Due to the growing popularity of indoor air fresheners and room decor, using scented candles has gained much attention. Scented candles are the most well-liked, reasonably priced, and easily available luxury home accessories, giving spaces a feeling of coziness and a unique atmosphere. Scented candles are used to ease stress and encourage recovery.
According to a study in evolutionary psychology, seeing just the recording of a burning fire can also help with physical and mental relaxation. (6)
The sales of scented candles have increased by 30%, and the scented candle market is anticipated to expand by 3.3 percent between 2021 and 2028, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com.
A cross-sectional study was performed on Saudi Arabian university students from various regions. An online questionnaire survey adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey-II (ECRHS-II) was used to gather data in March 2020. The percentage of respondents who used scented candles was 65.7% (472/718). Out of 117 responses (24.8%), the top three health concerns were headaches 72 (15.2%), shortness of breath 42 (8.9%), and cough 37 (7.8%). Wheezing was considerably reduced when scented candles were used five to six times a week. Even though the correlation was not statistically significant, exposure to scented candles for longer than 60 minutes was associated with a higher frequency of headaches (1.42 times), sneezes (1.29 times), and wheezes (1.23 times).
On Instagram, Dr. Sethi, MD, explained how scented candles affect the lungs. He said, “As these candles burn, they release a compound alkane, also found in car exhaust. Synthetic candle fumes also release paraffin and phthalates, which can potentially disturb your hormone balance, and all these compounds can lead to chemical pneumonia".
When candles burn, they release various chemical compounds, like benzene and toluene. Exposure to toluene is known to cause various symptoms like irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, dizziness, headache, confusion, and anxiety. High concentrations of extended exposure to toluene can affect the nervous and respiratory systems.
Some people might also have an allergy to scented candles, which might lead to asthmatic attacks.
On the other hand, compounds like benzene accumulate in the blood and are excreted through the bladder, which increases the risk of bladder cancer. It is also believed to be carcinogenic and increases the risk of leukemia and blood cancer.
Dr. Sethi added that since these candles have a calming effect on our mood, we should switch to candles manufactured with real wax and natural scents rather than giving up on the scented ones to prevent gradually getting sick.
Dr. Sethi also discussed safer substitutes for scented candles in his reaction to the video.
Real wax made from natural sources like beeswax or soy wax is less toxic. These natural waxes produce fewer emissions. When burned, they do not release harmful chemicals as some synthetic waxes might.
Dr. Sethi
He further stressed that proper ventilation is always recommended since any burning material, including natural wax, can still produce some emissions. According to Dr. Sethi, oil diffusers with natural essential oils are a healthier alternative to burning candles because they do not produce smoke or soot.
Scented candles are mood enhancers, though they have a few health dangers. Burning candles releases chemical compounds that can cause several health issues. These substances can collect in the blood and lead to blood cancer. Exposure to them can also induce respiratory issues. Safer alternatives, like candles made of natural wax and oil diffusers, can reduce health problems.
References:
1. Khathlan, N. A., Basuwaidan, M., Yami, S. A., Al-Saif, F., Al-Fareed, S., & Ansari, K. (2023d). Extent of exposure to scented candles and prevalence of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms amongst young university students. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15001-6
2. Nazir, Z., Habib, A., Ali, T., Ghouri, H., & Haque, M. A. (2023b). The unknown risks of scented candles! what science has to say: An Editorial. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 86(1), 16–17. https://doi.org/10.1097/ms9.0000000000001524
3. Goldman, R. (2024b, June 25). The last word: Are scented candles harmful to your health? EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/are-scented-candles-harmful-to-your-health/
4. Sullivan, J. G. (2023b, December 27). Can burning scented candles spark health issues? The Cut. https://www.thecut.com/article/best-natural-candles.html
5. Clinic, C. (2024b, June 27). Worried if candles are toxic? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-candles-bad-for-you
6. Lynn, Christopher Dana. “Hearth and campfire influences on arterial blood pressure: defraying the costs of the social brain through fireside relaxation.” Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior vol. 12,5 983-1003. 11 Nov. 2014, doi:10.1177/147470491401200509.
