Deborah deMoulpied As the cold, dark days of winter envelop the northern hemisphere, many of us find solace in the warm glow of candles. Candles have become a staple in home decor, offering a serene and inviting ambiance. However, beneath their calming presence lies a less-known, potentially hazardous reality.
The journey of candles from necessity to luxury is intriguing. Once essential for nighttime visibility, the advent of electricity relegated candles to a decorative role. In the 1980s, their popularity surged, not for illumination but for their aesthetic and aromatic qualities, leading to a boom in the candle industry. Yet, this rise in popularity brought to light some unsettling research findings.
Studies have consistently shown that candle burning releases a cocktail of toxic chemicals. These include carcinogens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ultrafine particles (UFPs), and soot, all of which pose significant health risks. Soot is conclusively associated with lung cancer.
The type of candle plays a crucial role in the level of emissions. Paraffin wax candles – made from fossil fuels – are of greatest concern. That soot stuck to the inside of the Yankee Candle jar? It’s but a fraction of what actually became airborne and landed on your furniture or went deep into your lungs.
But it’s not just the wax that’s problematic. The addition of scents and colors to candles further increases the release of harmful chemicals. Even unlit candles can emit these toxic compounds! Many people experience adverse reactions such as headaches and coughing from these additives, with some studies even linking scented candles to specific health risks such as bladder cancer.
⭐️ LEARN MORE: How To Create a Healthy, Nontoxic Home
Despite a booming market worth over $8 billion globally, the true impact of candles on indoor air quality and health remains a contentious issue. Industry-sponsored studies usually downplay the risks, focusing on compliance with regulatory standards. However, these studies have limitations, often ignoring the cumulative effect of burning multiple candles, which adds to already poor indoor air quality and could surpass safe thresholds. And the conflict of interest is obvious – like asking the manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes whether it’s safe to smoke.
So we are still left with the question: is it safe to burn candles? The truth is: “Sometimes, it can be – it depends.” If candlelight brings you a sense of well-being and comfort, there are things you can do to enjoy candles more safely.
The most important best practice is to burn 100% beeswax, 100% soy, or 100% coconut wax candles without artificial fragrance. (Pure essential oils are better, but will still emit some VOCs). Beeswax, with its higher melting point, burns “hotter” than other waxes, thereby having almost complete combustion with less emissions.
No matter which type of candle you use, these guidelines are recommended:
1 – Burn fewer candles at once.
2 – Burn candles for special occasions and not on a regular basis.
3 – Keep the wick short, 1/8 to a ¼ inch. A longer wick draws up more wax and does not fully combust, resulting in more soot.
4 – Avoid drafts that make the flame flicker.
5- Ventilate, if possible, without creating a draft.
6 – Light quickly and snuff out the flame quickly, avoiding smoke.
7 – Avoid deep glass jars, as not enough oxygen gets to the flame. This results in less combustion/more soot.
8 – Avoid burning candles for an extended period of time.
9 – Use battery powered faux candles.
10 – Instead of scented candles, use a diffuser with real essential oils for ambiance. Or make your own diffuser by simmering some cinnamon sticks and orange peels!
Candlelight can have a powerfully positive effect on mood. It can comfort, soothe, and calm even frayed nerves. At the table, the soft glow of candlelight can make even the simplest meal feel romantic and special.
In my home, I think of candles as I think of chocolate cake: great to enjoy on occasion, but best not to make a habit of it. 100% soy, beeswax, and coconut candles also make nice gifts for any occasion – and who knows? They might spark an enlightening conversation about candles that brings a breath of fresh air to your friends and family.
References
Fine Particulate Matter Emissions from Candles
Candles and Incense as Potential Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Soot – Cancer-Causing Substances – NCI
Evaluation of Combustion Gases in Scented Paraffin Candles
Evaluating Emissions in Combustion Gases of Candles
(PDF) Combustion characteristics of candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil.
Incense smoke: clinical, structural and molecular effects on airway disease – PMC
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with special focus on cancer – ScienceDirect
Some Candles Emit Hazardous Materials for Human Health and are Indoor Air Pollutants
Evaluation of Gaseous and Particulate Emissions from Scented and Unscented Candles
Particulate Matter Indoors | American Lung Association
⭐️ LEARN MORE: How To Create a Healthy, Nontoxic Home
