Ben Carter
There is an ongoing debate about whether burning candles is bad for your health. While candles are a source of comfort and relaxation for many people, some candles may release potentially harmful toxins. The type of wax and quality of a candle can change the amount and kind of emissions it generates. For example, paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, has been found to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, which can cause headaches, coughing, and shortness of breath. To minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, it is recommended to use candles made from natural sources, such as beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax, and to ensure proper ventilation when burning candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Avoid paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum and generates greater emissions than other waxes. Opt for natural waxes like beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax. |
| Scented vs unscented | Scented candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and increase cancer risk. However, there is no conclusive evidence of health risks, and the amount of VOCs released is less than the recommended amount set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Choose unscented candles or those with natural fragrances if you are sensitive to synthetic scents. |
| Lead wicks | Avoid candles with lead wicks, which were banned in the United States in 2003 due to concerns about lead poisoning. |
| Proper burning | Trim the wick regularly, avoid drafty areas, and ensure proper ventilation to minimize the production of soot and potential release of harmful chemicals. |
| Fire safety | Keep candles away from flammable objects and always extinguish them before leaving the room to prevent fire hazards. |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax candles
Paraffin wax is a hard, translucent substance derived from a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons. It has a melting point ranging from 120° to 150°F. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, created during the process of refining crude oil into fuels like gasoline. It is affordable, burns consistently, holds fragrance and colour well, and has an attractive finish.
However, burning paraffin wax releases potentially dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, eye, nose or throat irritation, nausea, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Some VOCs are suspected or proven carcinogens.
Paraffin candles are also a leading cause of indoor air pollution, according to the EPA. They can release harmful toxins such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, which are linked to various health issues including respiratory irritation, allergies, and even cancer. Burning paraffin candles in unventilated spaces increases the risk of exposure to these chemicals.
If you are concerned about the potential negative health effects of burning paraffin wax, you can try using candles made from beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, or other plant-based waxes. These natural candles release fewer toxic chemicals and less soot, making them a healthier and more environmentally-friendly option.
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Scented candles
Some experts recommend avoiding scented candles altogether, or opting for unscented candles instead. Paraffin is the most commonly used wax in candles, but it has been associated with the release of toxic chemicals and pollutants. It is advised to choose candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy wax, and scented with essential oils or natural fragrances rather than synthetic perfumes, to reduce exposure to these toxins. Higher-quality candles are also recommended as they tend to burn slower and produce fewer emissions.
Additionally, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when burning scented candles, as the chemicals released can cause respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, chest tightness, and throat irritation, especially in those with existing allergies or asthma.
While the therapeutic benefits of scented candles may outweigh the potential health risks for some individuals, it is important to be aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions to minimise any negative impacts.
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Candles with lead wicks
The CPSC staff found that some lead-cored wicks could emit relatively large amounts of lead into the air during burning, with certain candles emitting lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour. This is about seven times the rate that could lead to elevated lead levels in a child. The CPSC estimated that an indoor air lead level of 430 micrograms per hour from candle burning could be hazardous to children.
Lead-cored wicks were used in the past to keep the wicks standing firm as fragrance oils softened the wax. However, safe alternatives to lead-cored wicks, such as zinc, synthetic fibres, cotton, and paper, are now used by most candle and candle wick manufacturers.
To identify if a candle has a lead-cored wick, you can perform a simple test. Take an ordinary piece of white paper and rub it on the tip of an unburnt wick. If the wick leaves a light grey pencil-like mark, it contains lead.
While the use of lead wicks in candles has been banned, it is still important to be cautious and choose your candles wisely. Burning candles can release hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, although the amount released is typically not enough to cause significant health issues. However, it is recommended to always burn candles in a well-ventilated area to minimise any potential risks.
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Candles with synthetic scents
It is worth noting that indoor air pollution is a significant concern, and the modern design of homes often exacerbates the problem by trapping these pollutants indoors. Proper ventilation is crucial to mitigate this issue. However, it is challenging to maintain adequate ventilation in colder months or urban areas due to the desire to keep windows closed.
To reduce exposure to pollutants, opt for candles manufactured from natural materials such as beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These natural candles provide a cleaner burn, delightful aromas, and peace of mind, ensuring that your health is not compromised. Beeswax candles, in particular, are an excellent choice as they are natural, renewable, and often smell delightful even without added scents.
When choosing scented candles, select those with 100% essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Essential oils provide a natural alternative to artificial fragrances, which may contain hazardous chemicals derived from crude oil. These chemicals may have reproductive toxicity warnings and potentially carcinogenic effects.
In addition to the type of wax and fragrance, the type of wick used is also important. Choose wicks made from natural materials like untreated or unbleached cotton, hemp, or wood for a cleaner burn and reduced toxin release. Avoid wicks with metal cores, as they can emit harmful chemicals when burned.
By following these guidelines and opting for natural, non-toxic candles, you can create a safer and more environmentally friendly atmosphere in your home while still enjoying the ambiance and fragrances of candles.
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Poorly wicked candles
While candles are commonly used for decoration, ceremonies, and to release relaxing fragrances, there is an ongoing debate about whether burning candles is harmful to health. Some candles are better than others, and it is important to choose and burn them wisely.
One type of candle to avoid is those with wicks that are too long. It is recommended to trim candle wicks to between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch before use and to extinguish the candle if the wick gets longer than 5 to 10 millimeters. Wicks that are too long can cause the candle to burn too hot, producing more soot and potentially releasing more harmful chemicals.
Another type of candle to avoid is those made with paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a byproduct of gasoline production. Burning paraffin wax releases potentially harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates. Exposure to these chemicals can cause headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Beeswax, soy wax, and other plant-based waxes are recommended as safer alternatives to paraffin wax. These natural waxes burn at lower temperatures, last longer, and are renewable.
In addition to the type of wax, the quality of the candle can also affect the amount and kind of emissions it generates. Higher-quality candles are less likely to contain high levels of formaldehyde-generating materials and volatile organic carbons.
By following these guidelines and choosing candles with natural waxes and high-quality ingredients, you can minimize potential health risks associated with candle burning.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no known health hazards associated with scented candles, some people are sensitive to synthetic scents. If you are sensitive to scents, it is recommended to either skip candles altogether or opt for unscented or naturally scented candles, such as beeswax candles. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid candles made from paraffin wax, as they release potentially harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates.
Scented candles have been found to release VOCs, such as formaldehyde, both before and after being lit. Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat, nausea, and potentially damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. However, it is important to note that the amount of VOCs released from scented candles is typically below the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Natural candles, such as those made from beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax, are generally considered safer options as they release fewer toxic chemicals and less soot. Beeswax candles, in particular, are natural, renewable, and often have a pleasant scent even without added fragrances.
To reduce potential risks, it is recommended to burn candles in a well-ventilated area and to trim the wick to 1/8 or 1/4 inch before each use. Additionally, avoid burning candles for longer than recommended, typically around 3 hours, and ensure the candle is placed away from drafty areas to prevent flame flickering.
Aside from the potential health risks associated with the release of chemicals, burning candles can also pose a fire hazard. It is important to never leave a burning candle unattended and to keep it away from flammable objects or materials. Additionally, ensure that the wick is trimmed and there is no debris in the wax pool to prevent excessive soot production.
