include formaldehyde, aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene, and benzopyrene. Exposure to these chemicals can have various adverse effects on the body. For example, toluene can affect the central nervous system, leading to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. In addition, benzopyrene is a known carcinogen, and prolonged exposure to it has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The use of scented candles made from paraffin wax can further exacerbate these issues. The fragrances and dyes added to these candles can release additional chemicals when burned, contributing to indoor air pollution. This is particularly concerning when candles are burned in inadequately ventilated rooms, as it can increase the concentration of pollutants in the air.
To minimize potential health risks, consumers are advised to choose candles made from natural materials such as beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These alternatives are free of harmful chemicals, burn cleaner, and are more environmentally sustainable. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation when burning any type of candle can help reduce the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals.
While there are concerns about the potential health hazards of paraffin wax, it is important to note that some claims may be unsupported by conclusive scientific evidence. However, given the potential risks associated with paraffin wax, consumers should be cautious and consider switching to natural alternatives for a healthier and more environmentally friendly option.
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Health risks: Burning candles may release pollutants and particulate matter
Burning candles can release pollutants and particulate matter into the air, which can have adverse effects on human health. Candles are made from different types of wax, including paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, and palm stearin. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is the most common type of wax used in candles. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. These chemicals are also found in diesel fuel emissions and can cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.
Particulate matter released from burning candles can include small liquid droplets and particles that can enter the lungs. Extended exposure to particulate matter has been linked to potential heart and lung problems. However, it is important to note that the amount of particulate matter released from candles is relatively small and may not cause significant health issues in humans.
The quality of scented candles is also a concern. Lower-quality candles, especially those made from paraffin wax or artificial materials, may emit more pollutants and chemicals. These candles often contain synthetic fragrances and dyes that release dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. On the other hand, natural candles made from beeswax or soy wax and scented with essential oils are less likely to release harmful pollutants.
The combustion of candles also releases hydrocarbons, which are chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon. While this can contribute to indoor air pollution, the health risks associated with candle burning are not as significant as other daily activities. Dr. Farooq, for example, notes that indoor cooking increases particulate matter and has been linked to respiratory illnesses, while the risks from scented candles are comparatively lower.
To minimize the potential health risks associated with burning candles, it is recommended to choose high-quality candles made from natural materials and ensure proper ventilation in the area. Following candle safety guidelines, such as trimming the wick and avoiding burning candles in drafty areas, can also help reduce the release of pollutants and particulate matter.
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Candle wicks: Lead wicks are banned, but some wicks may still contain heavy metals
While candles are not entirely synthetic, some candles do contain synthetic compounds. Candle wicks, for instance, have historically been made with lead. In 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the manufacture, sale, and import of candles with lead-cored wicks due to concerns about lead poisoning, particularly in children. Lead poisoning is associated with behavioural problems, learning disabilities, hearing issues, and growth retardation.
Despite this ban, some wicks may still contain heavy metals. Laboratory tests have shown that burning candles with metal-cored wicks containing lead concentrations of 0.06% or less by weight does not result in detectable emissions of lead into the air. However, the CPSC has stated that there is no basis for declaring all metal-cored candle wicks and candles with such wicks as hazardous substances.
The CPSC's ban applies to any metal-cored candle wick containing more than 0.06% lead by weight in the metal and any candle with such a wick manufactured or imported after the effective date. This ban is in line with the CPSC's history of protecting children from the hazards of lead exposure. Safe alternatives to lead-cored wicks, such as zinc, synthetic fibres, cotton, and paper, are now used by most candle and candle wick manufacturers.
While the use of lead in candle wicks has decreased, it is important to remain cautious. Consumers cannot always tell if a metal-cored wick contains lead, so it is recommended to contact the retailer for information about the materials used in their candles. Additionally, it is advised to choose candles manufactured from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes to reduce exposure to potential pollutants.
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Natural alternatives: Soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are safer, non-toxic options.
Candles made from natural materials like soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax are safer, non-toxic options. They burn cleaner and produce fewer harmful byproducts than traditional paraffin or palm wax candles.
Beeswax candles are considered the top choice for non-toxic options. They burn cleaner, have a longer burn time, and purify the air. However, soy wax and beeswax candles have been shown to emit minuscule amounts of VOCs and PM, with formaldehyde detected at similar or slightly higher levels than that of a blank test. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these levels are not considered harmful to human health.
Soy wax is another natural alternative that burns cleaner than conventional waxes. It is important to note that there are very few studies that specifically focus on soy wax, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Coconut wax is also a natural option, often blended with other waxes due to its consistency. While it is widely debated whether it burns cleaner, it is generally considered a good alternative as it holds scents well.
Non-toxic candles often use natural fragrances or essential oils, reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals. These candles are not only beneficial for personal health but also better for the environment, as they are biodegradable and usually come in eco-friendly packaging.
It is important to note that there are varying opinions on the toxicity of candles, with some sources stating that there are no known health hazards associated with scented candles and that fragrances, whether synthesized or natural, do not release toxic chemicals. However, other sources suggest that scented candles can release harmful chemicals and increase the risk of developing certain health conditions. Thus, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials and scented with essential oils to reduce potential exposure to pollutants.
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Frequently asked questions
Most commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, candles can also be made from natural sources such as beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax.
There are concerns that synthetic candles may release harmful chemicals when burned, including benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, which are known carcinogens. These chemicals can cause respiratory issues and contribute to indoor air pollution. Synthetic fragrances may also contain hidden toxins like phthalates, which can disrupt hormones and cause reproductive harm. However, it is important to note that no definitive research shows that exposure to candle smoke increases the risk of developing any health conditions.
Natural candles made from beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax are generally considered safer than synthetic candles, as they burn cleaner and produce less soot. Natural candles also release fewer chemicals and are less likely to contain harmful toxins. However, it is important to note that even natural candles can produce small amounts of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned.
To minimize the risks of burning synthetic candles, look for candles that are labeled as phthalate-free and paraben-free. Avoid candles with synthetic fragrances and opt for candles that use essential oils or other natural scent sources. Choose candles with cotton or wood wicks to avoid heavy metal exposure. Ensure the candle is properly ventilated and trim the wick to prevent excessive smoke.
