Brooke Martin
Burning candles is a common practice in many households, but could it be harmful to your health? Recent studies have suggested that burning certain types of candles, particularly scented candles, may increase the risk of developing lung cancer due to the release of toxic chemicals and pollutants. The potential health risks associated with candle burning have sparked concerns, leading to a closer examination of the possible dangers and the search for safer alternatives. With the available evidence indicating potential links to cancer, it is important to understand the risks and make informed choices when it comes to candle usage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning scented candles | Emits cancer-causing chemicals |
| Aromatherapy candles made of paraffin | Releases carcinogenic soot when burned |
| Exposure to scented candles and cancer risk | Limited epidemiological evidence |
| Burning candles | Releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
| Occasional use of scented candles | Unlikely to have carcinogenic effects |
| Frequent burning of non-vegetable or non-soy-based scented candles | May increase cancer risk |
| Burning candles | Releases soot, PAHs, ultrafine particles, NOx, and other health-relevant compounds |
| Paraffin wax | Releases potentially toxic chemicals into the air |
| Paraffin | Releases toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene |
| Toluene | Induces DNA strand breakdowns which affect the central nervous system |
| Prolonged exposure to soot particle matter | Increases the risk of dying from lung cancer or other heart and lung diseases |
| Scented candles | Can cause allergic reactions, including headaches, coughing, sneezing, and respiratory distress |
| Burning scented candles indoors | Exposes you to pollutants and toxic gases |
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What You'll Learn
Scented candles emit cancer-causing chemicals
Burning scented candles has been linked to an increased risk of cancer due to the release of toxic chemicals and pollutants. While the link between scented candles and cancer is not yet fully understood, there is growing evidence that certain candle materials and byproducts of burning candles may be harmful to human health.
Paraffin wax and synthetic scents
Paraffin wax, a common ingredient in scented candles, is derived from petroleum and has been linked to the release of toxic chemicals such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde when burned. These chemicals are known carcinogens, with toluene specifically inducing DNA strand breakdowns that affect the central nervous system. Synthetic scents and dyes used in scented candles may also release chemicals that interact with natural ozone in the air, leading to harmful effects on health.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
The burning of scented candles releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which have been linked to adverse health effects. While a 2014 laboratory study found that the amount of VOCs released from burning candles was very low and not considered harmful, other studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to VOCs may increase the risk of cancer and respiratory problems.
Soot and particulate matter
Scented candles, particularly those made with paraffin wax, produce soot when burned. Prolonged exposure to soot and particulate matter has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and other heart and lung diseases. Additionally, the incomplete combustion of candle wax can lead to the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to have carcinogenic effects.
Reducing the risks
To reduce the potential risks associated with scented candles, it is recommended to opt for non-toxic alternatives made from 100% beeswax, soy, or vegetable-based waxes, and to ensure that wicks are kept short to minimize soot production. Burning candles in larger rooms with proper ventilation can also help improve air quality and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. While occasional use of scented candles is unlikely to cause significant harm, frequent burning of scented candles with potentially toxic ingredients may increase cancer risk over time.
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Paraffin wax candles produce toxic soot
Paraffin wax is a common material used in candle-making. It is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, and is cheaper to produce than soy wax. Paraffin candles are popular due to their affordability and ease of use. However, burning paraffin wax releases potentially toxic soot and chemicals, which can be harmful to human health.
Paraffin wax is a hard, translucent substance with a melting point ranging from 120° to 150°F. When burned, it emits toxic soot and chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. These chemicals can cause short-term symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing. At high exposure levels, the soot can also aggravate respiratory problems and damage indoor items like computers and electrical appliances.
Research by CNN and South Carolina State University found that melting paraffin wax candles emitted toxic toluene and benzene, which are known carcinogens. Toluene is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid found in crude oil, gasoline fumes, vehicle exhausts, and cigarette smoke. Benzene is also a colorless liquid derived from natural gas and crude oil. These chemicals are released into the air when paraffin candles are burned, and they can enter the lungs, potentially causing long-term health issues.
To reduce the risk of toxic soot exposure, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural waxes like coconut, soy, or beeswax, which produce less soot and are free of harmful chemicals. These natural waxes are also biodegradable and made from renewable resources, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, keeping candle wicks trimmed to ⅛ to ¼ of an inch can help reduce soot production, regardless of the candle type.
