The odorous fumes from scented candles are a hazard to human health.
Wicks are good, wax is harmless, what about the smell in scented candles? It is indeed a mixture of chemicals that make candles smell so seductive (you can’t put the sea and forest in wax, can you?). But all of these officially produced (emphasis on) fragrances meet safety standards. The International Fragrance Association ensures that the chemicals used are non-toxic and safe for humans. Still, it varies from person to person, and while spices themselves may be safe, they can cause problems for certain groups of people. Odors can cause breathing problems for asthmatics, discomfort for people who are sensitive to odors, and for the very young and the elderly.
Scented candles release particulate matter and volatiles.
When it comes to candles and their health effects, another bone of contention is whether they release harmful particulate matter into the air. Let’s start with particulate matter (PM). PM refers to the solid and liquid particles in the air we breathe, the smallest of which can get into the lungs through the body’s natural defense system. When these tiny particles enter the lungs, they can cause acute health problems ranging from coughing to heart attacks or strokes in the worst cases. Scientists think candles emit particulate pollution that could cause these dangers. However, that’s not to say that candles are the only source of particulate pollution in your home. There’s no indication that the PM from candles is more than the PM you inhale by taking a walk outside. Candles do produce PM and volatiles, both of which have been found to be bad for health, but it’s not the burning of the candle itself that’s the problem, it’s how long you burn the candle.
If you are worried but can’t seem to put the incense candles down, the best thing to do is to burn them less. There are no hard and fast rules on how long it’s safe to burn a candle (the research hasn’t), and the longer you burn it, the more pollution you produce, so try not to burn candles all day. In addition, proper ventilation is also necessary whenever you light a scented candle.
Anyway, incense candles aren’t made of lead wire, their wax is non-toxic, and you don’t have to struggle to enjoy their wonderful smell (unless you have asthma or allergies). So unless you’re really worried about PMS or volatiles in your home, it’s best to put them to good use. If you are still worried, it is better to choose “three products” produced by big brands.
