Tyler Brooks
Candles are a popular item to have in the home, but do they have air-purifying qualities? The short answer is yes, certain candles can help to kill airborne germs. However, it is important to note that candles can also negatively affect air quality. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of crude oil, and when burned, it creates carcinogens such as benzene and toluene. These toxins can be harmful to your health and cause issues for those with asthma or allergies. To avoid this, opt for candles made from beeswax, soy, or palm oil, which are natural and non-toxic. Burning candles with essential oils, such as thieves oil, have also been proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. Additionally, candles can help alleviate anxiety and depression by creating a calming atmosphere through aromatherapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candles that kill airborne germs | Beeswax candles, EC3 Air Purification Candle |
| How they work | Beeswax candles produce negative ions that attach to positive ions (like dust, pollen, mold, odour, toxins) floating in the air and clean the air. The EC3 Air Purification Candle contains botanical ingredients in soy wax that reduce mold counts and mycotoxin levels in indoor air. |
| Other benefits | Burning candles can help alleviate anxiety and depression and create a calming, comfortable atmosphere. |
| Downsides | Candles can release carcinogenic elements like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Paraffin wax candles, which are the most common type, create benzene and toluene when burned, which are toxic and known carcinogens. |
| Alternatives | Salt lamps, house plants, and essential oils can also act as natural air purifiers. |
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What You'll Learn
- Beeswax candles produce negative ions that can help clean the air
- Essential oils in candles can kill bacteria, viruses and mould
- Paraffin candles are toxic and can cause cancer
- Burning candles can release carcinogens like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde
- Air purifiers can remove toxins and chemicals from indoor air
Beeswax candles produce negative ions that can help clean the air
Candles are a multi-billion dollar industry, with many people enjoying the soothing ambiance they create. However, it's important to be aware that they can also negatively impact the air quality in your home. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of crude oil, which releases carcinogens and toxins such as benzene and toluene into the air when burned.
Beeswax candles have gained popularity as a natural, non-toxic alternative to paraffin wax candles. They are made from beeswax, a natural substance produced by honeybees, and are claimed to have air-purifying properties. Specifically, beeswax candles are purported to release negative ions that can help clean the air by binding to particles of pollution, pollen, and other airborne germs.
While the idea of using candles to improve air quality is appealing, it's important to examine the science behind these claims. The majority of research on negative ions and air quality focuses on air purifiers or natural settings like waterfalls and forests. The amount of negative ions produced by beeswax candles and their impact on indoor air quality has not been extensively studied. Professor Delphine Farmer, a specialist in Atmospheric Chemistry, states that there is no evidence in the scientific literature that beeswax candles release negative ions.
Additionally, Dr. Farmer explains that beeswax candles, like all candles, produce soot and particulate matter, as well as nitrogen oxides. While beeswax candles may burn cleaner and longer than paraffin wax candles, they are not entirely free of soot and other emissions. Therefore, it is important to consider ventilation and overall exposure when using any type of candle.
In conclusion, while beeswax candles offer a natural, renewable, and pleasant-smelling alternative to paraffin wax, the claim that they release negative ions to purify the air is not conclusively supported by scientific evidence. However, they can still be a small step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment when combined with proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and minimizing the use of chemical-based products.
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Essential oils in candles can kill bacteria, viruses and mould
While candles can affect indoor air quality by releasing toxins and carcinogens, certain candles can improve air quality by reducing mould, bacteria, and viruses.
Candles made from essential oils can kill bacteria, according to a British study by researchers from the University of Southampton. The researchers tested candles made from essential oils against common bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (staph). The study found that the candle flame and essential oil components work together to create a sterilizing effect, virtually wiping out the bacteria.
The researchers tested essential oils of orange, palmarosa, may chang, thyme, and an element of tea tree oil called beta-pinene. They found that the beta-pinene and may chang candles were the most effective at killing bacteria. The staph bacteria were killed within an hour, while it took five hours for the beta-pinene candle to destroy the E. coli bacteria. The other essential oils also had varying effects, with orange oil working better against E. coli, and palmarosa being more effective against staph.
In addition to killing bacteria, essential oils have been found to have antiviral and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that compounds found in essential oils composed of eucalyptol, myrcene, limonene, terpinene, and cymene have good antimicrobial activity against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the influenza virus, and fungal spores. Essential oils from thyme have been found to inhibit the replication of the feline coronavirus, while a mixture of oleoresins and essential oils from botanicals reduced the viral titre in chickens infected with the avian infectious bronchitis virus.
The EC3 Air Purification Candle is an example of a candle that contains natural botanical ingredients in soy wax that help to control mould spore levels and improve indoor air quality.
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Paraffin candles are toxic and can cause cancer
While candles are often associated with creating a relaxing ambiance, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with certain types, particularly paraffin candles. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, has been found to contain known carcinogens, including benzene and toluene. These toxic chemicals are released into the air when paraffin wax candles are burned, and exposure to them can have detrimental health effects.
