Jessie Taylor
Candles have been a source of light and decoration for centuries, but do they release anything harmful into the air? The combustion process of lighting a candle includes the release of light, heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. However, it also releases hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be dangerous. The type and amount of chemicals released depend on the type of wax and wick used. For example, paraffin wax candles release potentially dangerous VOCs and phthalates, while wicks with a lead core can release lead vapours, which are known health hazards. However, lead-cored wicks have been largely discontinued since the 1970s. Other types of wicks, such as those made from cotton or wood, and waxes, such as soy, vegetable, or beeswax, are considered safer alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heat | 80 W |
| Light | 13 lumens |
| Luminous efficacy | 0.16 lumens per watt |
| Light colour temperature | 1,000 K |
| Flame temperature | 1,000 °C (1,800 °F) |
| Hottest part of the flame temperature | 1,400 °C (2,550 °F) |
| Flame colour | Blue, orange-brown, yellow |
| Composition of candle wax | Hydrocarbons |
| Composition of hydrocarbon molecules | Hydrogen and carbon atoms |
| Products of combustion | Heat, light, carbon dioxide, water vapour |
| Potential negative health effects | Headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, allergic reactions, asthma attacks |
| Safer alternatives | Coconut, soy, vegetable, beeswax, non-toxic wax blends, eco-friendly packaging |
| Wick composition | Cotton, wood, paper, metal-core (zinc or zinc alloy) |
| Wick length | No longer than 5-10 mm |
| Burning time | No longer than 4 hours at a time |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrocarbons, hydrogen and carbon
Burning candles releases hydrocarbons, which are chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon. The wax in candles is made of hydrocarbons, which break down into hydrogen and carbon atoms when burned. The hydrogen atoms react with oxygen to form water vapour, while the carbon atoms form carbon dioxide.
Hydrocarbons are a key component of candle wax, particularly paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is drawn up the wick and vaporised, breaking down into hydrogen and carbon atoms. These atoms then react with oxygen in the air to produce heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.
The combustion of candle wax is a complex chemical reaction. Incomplete combustion can result in the release of carbon monoxide and unburned carbon particles, which escape as soot. This is often observed as a wisp of smoke from a flickering flame. The blue base of a candle flame indicates the oxygen-rich zone where hydrocarbons vaporise and break apart, while the bright yellow region is where there is insufficient oxygen for perfect combustion, resulting in the formation of smoke and soot.
While burning candles do release hydrocarbons, the amounts are generally not considered a significant health risk for most individuals. However, certain compounds within candle emissions, such as benzene and toluene, have been associated with adverse health effects. Benzene, a known carcinogen, is also released during the combustion of fossil fuels and is present in cigarette smoke. Toluene, commonly found in paint thinners and adhesives, can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and may cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and anxiety. The risk associated with these compounds depends on exposure levels and the accumulation of pollutants in indoor spaces.
To minimise potential health risks, it is recommended to choose candles wisely, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid prolonged exposure to candle smoke, especially for individuals with existing respiratory conditions or those at risk for bladder cancer, as suggested by Dr. Farooq.
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Volatile organic compounds
Long-term exposure to some VOCs, like formaldehyde, has been linked to more serious health problems, including cancer. According to a study, a 66-year-old woman was diagnosed with exogenous lipoid pneumonia after inhaling vaporized paraffin from burning candles. Additionally, frequent consumption of scented candles in inadequately ventilated rooms may increase the chance of developing urothelial cancer.
To minimize the potential harm of VOCs from candles, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Using proper wicks, such as cotton or wood wicks, instead of those with metal cores, can also help reduce the release of heavy metals. Ensuring proper ventilation in the room by opening windows or using exhaust fans can also help reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants and minimize the potential harm of VOCs.
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Lead vapours
Candles with lead-cored wicks release lead vapours into the air. Burning a candle with a lead wick can release five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children, exceeding EPA pollution standards for outdoor air. Lead is released into the air as the candle burns, as the metal melts at a relatively low temperature. This means a large fraction of the lead in the wick becomes volatilised, and can be inhaled.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the sale, manufacture, and import of candles with lead wicks in 2003. This was due to the potential health risks of inhaling lead, particularly for children. Lead poisoning in children has been associated with behavioural problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems, and growth retardation.
