The candle is a common product found in people’s homes. However, what if the scented air brings more than a sense of calm and serenity?
With the ban on candles with a lead-cored wick, breathing in lead shouldn’t be a problem for people today, especially those who live in the United States, need to worry about. However, some said candles also release other chemicals that can be hazardous to your health.
“They can release different chemicals—toluene and benzene—into the environment when they’re burned,” said Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil, a physician and pain researcher, in a Fox News report.
In addition, benzene is a known carcinogen—substances that can cause cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), long-term exposure to benzene is harmful to bone marrow, which can cause the body to make fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets. Moreover, links have been found between benzene and leukemia.
In a study carried out at the South Carolina State University, different brands of paraffin wax and soybean candles were tested. The research found that while the soybean candles produced no toxic chemicals, the paraffin candles released chemicals such as alkanes, alkenes, and toluene. It should also be noted that the candles tested were nonscented and non-pigmented.
However, the research is refuted by the European Candle Association (ECA). In 2017, the National Candle Association asked the South Carolina State University to remove the information about the research from its website (pdf), saying the research was flawed and that the study has not been published or peer-reviewed after it was presented at a 2009 science conference.
Another research, conducted by professor Alastair Lewis of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of York, found that candles that give a citric smell may cause the formation of formaldehyde in the air.
According to the Telegraph, citric-scented candles contain limonene, which is considered safe in an unaltered state. However, once limonene reacts with ozone in the air, formaldehyde can form.
Formaldehyde can irritate the skin and cause watery eyes, coughing, and nausea, according to the ACS. The substance is also classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The ECA gave its opinion on the issue in a press release, saying a BBC report suggesting citric-scented products can cause the formation of formaldehyde lacks scientific support.
In general, candles should be safe to use.
“If you’re using candles periodically, you’re probably safe. There’s probably enough space around, I wouldn’t necessarily worry. But if you’re regularly using these wax-based candles in a closed space, then I would be a little more concerned,” explained Nampiaparampil.
Opening windows and doors is a way to improve indoor air quality, and a study conducted by NASA (pdf) shows different types of plants absorb different amount of harmful chemicals.
