Ben Carter
Candles have been a source of light and decoration for centuries, but are they bad for your health? There is a lot of debate about whether burning candles releases harmful toxins. It is true that burning candles releases hydrocarbons and chemicals into the air, but the amount is minimal and the risk is low, especially in well-ventilated spaces. Some candles may be worse than others, with cheaper candles potentially emitting more pollutants. Natural candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or other plant-based waxes are generally considered safer and greener options. However, even these candles can release small amounts of potentially harmful chemicals, and the smoke from any candle can cause localized burns or increase the risk of fire. While there is no definitive evidence that candles are dangerous, it is important to follow safety guidelines and use them responsibly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle wax made from paraffin | Releases potentially dangerous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates |
| Burning candles indoors | Releases harmful gases and increases indoor air pollution |
| Exposure to VOCs | Headaches, irritation to eyes, nose, or throat, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system |
| Lower-quality candles | Emit more particulate matter and chemicals |
| Candles with synthetic perfumes | Releases dangerous levels of organic pollutants |
| Candles with added scents | Releases toxic gases |
| Candles with poor wax quality | Contain dyes and artificial scents that release a variety of chemicals |
| Candles with fragrances | Releases VOCs like formaldehyde, which may increase cancer risk |
| Candles with natural materials | Safer option with less harmful chemicals |
| Candles with vegetable-based waxes | Safer and greener option |
| Candles with beeswax | Natural, renewable, and often smell great even without added scents |
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What You'll Learn
Scented candles and indoor air pollution
There is some debate about whether burning candles is harmful to your health. Candles are a combustion product, so they do contribute to lower air quality by releasing hydrocarbons, chemical compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon, into the air. In particular, burning candles release trace quantities of toluene and benzene. Without proper ventilation, toluene exposure can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and anxiety. Benzene is a gas emitted by forest fires, volcanoes, and burning coal or oil, and is used in industrial and pharmaceutical settings.
Burning paraffin wax candles specifically releases potentially dangerous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. People exposed to these chemicals reported headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing. However, a 2002 study found that soy wax and beeswax candles burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles. Coconut and palm wax are also known for a faster burn since their melting point is lower.
Burning scented candles can release VOC pollutants and worsen indoor air quality. The fragrance oils used in scented candles, regardless of whether they are natural or synthetic, produce bad compounds when burned. Synthetic fragrances and dyes also give off dangerous VOCs, even at room temperature. However, candles release such small amounts of VOCs that they are unlikely to pose a health risk.
According to Dr. Farooq, a pulmonologist, burning candles can contribute to poor indoor air quality, but given all the available research, she is not concerned for people who choose to light them in a well-ventilated space. She suggests that the safest option is to invest in high-quality candles and keep them in well-ventilated areas. She also suggests skipping candles that have been dyed, as the dye used has benzidine in it, which is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Overall, while candles do contribute to lower air quality, the science is not strong enough to suggest that we should stop buying and burning candles.
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Paraffin wax candles and toxic fumes
There is an ongoing debate about whether burning candles is harmful to health. Some people claim that candles release potentially harmful toxins, while others argue that candles do not contain enough toxins to pose a significant health threat. However, it is important to note that burning any substance has the potential to release chemicals that may be harmful.
Paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum, is commonly used to make candles due to its affordability and consistency. However, burning paraffin wax candles has been linked to the release of toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde. These toxins are known to cause respiratory irritation, headaches, coughing, and even cancer. The risk of exposure to these chemicals is higher in unventilated spaces, leading to concerns about indoor air pollution.
While the science is inconclusive, some studies suggest an association between candle burning and bladder cancer. The volatile organic hydrocarbons accumulate in the blood and are excreted through the bladder, potentially increasing the risk of bladder cancer. Additionally, people with chronic lung conditions like COPD are advised to be cautious about indoor air quality.
To minimise the risk of exposure to toxic fumes, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural sources, such as beeswax, soy wax, or plant-based alternatives. These candles produce fewer harmful chemicals and are better for the environment. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation when burning any type of candle and to follow candle safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents.
While the impact of candle fumes may be negligible compared to daily exposure to pollution, it is essential to make informed choices to protect your health and minimise potential risks.
