Experts issue dire warning as they reveal why popular scented candles might be harming your health
- Scented candles are a cozy addition to your home - but they could be harmful
- Some experts likened it to 'basically burning petroleum knowingly' at home
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Scented candles are a luxe addition to any home, but can the fumes be impacting your health?
Experts have weighed in on the topic exclusively with the Daily Mail, warning that there are some materials used in candles that can emit potentially harmful substances - and revealed how to avoid them.
Peter Spiegel, a wellness expert and founder and CEO of AirDoctor, warned consumers that scented candles are one of the most dangerous things that you can do to tip indoor air quality over to unhealthy.
'First of all, these candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum product,' he explained.
He then warned: 'You're basically burning petroleum knowingly and willingly in your own home environment.'
Spiegel explained that these candles release harmful compounds into the air called alkanes and alkenes, which are also found in car exhausts.
'Scented candles make matters worse as they almost all use synthetic fragrances,' he added.
'Synthetic fragrances are also derived from petroleum and include the dangerous hormone disrupting chemical called phthalates to suspend the fragrance in the air.'
Scented candles are a luxe addition to any home, but can the fumes be impacting your health? Experts have weighed in on the topic exclusively with the Daily Mail (stock image)
However, he said this can be avoided by burning candles that are made from natural sources like soy, coconut, or beeswax.
'If you want to enjoy scented candles make sure to purchase a scented candle that is both made from natural sources and has natural essential oils for fragrance,' he recommended.
Spiegel acknowledged that you'll 'pay a premium' for the natural alternative, but pointed out in doing so, you 'won't be compromising your health or the health of your children or pets.'
Dr. Paul Savage, a toxin expert and Chief Medical Officer at MDLifespan, agreed, warning that burning candles indoors can pose health risks - particularly when using certain types of candles.
He echoed what Spiegel said, adding the ingredients release some harmful fumes.
'These compounds are known to contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches, and even long-term risks like cancer with chronic exposure,' he explained.
Dr. Savage continued: 'Additionally, synthetic fragrances in candles can emit phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors linked to hormone imbalances.'
He said it's riskier in poorly ventilated spaces, where these airborne toxins can accumulate.
Peter Spiegel, CEO of AirDoctor, warned consumers that scented candles are one of the most dangerous things that you can do to tip indoor air quality over to unhealthy (stock image)
'However, not all candles are problematic,' he assured candle lovers.
'Safer alternatives include beeswax or soy-based candles scented with pure essential oils, which produce fewer harmful emissions.
'If you enjoy burning candles, ensure proper ventilation and limit their use to reduce potential exposure.'
The National Library of Medicine previously reported that when scented candles are lit indoors, several harmful gasses are released.
'They range greatly, from those known to have no effect on health except for those that may be cancerous,' an article read.
'The discharge of combustion gasses like carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide would contaminate the interior environment, according to studies done in environmental test chambers,' the publication also noted.
'A number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that have been identified as carcinogens, such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, were also found in candle fumes that are products of wax, aroma substances, or combustion dyes.'
They listed the most common complaints as vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, chest tightness and a dry or irritated throat.
