Budapest: Burning scented candles at home improves the home environment, but a health expert has warned that burning these candles can add to our health problems.
According to Dr. Timas Pendiks, a public health expert at Hungary’s Semlovés University, the use of fragrances in candles has been linked to an increased risk of migraines, itchy eyes and throat, and respiratory diseases.
These fragrances can also cause conditions like asthma to worsen. Because when these candles burn, they emit fine particles of pollutants.
Apart from regular ventilation, one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to reduce the amount of chemicals we use.
Some candle makers use aromatic vegetable oils to avoid the harms of artificial fragrances. For example, thujone found in vegetable oils has been linked to damage to the nervous system.
While cinnamaldehyde (used in cinnamon-scented candles) can cause skin irritation and allergies.
Most candles are made from paraffin wax. Previous studies have suggested that it may cause cancer, but this is still under debate.
Some companies use wicks in candles (with cotton wrapped around a metal material) that emit toxic fumes that can cause lung problems.
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