Health risk scented candles: Are scented candles bad?
When it gets dark and uncomfortable outside, many people make themselves comfortable in their homes with scented candles or incense sticks. But the scent of vanilla, lavender or cinnamon can also have negative effects on health.
These pollutants enter the air we breathe through scented candles
Conventional scented candles contain kerosene and stearin, petroleum by-products that become airborne when burned and are thus inhaled. Kerosene can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as alkenes, acetone or benzene. These chemicals are also present in diesel fuel emissions and are already released at room temperature - that is, even when the candle is not burning. When the kerosene wax burns, it produces particulates enriched soot that floats in the air for several hours. Also problematic are the limonene often contained in the candles, which reacts together with the ozone in the room air. This produces the carcinogenic chemical formaldehyde.
While the scented candles burn, they extract oxygen from the room and also release harmful, chemical substances such as sulfur dioxide, which also enter our bodies through breathing.
Health risks & effects from burning scented candles
Even if the amount of pollutants emitted by a single candle seems small, poor indoor air puts a strain on the body and can cause unpleasant side effects. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, poor concentration and performance as well as burning eyes or asthma attacks can be a consequence. Some people are hypersensitive to fragrances and odors. Allergic reactions such as irritation of the mucous membranes to the fragrances of the scented candle or allergic contact dermatitis, especially on the hands or face, may occur. These reactions are increasingly triggered by linalool, cinnamon compounds, citrus aromas or other terpenes.
In addition to scented candles, many decorative items also emit toxic substances such as VOCs. You can recognize this by a chemical scent that often accompanies low-priced mass-produced goods. Responsible for this are sometimes less stringent production processes as well as low-quality materials used.
Small particles penetrate particularly deeply into the body, while larger particles are already filtered when inhaled. Ultrafine particles enter the bloodstream via the lungs and thus spread throughout the body. Serious health problems can be the result:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Respiratory diseases & infections
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Cancer
6 tips for healthier & toxin-free coziness on Halloween & in autumn
- Use essential oils instead of scented candles or place bowls with spices such as cinnamon sticks and cloves. A potpourri of dried flowers, berries, fruit peels or woods can also spread a pleasant fragrance.
- You do not want to do without your scented candles? Then when burning the candles, make sure that they neither flicker nor soot or that the flame "eats" too deeply into the wax. Because this is a sign that the candle is emitting more harmful particles. Place the candle vertically and ensure sufficient wick length so that the flame receives enough oxygen and blazes with a sufficient distance to the wax.
- Monitor air quality with an air meter such as the air-Q and replace stale room air with fresh air as needed.
- Instead of blowing out the flame and spreading more pollutants in the room through the candle vapor, extinguish the flame with a candle snuffer or squeeze out the flame in the liquid wax.
- Ventilate after you extinguish the scented candle.
- Instead of scented candles for your Halloween decorations, use LED candles or create organic candles made from beeswax, soy wax, canola wax or coconut oil.
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