Benzene, a known carcinogen, is a gas typically emitted by forest fires, volcanoes, and burning coal or oil. While it is mostly encountered in industrial and pharmaceutical settings, candle burning contributes to benzene exposure. Studies have linked benzene exposure to an increased risk of leukemia and other blood cancers. Therefore, inhaling the benzene released from burning paraffin candles can be hazardous to your health and potentially increase your cancer risk.
Toluene is another toxic chemical found in paraffin wax. It is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and is emitted from gasoline fumes, vehicle exhausts, and cigarette smoke. When paraffin candles are burned, toluene is released into the air and can be inhaled. According to the Department of California's Hazard Communication Standard/OSHA regulation, exposure to toluene can cause adverse effects on the central nervous system, resulting in headaches, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. Even mild levels of toluene exposure can lead to frequent headaches, nausea, and fatigue, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In addition to the health risks posed by benzene and toluene, paraffin candles may also contain other harmful substances. The dyes used in scented candles, for example, can contain benzidine, which is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. Furthermore, the wicks of some candles may be made of lead, which can increase the lead concentration in the air above safe levels, according to the EPA. While lead wicks have been banned in the US since 2003, candles imported from other countries may still contain lead, posing a potential health hazard.
To minimize the risks associated with paraffin candles, it is advisable to opt for alternative options. Beeswax, soy, and palm wax candles are considered safer and non-toxic alternatives. These natural candles release fewer dangerous chemicals and are less likely to impact your health negatively. When choosing candles, it is important to select high-quality options that do not contain paraffin or dyes and to always burn them in well-ventilated spaces to mitigate potential health risks.
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Burning candles can release carcinogens like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde
Burning candles can release carcinogens, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which may negatively impact indoor air quality and human health.
Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from burning candles, particularly those made from paraffin wax. VOCs are carbon compounds that easily turn into gases at room temperature. While some VOCs occur naturally in flowers, others, like formaldehyde and benzene, are potentially carcinogenic. These compounds are also present in car exhaust, factory pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels.
The release of these compounds from candles has been measured and found to be higher than background levels, indicating that candles are a source of indoor pollution. Additionally, cheaper candles with more paraffin content tend to produce more formaldehyde and have lower melting points, potentially increasing the release of VOCs. The dyes and fragrances used in scented candles can further contribute to the release of these compounds.
The health risks associated with exposure to these compounds include irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, as well as headaches, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to particulate matter and VOCs has also been linked to heart and lung problems, with indoor candle burning potentially exposing individuals to dangerous levels of organic pollutants.
To minimize the risks associated with burning candles, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials such as beeswax, soy wax, or plant-based waxes. These alternatives produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin candles and can even help clean the air by reducing mold counts and mycotoxin levels. Additionally, burning candles in well-ventilated areas and following safety guidelines, such as trimming wicks and using candle snuffers, can help reduce potential negative impacts on health.
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Air purifiers can remove toxins and chemicals from indoor air
While candles are popular for their soothing qualities, they can also be a source of indoor air pollution. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum and releases carcinogens such as benzene and toluene when burned. Additionally, candles can contain synthetic fragrances and wicks made from materials like lead, further contributing to indoor air toxins.
To combat these issues, some people opt for alternative types of candles, such as those made from beeswax, soy, or plant-based fragrances. These options are marketed as natural and non-toxic, with beeswax candles even claimed to help clean the air. However, candles are not the only source of indoor air pollution. Other common sources include cleaning products, furniture, off-gassing from carpets, environmental accidents, factories, and industrial sources. As a result, many people are turning to air purifiers to improve the air quality in their homes and offices.
Air purifiers have become increasingly popular as more people recognize the importance of indoor air quality. While they cannot remove all toxins and chemicals from the air, they can be effective when used correctly and with the right type of purifier. For example, air purifiers with True HEPA filters (H-13) and activated carbon filters are recommended for removing toxins. True HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes many common airborne toxins. Activated carbon, with its porous structure, can adsorb a wide range of organic compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in household products.
To maximize the effectiveness of air purifiers, a layered approach is recommended. Combining a HEPA filter and carbon filter with a high-powered UVC bulb and PCO (photocatalytic oxidation) technology can help neutralize or break down captured toxins. Additionally, it is important to choose the right size air purifier for the room and ensure it is designed to filter the specific toxins you are targeting. For example, while HEPA filters are effective against particles and allergens, they are generally ineffective against VOCs.
In summary, while candles can contribute to indoor air pollution, the market offers alternatives with potentially less harmful effects. Additionally, air purifiers can be an effective tool for removing toxins and chemicals from indoor air when used appropriately and in conjunction with other strategies. However, it is essential to be mindful of the specific types of toxins you want to target and choose air purifiers with the right filters and technologies for optimal results.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles with essential oils have been proven to kill different types of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and mold. Beeswax candles are also known to neutralize toxic compounds and purify the air.
The essential oils in the candles are released when burned, and these oils have germ-fighting capabilities that eliminate harmful elements in the air.
Burning candles can help alleviate anxiety and depression and create a calming atmosphere. They also smell great and can evoke positive memories.
