what makes candles toxic

2021/05/21

"Evidence also shows that scented candles release VOCs and particulate matter into the air, including formaldehyde and benzene," chemicals that are known to cause cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This led the study authors to conclude that under normal conditions of use, scented candles do not pose known health risks to the consumer. (Its important to note that while this studys conclusion is consistent with others, few studies have looked into the health effects from burning scented candles in general.

Heretic is notable for the transparency of their ingredient lists (take "This Smells Like My Orgasm," for instance). A 2007 study funded by the European Candle Association examined every major type of wax for 300 toxic chemicals. And very often thats not the case, she said. Particulate matter is a mixture of extremely small liquid droplets and particles that can enter your lungs. scented toxins emit fumes headaches hunter goodhousekeeping productslearn more about Fragrances emit substantial amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including those classified as toxic or hazardous by federal law. Without outdoor air diluting the particles emitted, these toxins can build up in our homes. Exposure to chemicals emitted by scented candles is so low that they pose no significant risk to human health, she said. How Much Should You Really Sweat During a Workout? fumes alternatives That does not mean they are completely safesome can be poisonous when absorbed through the skin or if aspirated. The chemicals released from paraffin wax over an extended period of time could contribute to the development of cancer, allergies and asthma. This will keep the soot and smoke out of your house. Keeping your candles away from drafts can help decrease the amount of smoke they produce. Burning a candle releases chemicals that can be potentially dangerous to human health. Hanging Eucalyptus In the Shower Is One Trend That Has Real Mind and Body Benefits, Making These 3 Tweaks to Your Home Could Help Strengthen Your Immune System, Health Benefits of Tofu Even Meat Eaters Will Appreciate, Meet Alpha Arbutin, a Little-Known Secret for Glowing, Even Skin, Sunscreen Sprays for Your Face That Make Reapplication Less of a Hassle. In 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to ban the sale and manufacture of candles with lead wicks. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you do have a candle from before 2003 in your home, you can still test for a lead wick by rubbing the tip of the wick of an un-burnt candle on a piece of paper. Take action against corporate greed, learn new ways to reduce your impact on the planet, and discover green products you never knew existed. (VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.) Different types of fragrances have different effects in a candle known as the "scent throw", explains Grown. Burning candles releases volatile organic compounds and particulate matter into the air. What Is Juul and Is It Better for You Than Smoking? They found that while some potentially cancer-causing chemicals, like benzene and formaldehyde, were produced, the highest measured levels after four hours of continuous burning were less than half as high as the recommended indoor air-quality limits set by the World Health Organization. (2015). ", Among the "ways to avoid some of the air pollutants would be to buy candles made from natural waxes instead of paraffin waxes," agrees Brummit. If the label says blend without noting what has been blended, or is unlabeled as to what type of wax, skip it, as its likely paraffin. "I love my essential oils, but they're not really suitable for burning in wax. The toxic substances these fragrances emit are not only harmful on their own, but in the confined spaces of our homes, can react with ozone in the air and form harmful secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde. Phthalates: Among the many ingredients that fragrance is comprised of, phthalates are especially harmful. Candles seem to be a safe choice, but with a few considerations. Burning candles made of paraffin releases soot. At the end of the day, they can help us to unwind, and when guests are over, they offer an inviting scent to bring warmth to our homes. Because being greener is a selling point for many customers, it will usually be labeledsoy, vegetable, coconut are common labels youll see. These VOCs come in the form of car exhaust, factory pollution, and anything else that burns fossil fuels. "The other problem with paraffin wax candles is that they release soot, which contains chemicals similar to those found in diesel exhaust," says Dr. Sadeghi. However, many of these articles use inconclusive evidence or no evidence to back their claims. That's why Grow uses cosmetic-grade synthetic fragrances in her candles. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. "However when used occasionally with adequate ventilation, risks are significantly lowered, so cracking a window can be very beneficial.". Can Vaping Increase Your Coronavirus Risk? Himalayan salt lamps are believed to have various health benefits. Candles made from paraffin are suspected to release toxic chemicals including toluene and benzene. The biggest issues with candles are petroleum-based wax and air pollution. One study published in Regulatory Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2014 evaluated the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and particulate emissions from scented candles. CreditAileen Son for The New York Times. And most, including this one, were conducted by researchers affiliated with the candle industry. Ac., CYT, A Beginners Guide to Clearing, Cleansing, and Charging Crystals, 5 Latinx and Asian Ingredients This Multicultural Food Writer Uses to Eat Well. 2015 study by university-affiliated researchers in South Korea, We Switched Banks for People and the Planet, Recent Supreme Court Rulings: A Blow to People & the Planet, Skip oil-based paraffin and gel waxes and burn plant-based and beeswax candles only, Trim the wick to 1/8 or inch before