Burning candles at home may seem like a harmless and relaxing ritual, but it can have serious effects on your health. Undoubtedly, burning candles can reduce your stress, and even help you with various issues like headaches and body aches.
However, scented candles also release pollutants and particles into the air. According to a report by Health, certain types of candles emit chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The VOCs benzidine, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde potentially cause cancer and have been found in scented candles.
Health experts also warn that combustion from candles can cause indoor air pollution. The Health report also highlighted that though the concentration of potentially harmful chemicals in scented candles may be low, it is important know how often you’re inhaling them.
It is noteworthy that people with asthma or allergies may be more sensitive and more easily develop respiratory or skin symptoms from exposure to scented candles. A report by CNN Health revealed that one of the VOCs often emitted from candles is toluene. It is a clear, colorless vaporized liquid that has a distinctive smell and naturally occurs in crude oil.
Toluene is registered as a toxin with established exposure limits by some regulatory agencies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That’s because it’s a neurotoxin associated with dizziness, headaches or more serious effects at prolonged exposures, CNN reported. Benzene, a known carcinogen, is another VOC released by paraffin candles.
Candles made out of natural materials like soy or beeswax are safer than those with paraffin. You should avoid synthetic fragrances and opt for candles scented with natural oils.