While occasional use of paraffin candles may not pose a significant health risk, frequent burning of these candles can increase exposure to toxic soot and chemicals. Therefore, opting for natural wax alternatives and following candle care guidelines can help create a healthier and safer environment for candle enthusiasts.
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Candles increase exposure to harmful pollutants
While the link between candles and cancer is not yet fully understood, candles do increase exposure to harmful pollutants. Burning scented candles, in particular, emits cancer-causing chemicals and releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Paraffin wax candles, for instance, are made from petroleum by-products and are suspected to give off toxic chemicals such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde—all known carcinogens. Toluene specifically induces DNA strand breakdowns, which affect the central nervous system. At high exposure levels, the soot released from paraffin candles can also cause or aggravate respiratory problems and damage electrical appliances in the home.
A 2014 laboratory study found that the amount of VOCs released from burning candles is very low and not considered harmful to human health. However, the same study also noted that the chemicals that make up candles are below the threshold value of causing health problems.
Additionally, candles made before 2003 may have lead-core wicks, which release five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceed EPA pollution standards for outdoor air.
To reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, it is recommended to opt for non-toxic candle alternatives, such as 100% beeswax, vegetable-based, or soy wax candles with cotton wicks. Keeping the wick short and burning candles in larger rooms with proper ventilation can also help minimize the release of harmful pollutants.
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Burning candles indoors can harm air quality
Candles made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct, are of particular concern. When burned, paraffin candles release toxic chemicals such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are known carcinogens. In addition to the wax, the wicks of candles can also be a source of indoor air pollution. Candles with lead-core wicks, particularly those produced before 2003, can release dangerous levels of lead into the air.
The burning of scented candles has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. Synthetic scents and dyes are often made from harmful chemicals that can interact with natural ozone in the air, leading to poor air quality. Additionally, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from burning candles can be detrimental to human health, even if the amount released is very low.
To improve air quality when burning candles, it is recommended to use candles made from 100% beeswax, soy, or coconut wax, as these options produce less soot and have fewer emissions. Keeping the wick trimmed to 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch can also reduce soot production. Burning candles in larger rooms with good air circulation, such as opening a window or using an exhaust fan, can help to minimize the concentration of harmful chemicals in the air.
While the occasional use of candles is unlikely to cause significant harm, frequent burning of scented or paraffin candles may increase the risk of cancer and other respiratory issues. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with candle burning and to take precautions to improve air quality and minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
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Beeswax candles are a safer alternative
While the link between candles and lung cancer is not yet fully understood, there is evidence that burning certain types of candles can increase the risk of developing cancer. Scented candles, for example, emit cancer-causing chemicals when burned, including formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a petroleum byproduct that releases carcinogenic soot when burned. It is bleached with 100% strength bleach, creating toxic dioxins, and then refined using various carcinogenic, solidifying chemicals. When synthetic fragrances are added and burned, they produce toxic fluoro-carbons and other polluting by-products. Inhaling these fluoro-carbons can damage the receptors in our nasal passages and, over time, diminish our sense of smell.
Other healthier alternatives to paraffin wax candles include soy and coconut wax candles, which are also renewable and biodegradable. These waxes produce a cleaner burn and have a lower melting point, allowing for a longer burn time and better scent throw.
To reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, it is recommended to opt for candles made from natural, non-toxic waxes like beeswax, soy, or coconut wax. These candles create a safer and healthier environment in your home while still providing the ambiance and fragrance that candles are known for.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning candles, especially scented candles, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals into the air. Some of these chemicals, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene, are known carcinogens. However, there is limited epidemiological evidence linking candle use to cancer risk. While occasional use of scented candles is unlikely to have significant effects, frequent burning of non-vegetable or non-soy-based scented candles may increase cancer risk.
To reduce potential exposure to toxic chemicals, it is recommended to use candles made from 100% beeswax, soy, or coconut wax with cotton wicks. These candles are free of toxic chemicals often found in paraffin wax candles. Keeping the wick trimmed to 1/8 to 1/4 inch can also help reduce soot production.
Prolonged exposure to soot particles has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and other heart and lung diseases. In addition to potential carcinogenic effects, candle soot can aggravate respiratory problems and damage indoor surfaces and appliances.
Candle-free aromatherapy is a way to enjoy pleasant scents without the potential harmful byproducts of burning candles. Keeping windows open while burning candles can also help improve air circulation and reduce the concentration of harmful chemicals indoors.