every use, Dont burn the candle longer than recommended, Diffuse essential oils at home for aromatherapy without the air pollution, Read up on essential oils safe use before bringing them home. Ahn JH, et al. You may not reproduce, distribute, publicly display, modify or otherwise use these materials for any commercial purpose without prior permission from Nontoxic Certified. Symptoms can include: Soy candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than candles made from paraffin. Other VOCs, like formaldehyde and benzine, are potentially cancer-causing. "Air pollutants can also enter your body via your skin, nose, eyes, and mucus membranes in your mouth and throat. Burning a candle is an easy way to relax. Always do your research first and save yourself a trip to the ER or vet.". Any product that contains the generic ingredient 'fragrance' includes phthalates," he says. Theres concern that extended exposure to particulate matter can lead to heart and lung problems. If you cant find the right nontoxic aromatherapy candle to get rid of tension headaches or rejuvenate your tired body, you may want to try using pure essential oils. Like most petroleum products, paraffin is not clean-burning nor biodegradable in our environment. If you own a business, consider joining 1% for the Planet, naming MADE SAFE as your beneficiary. For starters, neither natural nor synthetic fragrances are ideal if you're inherently allergic or sensitive and this isn't exclusive to candles, says Brummitt. (2009). A Dive Into This Traditional Practice, The Benefits of Carrot Seed Essential Oil, Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. ", The amount of soot coming off your candle likely isn't dangerous, but you still want to avoid directly inhaling smoke for that reason. The cleanest choice is probably beeswax, which people have been burning for thousands of years, although it's likely the most expensive. Plant-based waxes burn at a lower temperature, meaning they will last longer and come from renewable sources. Alternatives to toxic aromatherapy candles abound. In one key peer-reviewed study published in 2014, for instance, researchers burned a scented paraffin candle in rooms of various sizes from the equivalent of a small bathroom measuring 6 by 6 by 9 feet, to a living room measuring 15 by 15 by 9 feet and used special instruments to measure what was released into the air and lingered there. "This is because the artificial fragrance is derived from petrochemicals [chemicals derived from petroleum]," he says. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best We dive into the research and our favorite nontoxic candle brands. That's why there aren't many naturally-fragranced candles out there and if you do find one, it might not really smell like anything once you light it. Allopathic medicine is a phrase used for modern or mainstream medicine. eca-candles.com/2018/09/26/eca-statement-refuting-study-by-south-carolina-state-university-researchers-suggesting-candles-may-release-harmful-or-even-carcinogenic-pollutants/, federalregister.gov/documents/2003/04/18/03-9255/metal-cored-candlewicks-containing-lead-and-candles-with-such-wicks, eca-candles.com/2018/09/28/particle-emissions-from-candles-are-no-health-hazard-2/, eca-candles.com/pdf/Oekometric-Wax-1797_NCA_NL_42908.pdf, www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/uep/particulatematter.html, The 9 Best Non Toxic Candles & What to Consider, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, The Benefits of Paraffin Wax and How to Use It at Home, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. This article explores the evidence to sort fact from fiction. Instead, the scent will be listed as fragrance or parfum, which provides no information to the conscious shopper. At this time, theres no conclusive evidence that burning candle wax is damaging to your health. However, McBride still believes candles have the potential to be "very toxic" depending on the materials used to make them. Olszowski T, & Kłos, A. "Scent throw is used to describe how well the scent circulates throughout the room," she says, noting that essential oils the only real "natural" way to fragrance a candle don't have a great throw. "The debated question is if the amount of VOCs you're exposed to when burning a candle indoors reaches a level harmful to human health," she says. This can include a DIY essential oil spray or simmer pots using fruit, herbs and spices. According to a statement released by the European Candle Association, They have provided no data for review, and their conclusions are based on unsupported claims. Use alternative methods to keep your home smelling great! However, not all countries have this ban, so be wary of products purchased outside of the U.S., unless that country has a similar restriction. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The European Candle Association offers the following advice for handling candles: Burning almost anything has the potential to release chemicals that may harm your health. (2018). Indoor Air Pollution in a Confined Space: When we burn candles containing toxic components, we create a confined space in which pollutants can accumulate. Trimming the wick will help "reduce soot and thereby reduce unwanted air particulate matter," agrees McBride. Dr. Sadeghi, specifically, is still in favor of naturally-scented candles. Specifically, "lower-quality waxes, and synthetic, inorganic oils." Some VOCs are suspected or proven carcinogens. (2018). ", That said, anything that's combustible (meaning, can catch fire) can release carbon and soot via smoke, says Grow. With very little effort, you can fill your home with soothing scents without filling it with toxic gases. In addition, they don't bind well with wax, so most candle makers either have to add a ton [of fragrance] which is expensive, or need to use stabilizers in the candle." DOI: ECA statement refuting study by South Carolina State University researchers suggesting candles may release harmful or even carcinogenic pollutants. A standard method for measuring benzene and formaldehyde emissions from