Can scented candles cause lung problems?

Some brands have a wick that is wrapped around metal and this can produce toxic soot, which could also cause lung problems. Long-term exposure to the fumes given off by scented candles could lead to cancer, allergies and asthma, suggest scientists from South Carolina University.

Is inhaling candle fumes bad for you?

Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, alcohol and esters. These harmful chemicals can cause health problems ranging from headaches, dizziness and allergy symptoms to asthma attacks, respiratory tract infections and even cancer.

Can candles cause pneumonia?

Lipoid pneumonia is a very rare disease and its exposure history remains unclear. The development of exogenous lipoid pneumonia in the present case may be attributed to inhalation of vaporized paraffin from burnt candles.

Can candles trigger asthma?

Scented candles They may smell nice and look cosy on a dark evening. But, perfumes or scented candles can trigger asthma symptoms.

How long should you burn a candle?

As a rule of thumb, candles should not be allowed to burn for longer than four hours. After putting out the flame, let the candle cool for two hours before relighting. Also, make sure you keep the flame away from moving air.

Is burning candles bad for COPD?

Chemicals and Sprays Cleaning products and paints can irritate COPD, as can perfumes, hair sprays, scented candles and air fresheners. Use non-toxic, natural cleaning products and skip the scented body products if they trigger a reaction.

Can candles cause lung irritation?

Furthermore, when you light paraffin candles in an unventilated space, it can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract as well as the skin. Paraffin wax is also more likely to produce soot, which many people find irritating as well as unsightly.

Is scented candles bad for asthma?

Scented candles give off odours that often aggravate asthma symptoms. Monitor asthma symptoms closely. Do not use candles when asthma symptoms are present.

Do candles purify the air?

Beeswax or soy candles. These candles burn cleaner than regular paraffin wax. Beeswax candles clean the air by releasing negative ions into the air which bind with toxins and help remove them from the air.

Why should you not burn a candle for more than 4 hours?

If you burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time, carbon will collect on the wick, and your wick will begin to “mushroom.” This can cause the wick to become unstable, the flame to get too large, your candle to smoke, and soot to be released into the air and around your candle container.

What are the harmful effects of candle smoke?

The harmful effects of candle smoke included lung inflammation and toxicity, arteriosclerosis, and ageing effects on chromosomes in the lungs and spleen. Ultimately, this all leads to an increase in particulate air pollution (specifically, indoor air pollution).

Are candle fumes more dangerous than diesel exhaust?

In particular, candle fumes are more toxic than diesel exhaust, Danish scientists claim. Additionally, researchers at Copenhagen University report that candle fumes damage the lungs and spleen.

Do candles give you cancer?

Experts have criticised the research, saying that there’s not enough evidence to prove that it could cause cancer. A spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, said: “There is no direct evidence that everyday use of candles can affect our risk of developing cancer.

Are paraffin candles bad for your health?

Dr Ruhullah Massoudi said: “The paraffin candles we tested released unwanted chemicals into the air. “For a person who lights a candle every day for years or just uses them frequently, inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks like cancer, common allergies and even asthma.”