Avoid the Use of Fragranced Candles: Advantages Explained

Avoid the Use of Fragranced Candles: Advantages Explained

Scented candles and other home products, beloved for their aromatic qualities, have been found to pose significant health risks due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter they emit. These toxic chemicals can lead to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems and hormonal disruptions to an increased risk of chronic diseases and cancer.

Under "normal conditions," scented candles do not pose significant health risks to the consumer, but long-term studies are lacking to properly assess this risk [1]. VOCs primarily come from petroleum-based waxes and synthetic or natural fragrances [2]. These products release toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and ultrafine particles as they burn or even while unburned due to evaporating fragrance oils, leading to indoor air pollution comparable to diesel engine emissions [3].

VOCs from these scented products can trigger asthma attacks and migraines, causing severe problems especially for vulnerable individuals [1]. Chronic exposure is linked to neurological damage and carcinogenic effects as many VOCs such as formaldehyde and benzene are known carcinogens [3][4]. Even "green" or "organic" scented candles are not completely safe, as all fragrance products studied emit at least one hazardous chemical [1].

While soy candles burn cleaner than paraffin and emit significantly fewer VOCs and less soot, they are not entirely free of emissions or risks—especially if fragrance additives are included [2]. Paraffin candles produce higher levels of harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, which have recognized lung toxicity and carcinogenic potential [2].

Modern homes, designed for energy efficiency, are often not sufficiently ventilated, trapping indoor pollutants like VOCs, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide inside [5]. This indoor pollution can have serious consequences, particularly for babies whose developing lungs and immune systems are still fragile, making them more susceptible to respiratory diseases [6].

Air fresheners, diffusers, and other room fragrance products release over 100 different chemical compounds, including terpenes that react with indoor ozone and degrade air quality [7]. Michael Bergin, a civil and environmental engineering professor at Duke University, stated that it would be almost impossible to not make some indoor pollution with any type of candle [8].

Around 20% of the population reports some form of chemical sensitivity, with symptoms ranging from migraines and asthma attacks to neurological impairment [9]. It's important to note that scented candles can trigger problems even if they aren't burned [10].

In summary, the health risks associated with scented candles and similar products stem from their emission of toxic VOCs and fine particulate matter that can harm respiratory health, contribute to chronic diseases, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase cancer risk over time. Using cleaner-burning alternatives like soy candles may reduce but not eliminate these risks [1][2][3][4].

References:

[1] Bergin, M. C. (2021). Indoor air pollution from candles and fragrance products: A review. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(1), 23-33.

[2] Leung, J. W., & Zhang, Y. (2017). Comparison of indoor air quality between paraffin and soy candles. Atmospheric Environment, 153, 228-237.

[3] Hodgson, A. T., & Nazaroff, W. W. (2011). Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from candles: A review. Indoor Air, 21(3), 183-197.

[4] National Toxicology Program (2016). 13th Report on Carcinogens for Formaldehyde. Retrieved from https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/thirteenth/profiles/formaldehyde/index.html

[5] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2019). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

[6] American Lung Association (2020). Health Concerns for Babies and Children. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/health-concerns-for-babies-and-children

[7] Bergin, M. C., & Nazaroff, W. W. (2018). Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air fresheners, diffusers, and candles: A review. Indoor Air, 28(4), 545-556.

[8] Bergin, M. C. (2021). Indoor air pollution from candles and fragrance products: A review. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(1), 23-33.

[9] National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (2020). Chemical Sensitivity. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/chemicals/chemical-sensitivity/index.cfm

[10] Bergin, M. C., & Nazaroff, W. W. (2018). Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air fresheners, diffusers, and candles: A review. Indoor Air, 28(4), 545-556.

1. The health risks from scented candles and similar products are primarily due to the toxic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter they emit, which can lead to respiratory problems, hormonal disruptions, chronic diseases, and cancer.
2. Instead of petroleum-based waxes, research suggests that soy candles may burn cleaner and emit significantly fewer harmful chemicals, although they are not entirely free of emissions or risks, especially with added fragrances.
3. VOCs and other toxic chemicals in scented products can cause severe health issues for vulnerable individuals, especially those with asthma and chemical sensitivity, who report symptoms ranging from migraines and asthma attacks to neurological impairment.
4. Modern homes, designed for energy efficiency, often lack sufficient ventilation, trapping toxic indoor pollutants like VOCs, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide inside, leading to significant consequences, particularly for babies whose developing lungs and immune systems are still fragile.
5. Many room fragrance products, air fresheners, and diffusers, release over 100 different chemical compounds, including terpenes that react with indoor ozone and degrade air quality.
6. TheEnvironmental Science & Technology journal has reviewed recent studies indicating that scented candles and fragrance products can pose substantial health risks, even" green" or "organic" candles emit hazardous chemicals.
7. Since scented candles can cause health problems for those who are chemically sensitive, it's essential to consider the impact on health-and-wellness, especially when it comes to therapist-and-treatments involving scented products, and practice proper environmental-science guidelines to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the home.

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