candles in emission test chambers for human health risk assessment purposes. Melinda Wenner Moyer is a science journalist. Most modern candles are made from paraffin wax, but theyre also commonly made of beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax. This study found that "under normal conditions of use, scented candles do not pose a known health risk to the consumer.". When candles burn, they release chemicals in relatively trivial concentrations, said Pamela Dalton, an odor perception and irritation researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. And according to experts, there is no reason to think that occasional candle-burning will be dangerous. Often these waxes will be 'fragrance-free' but still have their own naturally pleasant scent.". Paraffin wax is made from petroleum byproducts, so if youre concerned about the environment, consider soy, stearin or beeswax candles instead. DOI: Report on the kometric wax and emissions study. Some people claim that candles release potentially harmful toxins. In todays world, candles are used as decorations, in ceremonies, and to release relaxing fragrances. Indoor air pollution from candles can include substances such as particulate matter, which can enter the lungs when of small enough size. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Even though the smoke is cleaner, its a good idea to minimize your intake of any type of smoke. Fragrance: With scented candles, the ingredient list typically provides little to no explanation of whats inside a scent or where it comes from. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. "It's very important to look at all labels of any items you purchase for food, drink and, yes, even those you burn or diffuse into your breathable air such as candles and essential oils," says McBride.

The researchers found that the level of chemicals released by each type of candle was well below the amount that would cause human health problems. Can you even imagine a self-care day, spa appointment, bubble bath, or chill night in without a luxurious, scented candle? Besides endangering your health, soot from candles can cause damage to your walls, appliances, ductwork and even your personal ductwork. Soot can look like a black film around the top of the jar, on your walls, or even inside your nose if you have the candle lit too long and fall asleep, for example. A Trinidadian dietitian, Carrot seed oil is an essential oil that comes from the seeds of a plant called Queen Annes lace. Were going to look at what science has found about burning candles and separate the facts from common misconceptions. Unfortunately, that seemingly harmless candle could be filling the air in your home with harmful pollution and supporting the fossil fuels industry. And the amount of odor-causing particles produced in general are on the order of a few parts per million or even parts per billion, she added, which is the equivalent of pouring a teaspoons worth of a chemical into an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Still, the National Candle Association says that if people want to minimize the amount of soot released into the air, they should burn candles in well-ventilated areas that are away from drafts and vents, keep wicks trimmed to about inch and make sure that the pool of wax is free of debris. Characterization of hazardous and odorous volatiles emitted from scented candles before lighting and when lit. Ventilate your room after extinguishing a candle. Heres what we know about. Dominique was formerly a fitness editor and on-camera host for POPSUGAR before founding her content creation and journalism business, Dominique Media.

Wick toxicity has historically been the biggest candle-related concern, but that should be a thing of the past. 7 Simple Ways to Create a More Eco-Friendly Home, Black-Owned Beauty Brands You'll Love for Great Hair, Skin, and More, Apparently, People Don't Think Their E-Cigarettes Contain Nicotine, Why You Should Consider Buying Clean Beauty Products, people who are asthmatic or have chemical or fragrance sensitivities, Vaping of Any Kind Isn't Just Dangerous It's Lethal, especially if they live in a large city or near a highway, may include respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer, Synthetic fragrances go through way more testing. The good news: "Most manufacturers stopped using leaded wicks in the 1970s, and they were officially banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2003, along with imported candles containing lead," he says. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems. The highest levels also fell within the range of what is considered typical indoor air concentrations of the chemicals, too. However, people on the other side of the argument say that candles dont contain enough of these toxins to be a health threat. To request permission, please, MADE SAFE is proud to be a part of the 1% for the Planet network, which connects businesses and nonprofits to protect the planet. agrees Grow. One 2009 study found that burning paraffin wax releases potentially dangerous chemicals, such as toluene. "I've made candles for more than 17 years and used all different types of waxes, always looking for healthier alternatives," says Grow. As all the experts pointed out, vegetable or beeswax candles are a safe bet, with non-metal wicks, in a well-ventilated area, in short doses through the week or month. Calling on Businesses to Stand up for Democracy, 1612 K Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC 20006, Phone: (800) 584-7336 Fax: (202) 331-8166, Green America's website issponsored byGreen America members and, Growing the Green Economy for People and Planet. (2013). But dont worry, your home can smell great without compromising your health. Frequent use of certain candles produces unwanted chemicals. Carcinogenic Components: Conventional candles can release toxic chemicals including formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen, acetaldehyde, which is a probable human carcinogen, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are known or suspected human carcinogens. "Not all manufacturers are required to list all ingredients on their labels, so it's important to buy from trusted sources.". We'll walk you through ten popular methods, plus teach you how to. "The air sacs within your lungs are very thin and allow chemicals breathed in to quickly enter your body," she says. