So, yes, a candle does technically put out small amounts of chemicals that could be bad for you, but studies have found that the amount of released chemicals is not enough to cause health problems. “But these chemicals are at very low concentrations, and harmful lead-containing candle wicks have been banned since 2003.” “Most wax is made out of paraffin, which is derived from petroleum and can produce formaldehyde, benzene, acetaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,” she says. Let’s clear the air: Candles can produce and vaporize particles that could be unsafe if inhaled at an extremely high dose, but your average candle will not harm you, says Dr. Karin Pacheco, MD, is an allergist at National Jewish Health in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.Īrvey Stone, MD, is a pulmonologist affiliated with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Nikaeta Sadekar, PhD, is a respiratory toxicologist at the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, an international authority for the safe use of fragrance materials. Paul Guentert, MD, is a pulmonologist at Saint Joseph Pulmonology. Meet the experts: Pamela Dalton, PhD, is a member of the Monell Chemical Senses Center, where she studies odor and sensory irritation from volatile chemicals. Here’s everything you need to know to keep reaping the relaxation benefits and avoid any potential downsides, according to experts. But you should still be cautious about what types you burn and where and how you use them to minimize any possible harmful effect. Okay, so is it reasonable to assume that candles are totally safe? For the most part, yes. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to playĪnd unless you have a million candles in a small space with no ventilation, the levels of chemicals you breathe in from your favorite scented candles are really low, says Karin Pacheco, MD, an allergist at National Jewish Health in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.
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