Scented candles may be more harmful to your health than cigarette smoke

Researchers in Ireland conducted a study to evaluate the impact of burning candles on indoor air quality. The study found that when candles are lit, they emit toxic gases and particulate matter, which can be detrimental to lung health. This is especially concerning given that burning scented candles can produce pollutants at levels exceeding safety limits prescribed by the World Health Organization. The researchers assessed various pollutants, including CO2 and PM2.5, in homes with both burning candles and other sources of pollution, like smoking. It was revealed that the concentration of fine particles, which are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and triggering health problems, could increase drastically in non-smoking environments due to scented candle use. The use of scented candles can inadvertently introduce harmful substances into the air, posing risks such as coughs, eye irritation, or even exacerbating asthma. Notably, the study indicated that burning incense sticks produced significantly more particulate matter than cigarettes when comparing equal weights of both. Furthermore, the implications of poor ventilation were also highlighted, as poorly ventilated areas resulted in higher concentrations of irritants like formaldehyde. Compounding the issue is the lack of transparency regarding the full composition of scented candles, with manufacturers often disclosing only a fraction of the ingredients. This makes it challenging for consumers to understand what they may be inhaling while enjoying their favorite fragrances. Experts recommend burning candles in larger, well-ventilated rooms to minimize health risks, although they acknowledge that further research is essential to fully understand the long-term health consequences associated with frequent candle use in domestic settings.