Before the ban, some candles emitted lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour. The CPSC estimates that an indoor air lead level of 430 micrograms per hour from burning candles could result in hazardous exposure to children. Lead wicks were phased out by candle manufacturers in the 1970s, but concerns about the potential for harm continued.
There is a simple test to check if a candle has a lead core wick. Rub the tip of the wick on an ordinary piece of white paper. If the wick leaves a light grey, pencil-like mark, it contains lead. If there is no mark, the candle is lead-free.
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Heat, light, carbon dioxide, water vapour
When a candle burns, it releases heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. The light and heat are produced as the wax burns, with the wick—usually made of cotton—also contributing to the heat. The wax first melts and flows up the wick, then evaporates, and finally, the wax vapour burns.
The carbon dioxide and water vapour are created when the hydrogen and carbon in the wax react with oxygen in the air. This process occurs whenever something burns, not just with candles. The carbon dioxide and water vapour cool and mix with the air in the room, becoming indistinguishable from other molecules of the same gases. Over time, these molecules will escape the room and disperse into the atmosphere.
While carbon dioxide and water are normal parts of the air, too much of either can be dangerous. However, the amount of these gases produced by a candle is small and comparable to the amount exhaled by another person in the room. That said, if the reaction is incomplete—usually due to limited oxygen—a candle can produce carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous even in small amounts and can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Paraffin wax candles, which are the most common type, produce additional emissions beyond carbon dioxide and water vapour. These include carbon monoxide, particulate matter, benzene, toluene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, and fragrance chemicals. Some of these gases are harmless, while others are potentially hazardous. Therefore, it is important to ventilate rooms well when burning candles and to limit burning time to prevent the buildup of particulates.
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Allergens and asthma triggers
Candles, especially scented candles, can release allergens and asthma triggers. Scented candles are made from petroleum-based paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy-based wax. Paraffin wax candles emit harmful fumes like toluene and benzene, which are dangerous pollutants that can trigger asthma attacks and damage the brain, lungs, and central nervous system. They can also increase the risk of developing bladder or urothelial cancer.
Beeswax candles are a better option for people with allergies or asthma as they are non-toxic, produce little to no soot, and burn cleaner and slower. Soy-based candles are another alternative as they also burn cleaner and slower and are not toxic.
Burning candles emit high amounts of fine and ultrafine particles that can penetrate the deepest regions of the lungs, translocate into the bloodstream, and access vital organs such as the heart and brain. This can cause irritation and inflammation and even DNA damage in individuals with mild asthma. Candle burning contributes to indoor air pollution, which can affect the respiratory system and cause potential mild inflammation in young individuals with asthma.
According to Dr. Katina Nicolacakis, scented candles can irritate the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks in individuals with chemical hypersensitivity. The strong fragrances can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, with health risks being higher for people with asthma.
Therefore, it is important for individuals with allergies or asthma to be cautious when exposing their lungs to certain scents and to consider alternative options to scented candles, such as battery-powered candle lights or soy and beeswax candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles release hydrocarbons, heat, light, water vapour, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
The scientific community is divided on whether these emissions are dangerous to human health. While some people exposed to these chemicals have reported headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing, others argue that candles do not contain enough toxins to pose a significant health risk.
Scented candles do release volatile organic compounds, but in quantities that are unlikely to pose a health risk. However, some people have allergic reactions to scented candles, and they can trigger asthma attacks.
To reduce the number of emissions released by your candles, you can follow these tips:
- Avoid burning candles in a drafty area.
- Trim the wick if it gets longer than 5 to 10mm.
- Avoid blowing out a candle, instead use a candle snuffer or dip the wick in wax.
- Ventilate your room after extinguishing a candle.
- Do not burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
- Avoid burning candles with chipped or cracked containers.
