Jessie Taylor
Candles have been used for centuries to create a cosy atmosphere and emit a pleasant fragrance. However, scented candles can also have negative effects on our health. The burning of candles releases harmful gases, including volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues, congestion, sinus problems, and even allergic reactions in some individuals. Additionally, the strong fragrances in candles can trigger hay fever symptoms, leading to sneezing, coughing, and a stuffy or runny nose. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to opt for candles made from natural materials like beeswax or soy wax and to ensure proper ventilation when burning candles indoors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phenomenon | Olfactory fatigue or "nose blindness" |
| Cause | Olfactory glands in the nose work overtime to recognize smells |
| Solution | "Reset" your nose by sniffing your skin or elbow between smelling different candles |
| Prevention | Use candles for a short period of time (3-4 hours), change up the scents, and take breaks from burning candles daily |
| Health Risks | Allergies, sinus problems, and nasal inflammation |
| Alternative | Beeswax candles, aromatherapy candles, or ear candling |
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What You'll Learn
Candles can cause sinus issues, congestion, and irritation
In addition to allergies, sinus infections, or sinusitis, can be caused by bacteria, pollutants, irritants, and, most commonly, viruses. While scented candles may not be the root cause of a sinus infection, they can contribute to indoor air pollution by releasing harmful gases and chemicals when lit indoors. These include combustion gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, which are known carcinogens.
The symptoms associated with exposure to scented candles include vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose, chest tightness, and throat irritation. If you experience prolonged sinus issues, it is recommended to seek expert medical help, especially if symptoms include continual congestion, facial pain, fevers, and strange-colored nasal discharge.
To reduce exposure to pollutants from scented candles, it is advisable to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Additionally, it is important to air out the space after using scented candles to eliminate any lingering chemical compounds.
An alternative method to relieve sinus pressure is through an ancient technique called ear candling, which involves inserting a lit, wax-covered cotton tube into the ear. However, the effectiveness of this practice is debated, and there are potential risks associated with it.
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Allergic reactions and hay fever symptoms can be triggered
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to opt for candles made from essential oils, soy, or beeswax, as these are healthier and less likely to cause allergies. Paraffin candles, on the other hand, are made from crude oil and can emit irritating black smoke. It is also advisable to stick to candles with a single scent and to burn them in well-ventilated areas to prevent overloading your senses.
Additionally, when shopping for candles, it is easy to become "nose blind" or experience "olfactory fatigue," where your olfactory glands work overtime to recognize smells, eventually causing you to lose perception of the fragrance. To avoid this, it is recommended to "reset" your nose by sniffing your skin or elbow between smelling different candles.
If you have allergies or asthma, it is important to consult a doctor before introducing new fragrances into your environment. While candles can be a source of fragrance allergies, it is also important to consider other sources such as soap, laundry detergent, and tissues, which can contain strong fragrances that trigger similar symptoms.
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Volatile organic compounds can cause health issues
Candles can be a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that easily become vapors or gases at room temperature. VOCs are released from the candle's wax, fragrance, and wick, and common examples include benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde. These compounds are linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Formaldehyde, for instance, has been associated with more severe long-term health problems, including cancer.
While the impact of scented candles on health is debated, it is known that they can trigger allergies and respiratory issues in some people. Older adults and individuals with allergies, asthma, cancer, heart disease, or compromised immune systems are advised to avoid scented candles by medical professionals. This is because scented candles can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and COPD flares or breathing issues. Symptoms to watch out for include coughing, sneezing, and an itchy throat. If these symptoms disappear when scented candles are removed from the environment, they were likely the cause of respiratory irritation.
The amount of VOCs released by scented candles under normal use is not considered a health risk to humans, according to a study that simulated exposure in a home environment. Nevertheless, it is recommended to burn candles in a well-ventilated area to minimize the potential impact of any pollutants on your health. Keeping candles away from drafts can also help reduce the amount of smoke produced.
To avoid potential health issues, opt for unscented candles made from natural alternatives, such as beeswax, or soy wax, which produces less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin wax.
