Your holiday candles that smell like pomegranate, mint, and pine may spark joy in your home, but they may also boost your energy risk of heart disease and some cancer, A new study has revealed,
“Our research shows that some home fragrance products may be harmful to indoor air quality,” said researchers Asit Kumar Mishra and Mary Coggins from Ireland. Wrote in conversation last week,
Here’s a look at the toxic gases and irritant particles released into the air when you burn scented candles – and how they can harm your health.
volatile organic compounds
can be caused by burning candles volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon-based substances that easily enter the air we breathe.
Not all VOCs are considered dangerous – but some can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and loss of coordination.
Long-term exposure to VOCs — which are also found in paints, varnishes and cleaning supplies — can cause persistent headaches, liver and kidney damage. increased risk of lung cancer And worse asthma symptoms.
CNN report Paraffin wax, a cheap derivative of petroleum and the most popular candle fuel, is often the culprit for candle-related VOCs.
is a particularly carcinogenic VOC benzenewhich has been linked to the development of leukemia Long-term, with significant risk. FormaldehydeAnother VOC, has been considered “carcinogenic to humans” because it causes nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia in high concentrations.
“In poorly ventilated rooms, we have seen concentrations of pollutants like formaldehyde reach levels that May cause irritation of upper airwaysMishra and Coggins wrote.
Many artificial fragrances used in candles also contain phthalates, which are semi-volatile organic compounds that do not evaporate easily.
“The main concern is that some scented candles contain synthetic fragrances and dyes, which can release potentially harmful chemicals when burned,” Dr Kunal SoodRecently a pain management specialist in Maryland told the parade“An example is phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to ADHD, asthma, and even breast cancer,
poisonous gases
VOCs aren’t the only potentially harmful gases associated with candles. Small amounts of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide can be emitted when candles are burned – and they can be especially problematic in poorly ventilated spaces.
Carbon monoxide disrupts oxygen delivery to the tissues. carbon monoxide poisoning May manifest as headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. Excessive exposure to the colourless, odorless gas can seriously damage the heart and brain, can potentially even lead to death,
On the other hand, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide can irritate the nose and throat, causing coughing and difficulty breathing and exacerbating asthma and heart disease,
particulate matter pollution
Burning candles also release particulate matter into the air, mostly in the form of soot that can irritate the lungs. exposure to particulate matter pollution Has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease stroke,
Scented candles produce more particulate matter Compared to unscented candlesMishra and Coggins noted.
For example, when using scented candles, the concentration of particulate matter can increase up to 15 times the prescribed limit. World Health Organization,” they wrote. “It took some time for these levels to return to normal levels in less ventilated rooms.”
How to burn candles safely
Mishra and Coggins have identified three key ways to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in scented candles.
- Use these products in large spaces like the living room.
- Be sure to open windows and check that interior vents are not blocked.
- Extinguish the candles outside only because when the candle is extinguished, the maximum amount of smoke comes out.
