Maddie James
Candles have been used for generations to set a tranquil and soothing mood. However, with the rising popularity of scented candles, concerns have been raised about their potential health risks. Some studies suggest that burning scented candles releases harmful gases and pollutants, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions have been linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and even cancer. While occasional use is generally considered safe, frequent and prolonged exposure to scented candles, especially in inadequately ventilated spaces, may pose health risks. It is recommended to opt for candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and to ensure proper ventilation when burning candles to minimize potential risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | While some sources claim that scented candles release harmful, cancer-causing chemicals into the air, others claim that the dose of these chemicals is far below what is considered harmful to human health. |
| Health Risks | Some people experience allergic reactions, asthma attacks, vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, chest tightness, and throat irritation. |
| Recommended Precautions | Choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils. Burn candles in well-ventilated areas, keep wicks trimmed, and ensure the wax pool is free of debris. |
| Alternative Options | Ghee and oil lamps, flameless candles, wax melts, and diyas are suggested as less toxic alternatives to scented candles. |
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What You'll Learn
- Glade candles contain Galaxolide, a synthetic musk toxic to aquatic life
- Burning candles releases hydrocarbons, but the amount is not a significant health risk
- Candle wax is often coloured using toluene derivatives and benzidine-based dyes, which are carcinogenic
- Scented candles can trigger allergies and asthma attacks
- Alternatives to candles include ghee and oil lamps, wax melts, and flameless candles
Glade candles contain Galaxolide, a synthetic musk toxic to aquatic life
While there is little scientific evidence to suggest that candles are a danger to human health, they do release various vapours and particles into the air. When burned, candles release chemicals in "relatively trivial concentrations", according to Pamela Dalton, an odour perception and irritation researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.
However, Glade candles contain Galaxolide, a synthetic musk that is highly toxic to aquatic life. Studies show that Galaxolide may interfere with hormones and other chemical signals in our bodies, potentially causing developmental, reproductive, metabolic, brain, and behavioural problems. As such, Glade candles may pose a risk to human health.
Galaxolide is widely used by SC Johnson & Son and can be found in their numerous scented products, including Glade, Scrubbing Bubbles, Pledge, Windex, and Shout. As of October 2016, Galaxolide could be found in several SCJ products. SC Johnson is one of only six manufacturers in the United States that import and use this high-production-volume chemical.
To minimise the potential risks associated with burning candles, it is recommended to choose candles manufactured from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and keeping wicks trimmed to about a quarter of an inch can help reduce the amount of soot released into the air.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of burning candles, there are alternative options available, such as flameless candles, wax melts, or smoke-free ghee and oil lamps.
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Burning candles releases hydrocarbons, but the amount is not a significant health risk
While burning candles, including Glade candles, release hydrocarbons, the amount is not a significant health risk. However, it is important to choose and burn candles wisely. The National Candle Association recommends burning candles in well-ventilated areas, keeping wicks trimmed, and ensuring the wax pool is free of debris to minimise soot release.
Indeed, the release of various vapours and particles from scented candles has raised concerns about their potential health risks. Some studies have identified the presence of harmful gases and pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds, when scented candles are burned indoors. Additionally, artificial scents and dyes in candles can release chemicals like benzene derivatives, toluene derivatives, and benzidine-based dyes, which have been linked to cancer and respiratory issues.
However, research suggests that typical candle use does not expose individuals to harmful levels of these substances. According to Pamela Dalton, an odor perception and irritation researcher, candles release chemicals in "relatively trivial concentrations." Nikaeta Sadekar, a respiratory toxicologist, agrees that exposure to chemicals from scented candles is so low that they do not pose a significant risk to human health, even for frequent users.
It is worth noting that some individuals may still experience allergic reactions or asthma attacks due to scented candles. To minimise these risks, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials like beeswax or soy wax and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding prolonged exposure to candle smoke can help reduce potential health risks associated with candle burning.
While the occasional burning of scented candles may not pose a significant health risk, it is always advisable to follow safety precautions and be mindful of any sensitivity or allergic reactions to fragrances.