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Burning candles for long periods can cause black soot in the nose
Burning candles for extended periods can indeed result in black soot accumulating in your nose. This occurrence is not uncommon, as evidenced by numerous reports of individuals waking up with black boogers or experiencing similar symptoms after prolonged exposure to burning candles.
The presence of black soot in the nose is a clear indication that you have been inhaling candle soot. While this may not be an immediate health concern, it is certainly not advisable to breathe in candle soot for extended periods. Candle soot can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants that can irritate your airways and trigger allergic reactions.
The key factor contributing to the production of candle soot is incomplete combustion. When a candle burns, it undergoes a chemical reaction that converts the wax and wick into heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. However, if the flame is deprived of sufficient oxygen, the reaction may not fully convert all the carbon into carbon dioxide. Instead, it produces amorphous carbon particles, which are released into the air as soot.
To prevent the buildup of candle soot in your nose, it is essential to follow some simple guidelines. Firstly, avoid burning candles for extended periods. While there is no universal consensus on the safe duration, limiting burning to 2 to 4 hours at a time is generally recommended. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation by burning candles near open windows or in well-ventilated spaces. Trimming the candle wick before each use is also crucial, as a shorter wick promotes a cleaner and more efficient flame, reducing the production of soot.
If you notice black soot in your nose, it is advisable to take proactive steps to address the issue. Sinus rinses or nasal irrigation kits can effectively remove soot particles from your nasal passages. Furthermore, cleaning the surrounding environment, including the candle jar and nearby surfaces, can help eliminate accumulated soot residue. While these measures can mitigate the immediate impact, prolonged or frequent exposure to candle soot may warrant seeking medical advice, especially if you experience respiratory issues or persistent symptoms.
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Natural candles can reduce exposure to pollutants
Candles are loved for their ability to create a cosy atmosphere, provide soothing light, and fill a room with pleasant fragrances. However, while they enhance our living spaces, they may also pose hidden health risks. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from many candles can potentially harm indoor air quality and our health. VOCs are carbon compounds that easily become vapours or gases at room temperature.
Natural candles, such as those made from beeswax, soy wax, or other plant-based waxes, are a healthier alternative to traditional paraffin candles. They produce fewer harmful emissions, such as soot and particulate matter, and release the least dangerous chemicals. Particulate matter 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. An older 2014 study found that the amount of particulate matter released from burning candles was not enough to cause health problems in humans. However, it is still recommended to minimise exposure to this indoor air pollution by choosing natural candles.
In addition to the type of wax, the fragrance of a candle can also impact its health effects. Candles scented with synthetic perfumes can irritate the airways and trigger allergic reactions, such as nasal inflammation and a stuffy nose. Natural candles scented with essential oils are a better option for reducing exposure to pollutants.
To further minimise potential harm when burning candles, it is important to ensure proper ventilation in the room. This will help reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants and disperse any harmful emissions. Trimming the wick before lighting can also reduce soot production.
By choosing natural candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax and scented with essential oils, you can reduce your exposure to pollutants and create a healthier and more pleasant living environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Scented candles can trigger allergy-like symptoms, such as congestion, a runny nose, headaches, and sinus pressure. They can also cause more serious issues like sinus infections, which can lead to extreme discomfort. If you experience prolonged sinus issues, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To reduce exposure to pollutants from scented candles, it is suggested to opt for candles made from natural materials like beeswax or soy wax, scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Aromatherapy candles are also recommended as an alternative to scented candles.
Olfactory fatigue, or "nose blindness," occurs when your olfactory glands work overtime to recognize smells, eventually causing you to stop perceiving them. To prevent this, it is recommended to “reset" your nose by sniffing your own unperfumed skin, or your elbow, in between smelling different candles.
Burning candles for an extended period can produce black soot, which can be inhaled and found in the nose or throat the next day. To minimize this, it is recommended to burn candles for shorter periods, trim the wicks, and ensure proper ventilation by opening windows.
