Health experts are warning about the potential cancer risks of scented candles and incense this holiday season.
Two leading researchers in Ireland have warned that popular year-round scented candles emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, chemicals and a number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
of Harmful gases and released chemicals It can cause coughing, sneezing and eye, nose, throat and lung irritation.
Their research on the topic and many others have shown that smoke from burning candles increases the risk of heart disease. Lung cancer and chronic bronchitis.
They are most at risk in small homes and rooms, such as small apartments, bedrooms or bathrooms.
Dr. Asit Kumar Mishra from University College Cork and Marie Coggins from University of Galway They urged him to be careful. According to a new op-ed: Using scented candles or smoking, when combined with closed wall ventilation and closed windows, can exacerbate exposure to indoor air pollution.
For example, when using scented candles, the amount of high-quality particles can increase by 15 times. World Health Organization.
He added: ‘Some of the organic compounds released by home fragrances such as benzene, phthalates and formaldehyde can cause cancer – and burning scented candles and incense indoors is a major source of formaldehyde.’
Burning holiday-scented candles and incense can release toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, which irritate the respiratory system and increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis.
Candles are popular not only for their pleasant aromas, but also for the aesthetic appeal they bring to interior decorations. They are used in more than 70 percent of households.
Burning scented candles indoors releases aromatic compounds that linger in the air; Chemicals such as aldehydesHydrocarbons and alcohols.
Some harmful compounds such as naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene are known to cause harm Cancer.
In the year In a 2014 study funded by the EPA, researchers tested 12 scented candle samples to see what chemicals they released when burned.
they 34 key compounds were foundVOCs and other harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and acetic acid, have been shown to cause both acute respiratory problems and short-term exposure to skin irritation and cancer, asthma, cognitive impairment, and chronic respiratory problems. for a long time.
Even short-term exposure to candle smoke can reduce cognitive function.
In one study, participants’ cognitive scores on a particular test before exposure averaged 48, which is considered an ‘average’ cognitive level.
After being exposed to bugs from a burning scented candle, their scores dropped to an average of 40, a ‘below average’ level of knowledge.
The researchers who wrote the op-ed They conducted their own research. This week, it measured the air quality of 14 homes in Galway, Ireland, 24 hours before and 24 hours after making changes to improve the home’s energy efficiency.
In one study, an average of 60 percent of exposure to small airborne particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream is caused by burning a candle.
In the year By 2022, approximately 20 million cases of cancer have been diagnosed, but this number is predicted to reach over 35 million cases by 2050. Air pollution, such as from scented candles, is a major driver of lung cancer.
Researchers measured five pollutants, including CO2 and PM2.5 (fine particles that can get into the lungs and blood), along with temperature and humidity in two rooms in each home.
PM2.5 particles, which are invisible to the eye, come from car engines, firewood and smoking. Pollution measurement devices are placed one meter above the floor near pollution and ventilation sources, while residents record indoor activities such as cooking, opening windows, and burning candles.
The results showed that activities such as burning candles, smoking and blocking walls can affect indoor air quality by increasing PM2.5 and CO2.
The two doctors said: ‘The use of candles in non-smoking homes can be a major source of air pollution.
Certain organic compounds released by home fragrance products, such as benzene, phthalates and formaldehyde, can cause cancer – and burning scented candles and incense indoors is a major source of formaldehyde.
A 2013 study in the journal Environmental science and technology Burning candles is known to be a significant source of fine particles in the air that can cause respiratory problems, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and impair brain function.
By measuring the particulate matter in the air, they found that particulate matter remained elevated for hours after the candle flame was extinguished.
On average, candle burning is responsible for 60 percent of total exposure to airborne particles, the smallest particles that can easily be inhaled into the lungs or even enter the bloodstream.
In the year A 2020 survey found that nearly a quarter of candle users reported health problems linked to candles, such as headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Using scented candles and incense, especially in small rooms and bathrooms with poor ventilation, exposes a person to highly harmful chemicals and worsens the damage.
In the year 2020 survey In Saudi Arabia, 66 percent of people who responded to researchers’ questions used scented candles, and 34 percent used them more than four times a month.
A quarter of people reported health problems linked to their candle use, including headaches (reported by 15 per cent), shortness of breath (nine per cent) and coughing (eight per cent).
Longer exposures (greater than 60 minutes) were associated with increased headache, sneezing, and wheezing, although not significantly.
The researchers concluded: ‘This finding suggests that the release of VOCs, phthalates and particulate matter, such as other scented candles, from burning scented candles may be responsible for the development of these negative symptoms.
Often the ingredients in scented candles are a secret because there is no federal requirement for companies to list them anywhere.
Instead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends — but does not require — manufacturers to disclose any potentially hazardous chemicals such as wicks or harmful fragrances.
As long as candles are not burned in well-ventilated areas, the risk of injury will be minimal.
HVAC expert Jessica Weeks told Real Simple: Consumers should avoid lead or metal wicks and paraffin wax candles.
You should choose soy, beeswax or coconut oil candles with cotton wicks. High-quality candles are more expensive, but typically last longer.’