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Candle wax is often coloured using toluene derivatives and benzidine-based dyes, which are carcinogenic
While candles can release harmful chemicals, the dose is typically too low to cause harm. Research suggests that typical use of candles does not pose a significant health risk. However, it is important to choose and burn candles wisely.
Some candles, particularly cheaper ones, are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum byproducts. When burned, paraffin candles can release harmful gasses, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. They can also emit polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, which have been identified as carcinogens.
Additionally, candle wax is often coloured using toluene derivatives and benzidine-based dyes, which have been associated with urothelial cancer development. Toluene is also a known neurotoxin. Benzidine is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it has been linked to bladder cancer, as well as cancer in the urethra and renal pelvis.
To minimise the risks associated with candle burning, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. It is also important to burn candles in well-ventilated areas, keep wicks trimmed, and ensure the wax pool is free of debris.
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Scented candles can trigger allergies and asthma attacks
Scented candles have become increasingly popular in recent years, with the US market for them estimated to be worth around $2 billion annually. However, there have been concerns about their potential health risks. Some people are allergic or sensitive to scents of any kind, and artificial scents can be created with compounds that are neurotoxins or carcinogens.
When scented candles are burned, they release various chemicals, vapours, and particles into the air. These include harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as combustion gases, which can contaminate indoor environments. Candle waxes are often coloured using toluene derivatives and benzidine-based dyes, which have been linked to urothelial cancer development. Formaldehyde, a respiratory sensitizer, is also commonly found in scented candles, even natural "healthy" ones.
The quality of scented candles is an important factor, as cheaper candles may be made with petroleum-based waxes and artificial ingredients that can be harmful. For example, paraffin wax is made from petroleum by-products, and burning it releases pollutants such as formaldehyde, CO2, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can be especially harmful to those with asthma or allergies, triggering attacks and causing irritation.
To minimise the risks associated with scented candles, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy wax and scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. Burning candles in well-ventilated areas and keeping wicks trimmed can also help reduce the amount of soot released into the air.
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Alternatives to candles include ghee and oil lamps, wax melts, and flameless candles
While candles can release toxic chemicals into the air, there are several alternatives to choose from that may be safer. One option is to use ghee and oil lamps, which have been used for thousands of years and continue to be used in religious ceremonies. Oil lamps work similarly to candles, but with fuel that is liquid at room temperature, and a wick that draws up the oil as it burns. Different types of oil lamps include the Samaritan oil lamp, characterised by a sealed filling hole, and the Byzantine oil lamp, with braided patterns covering the upper parts and handles.
Another alternative to candles is wax melts, which are popular among those with young children or pets due to their lack of flame. Wax melts can be used with a warmer or melter, providing a strong scent without the risk of an open flame. They are also long-lasting, with a single cube potentially lasting longer than a candle.
Flameless candles are another option for creating ambiance without the risks associated with traditional candles. These candles use patented technology to flicker and sway like real flames, offering a safe alternative that can be used in any room. Flameless candles are available in a variety of colours, including white, black, green, and red, to suit different preferences and décor styles.
In addition to these alternatives, there are other ways to create pleasant scents in the home, such as boiling lemons or cinnamon, or using essential oils with waterless ultrasonic diffusers. However, it is important to note that some essential oils can be toxic to pets, so it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian before using them.
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Frequently asked questions
Glade candles contain galaxolide, a synthetic musk fragrance ingredient that is highly toxic to aquatic life and has been shown to interfere with hormones and chemical signals in our bodies, potentially causing developmental, reproductive, metabolic, brain, and behavior problems. However, the level of exposure from scented candles is likely very low and may not pose a significant risk to human health.
Scented candles can release various harmful gases and chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene and benzopyrene, which can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma attacks in some individuals.
Yes, if you are concerned about the potential risks of scented candles, you can try smoke-free ghee and oil lamps, flameless candles, or wax melts, which produce fewer combustion byproducts due to lower temperatures.
To minimize the risks, choose candles made from natural materials like beeswax or soy wax, avoid artificial scents and dyes, ensure proper ventilation, and keep wicks trimmed to reduce soot release.