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you have already burned a candle you suspect might have a lead wick, toss it out. Most candle manufacturers stopped using lead in their candles in the 1970s. We avoid using tertiary references. Once upon a time, many scented candles on the market contained lead-core wicks. If it leaves a gray mark, like a pencil, the wick contains a lead core. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. our process. The Beeswax Co. has an arsenal of lightly honey scented (naturally, with no added fragrance) 100 percent beeswax candles with cotton wicks, as do many Etsy shops. Pigments used in candles can be toxic to humans and the environment. Indoor air quality is of utmost importance not just to those who struggle with allergies such as asthma, itchy throats, and headaches, but also for the possible long-term effects that VOCs have, which may include respiratory disease, heart disease, and cancer. That means if you do choose to light candles in your home, be sure to vent the space after with a fan and/or open window, as you would for other VOC-emitting items, like a freshly painted room or gas stove. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/09/well/scented-candles-health.html, one key peer-reviewed study published in 2014. Just like if you dont have to drive a car to get to your destination, dont; if you dont have to burn a petroleum-based candle, dont. Many people are sensitive to synthetic scentsif thats you, either skip candles altogether or go with unscented or naturally good-smelling, like beeswax, candles. MADE SAFE is proud to be a part of the 1% for the Planet network, which connects businesses and nonprofits to protect the planet. Inhaling any type of smoke can be unhealthy. If you want to minimize the amount of particulate matter you breathe in, sticking to candles made from natural sources is your best option. There is potential for toxicity, but the line is fuzzy; it's likely that you would have to be burning a lot of candles, for many consecutive hours, in a poorly ventilated room to experience negative effects. (Related: The Best Air Purifiers for Allergies), McBride points out that you need to watch your respiratory health in general when it comes to these compounds. Even if you're not into aromatherapy or essential oils there's something so zen and beautifully indulgent about lighting a candle in your favorite scent. isn't so simple. Burning scented candles can release volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde that may increase your cancer risk. But are they really safe and healthy? According to one study, candles made from palm stearin only release half as much soot as candles made from paraffin. Based in La Jolla, California, she's a certified health and nutrition coach with Precision Nutrition and covers a range of topics, from mental health and cannabis, to medical topics and women's health, to astrology, product reviews, and fitness. "Toxicity risk increases when candles are burned in closed confined spaces for multiple days, over prolonged periods of time," says Megen McBride, N.D., natural medicine doctor at Four Moons Spa in Encinitas, CA. A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). When candles burn, they release various vapors and particles into the air, but research suggests that using them is safe. Fragrance oils soften the wax, so the manufacturers used lead to make the wicks stand firm. The smoke from burning candles in a well-ventilated area is unlikely to have a significant impact on your health compared to the pollution you breathe in during your daily life. If youre using candles properly in a well-ventilated space, theyre unlikely to have a significant impact on your health. So it's worth asking: When it comes to candles, do you need to worry about what you're inhaling? Weve been told for a very long time that were at the low end of the animal kingdom in terms of being able to detect odors. "There's conflicting evidence in the literature addressing the question of toxicity in candles," says Mary Brummitt, N.P., One Medical primary care provider based in Seattle. Experts and studies have varied takes, but the consensus is that you can probably keep your favorite Diptyque burning. One of the simplest pleasures in life is coming home from a stressful day of work and lighting an aromatherapy candle with a special scent intended to make you feel calm and relaxed. No matter which type of candle you're burning, Grow offers these tips to help your candle burn longer, cleaner, and with less smoke exhaust and sooting: By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "Scented candles tend to burn with more soot because the compounds added for scent change the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio in the candle, which affects the way it burns," explains Brummitt. Most modern candles are made from paraffin wax. Skip the colored candles.

Its been supposed that the combustion products from these candles are similar to those released from a diesel engine. "This question needs more good research to be fully answered. Lead wicks were banned by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2003, but by 1974, the National Candle Association members had all voluntarily agreed to stop using lead wicks, including major brands like Yankee Candle. "It's important to remember that people are exposed to VOCs and particulate matter every day from other sources including car exhaust, especially if they live in a large city or near a highway. These materials are owned by Nontoxic Certified and are subject to copyright protection. Dominique Michelle Astorino is a contributing writer who has been reporting on health, wellness, and more for Shape since 2018. "This could be candles made with beeswax, soy wax, or others.