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Fire hazards and safety
Candles are a common cause of fires, with an average of 9,300 home structure fires started by candles in the US every year. These fires result in about 86 fatalities, 827 injuries, and $374 million in property damage annually. Candle fires are most common during holidays and special occasions, with December being the peak time due to holiday decorations.
To prevent candle fires, it is important to never leave a burning candle unattended and to keep them away from flammable materials such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, and clothing. It is also important to keep candles out of the reach of children and pets and to extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed. If a candle must burn continuously for religious reasons, it should be confined to a glass container and set in a kitchen sink, a deep basin filled with water, or on a metal tray.
It is also important to use the right tools when dealing with candles. Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle, as it is the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering. Never use water to extinguish a candle, as it can cause the hot wax to splatter and may break a glass container. Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing. Don't touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled, and never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder.
To keep your family safe in case of a fire, install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, especially outside sleeping areas. Interconnected alarms are best so that when one alarm goes off, they all do. Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries annually. Also, consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles without the risks of an open flame.
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Natural candles and health benefits
There is a lot of debate about whether candles are good or bad for your health. Burning candles releases hydrocarbons and other chemicals into the air. However, the amount released is generally not enough to cause health problems in humans, especially when candles are burned in a well-ventilated space.
Natural candles made from beeswax, soy, or coconut oil-based waxes are considered healthier alternatives to paraffin candles, which release potentially dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Natural candles release the least dangerous chemicals and less soot. For example, candles made from palm stearin release half as much soot as paraffin candles.
Natural candles can also provide health benefits through the use of essential oils and fragrances that positively influence mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. Eucalyptus candles, for instance, are excellent for respiratory health and can help clear congested airways. Bergamot candles can help produce sleepiness and cure insomnia, while also lessening inflammation. Peppermint candles offer an energizing and refreshing aroma, boosting motivation, concentration, and productivity. Citrus-scented candles can spark focus and promote an energizing feeling. Cedarwood candles are known for strengthening focus, creativity, and concentration.
In addition to the healing properties of natural fragrances, the simple act of burning a candle can have therapeutic effects on mental health. Psychologists say candles have a positive effect on mental health and can promote feelings of joy, ease, focus, and energy. Candlelight can become a personal ritual to commit to reflection and relaxation and can be paired with other wellness activities like journaling and yoga.
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Asthma and allergy irritants
Scented candles can be harmful to people with asthma and allergies. The strong fragrances can irritate the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks. The scented candles can emit harmful substances, such as benzene and toluene, which are dangerous pollutants. These pollutants can damage the brain, lungs, and central nervous system.
The synthetic fragrances used in scented candles often contain phthalates, which are released into the air when the candle burns. Inhaling phthalates can exacerbate allergic symptoms and asthma and alter hormone levels. Studies have found that exposure to scented candles is linked to respiratory problems such as coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks.
To reduce the risk of asthma and allergy irritants, it is recommended to avoid scented candles altogether. Unscented candles, such as those made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, are better alternatives for people with asthma and allergies. These candles burn cleaner and slower and do not release harmful fragrances into the air.
Additionally, increasing ventilation in the room where candles are lit can help decrease smoke buildup. Using battery-powered candle lights is another option to avoid any smoke or burning of unwanted chemicals.
During the holidays, asthma triggers are more prevalent, and decorations such as scented candles can contribute to indoor air pollution. Live trees, artificial snow, and pine-scented sprays can also release asthma-triggering chemicals. It is important to be mindful of these potential triggers and take precautions to protect one's health.
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Frequently asked questions
Scented candles have been found to release harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, and aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene and benzopyrene. Frequent use of scented candles and inadequate ventilation may increase the risk of developing urothelial cancer.
Candles made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct, release potentially dangerous chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, are safer alternatives.
Not necessarily. Natural candles can still release harmful chemicals, and the smoke from any candle can damage your health if you inhale too much of it. However, candles made from natural materials are generally better for minimizing the amount of particulate matter you breathe in.
Yes, the most significant risk is fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 20 home candle fires are reported every day in the United States. These fires can cause smoke inhalation, burns, and even death.
