During the Christmas and New Year holidays, many people visit friends and family, often exchanging gifts. However, a warning from doctors emphasizes caution when receiving common gifts like candles to avoid unnecessary health issues.
According to a report from the UK’s Daily Express, candles are a popular and festive gift during Christmas time as they can provide special scents and create a holiday atmosphere. Nonetheless, they also come with risks of causing fires and other potential dangers.
Dr. Neel Patel, a family physician in the UK, explains that the chemicals in candles can trigger allergic reactions. He stated, “Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) when burned.”
These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or congestion. Therefore, he urges individuals sensitive to these chemicals to avoid using scented candles.
He further added, “If you are particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid using scented candles altogether or opt for unscented ones.”
A paper published by the National Library of Medicine in 2023 highlighted that burning scented candles releases various harmful gases, some of which are known to be harmless to health, while others may be carcinogenic.
These harmful gases may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons recognized as carcinogens, such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, which are byproducts of wax, fragrances, or dyes.
Common symptoms people may experience from exposure to burning scented candles include dizziness, headaches, mucous membrane irritation, difficulty breathing, teary eyes, sneezing, congestion, chest tightness, dry or itchy throat.
The paper recommends using candles made from natural materials like beeswax, with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, and only using them indoors in well-ventilated areas.
However, other experts suggest that scented candles only produce a small amount of VOCs and pose no significant risk when used in well-ventilated spaces. Dr. Renee Dixon, a pulmonologist in the United States, stated that indoor cooking is potentially more dangerous as it increases particulate matter in the air, which is associated with respiratory diseases.
She advised, “You must purchase high-quality candles and place them in well-ventilated areas.” Some believe — although not confirmed — that lower-priced products may contain more VOCs.
However, she acknowledged a possible connection between candles and bladder cancer. “All these volatile organic hydrocarbons accumulate in the blood and are eventually expelled from the body through the bladder, which is why they are associated with bladder cancer.”
For this reason, she recommended that patients with bladder cancer (both diagnosed or in remission) and those with chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should avoid using candles.
In terms of safely using candles, the Cleveland Clinic provided some tips, such as:
– Use high-quality candles. Research shows that low-quality candles release more chemicals, while high-quality candles burn slowly.
– Consider using alternatives like flameless candles or wax melts which produce fewer byproducts during the melting process.
– Only burn candles in well-ventilated rooms away from any flammable objects.
– Do not let candles burn for more than 4 hours.
– Never leave candles unattended. If you might fall asleep, refrain from lighting candles.
– When extinguishing a candle, do not blow it out or use a snuffer; gently dip the wick into the wax pool with a wick dipper. This method prevents smoke or wax splatters.
– Avoid touching or moving candles before they have cooled down.