Are Candles Bad for You?

Last Updated on August 31, 2022 by Tracey McGrath

Candles and your sense of smell

Smell is one of our fastest and most reliable senses.  It helps us identify danger.  Something smells off. It can help us find food. Is someone grilling out today? 

Both are key for survival.  Also, our ability to smell can trigger emotional responses.  A memory of your grandma’s pie.  The smell of your child on a piece of clothing.    Certain aromas even create physiological responses.  Lavender, for example, reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.¹  In one study, sweet orange essential oil helps to reduce anxiety in patients awaiting dental procedures.²  

Incorporate different scents into your day. They can transport you to a different time in your life or transform your mood. For some excellent essential oils check out Plant Therapy.  They have an awesome beginner set to get you started.  

How smell triggers emotions

Scent is tremendously critical to our life experiences and memory development.   Smells are directed to the limbic system in the brain.  The amygdala and hippocampus are parts of the limbic system. Both of these areas create emotions and memories.³  

Candles for stress management

So, burning a scented candle can help you to calm your nerves.  The scent itself may recreate a good memory.  Or maybe you just want your house to smell like a seaside villa.  That image creates a sense of peace and joy.  
Maybe the ritual of lighting candles reminds you to take note of the present moment.  A great way to practice mindfulness!  Grab my free mindfulness daily journal to help enhance your mindful moments.        
Other ways to help manage stress are meditation and journaling.  Check out my article on how to start your meditation practice and the benefits of a journaling practice.     

Are candles releasing toxic chemicals?

There have been claims that certain types of candles aren’t safe to burn.  Many man-made products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  Paint, tobacco smoke, cosmetics, cleaners, and candles just to name a few.  Candles emit these compounds whether they are lit or not.  The fragrance itself is considered a VOC.^{4, 5} 

The amount of toxic chemicals from scented candles is so low that there isn’t any harm to humans.  This is according to a 2014 study.⁶  

There are short-term and long-term adverse effects associated with VOCs.  But the amount of VOCs that you are exposed to using a scented candle in your home doesn’t increase your risk of harm.  Heating your home or even cooking your dinner may pose more of a threat than a scented candle does.   

How to burn your candles safely

According to the National Candle Association, there are specific ways to burn candles properly. These guidelines reduce your exposure to soot and chemicals.⁷

1. Use a well-ventilated space.
2. Make sure it’s in a draft-free area.  Drafts increase the amount of soot.  
3. Keep the wick trimmed to about ¼ inch.
4. Don’t blow out a candle.  Use a snuffer or dip the wick in wax. This reduces soot.

Candles do produce fine dust particles which could penetrate the lungs.  But the flame of the candle is so hot that the amount of particles released is very low.⁸

What’s the deal with soot?

Soot is the byproduct of incomplete combustion.  Basically, that black smoke that you see when you blow out your candle.  Soot can cause problems if inhaled continuously for long periods of time.  But again the amount you may be exposed to from your candles is minimal.  Use the guidelines above to reduce your exposure to soot.⁹       

Not all candles are created equally.

Most candles use paraffin wax.  Others use soy, coconut, palm, vegetable, or beeswax.  Oftentimes you will find a blend of these.  One concern about paraffin wax is that it is a byproduct of petroleum products.¹⁰   Some people choose to avoid petroleum-based products since the refining of crude oil may contribute to climate change.¹¹  Also, paraffin produces more soot than soy candles.  One study shows that soy candles burn longer and require less air than paraffin candles.¹²

Candles to Delight Your Nose

Candascent Labs is an excellent resource for healthy candles.  Their candles are a blend of soy and coconut waxes.  The fragrances are all from organic essential oils.  And each candle contains Beta-Caryophyllene. This is a plant-derived compound that helps to regulate our nervous systems.  And they smell amazing! 

Plant Therapy is another great resource for candles scented only with essential oils.  They use a soy and coconut wax blend and a cotton wick.  

House of Intuition offers a selection of candles that are beautiful and smell wonderful.  The candles also offer beautiful sentiments like Abundance or Creativity.  I use the Creativity candle to tap into my creativity more.    

Voluspa and Capri Blue candles are also some of my favorite scented candles.  These are the candles always burning in Anthropologie stores.  Now you can make your home smell like an Anthropologie store!   

P.F. Candle Co also makes some of my favorite scents. I love the Amber and Moss candle and diffuser. I love the minimalist packaging and that the scents are not overpowering.

How to improve ventilation in your home?

If you are still concerned about particles in the air, you may want to try ways to improve the airflow in your home. The CDC recommends opening the windows, turning on ceiling fans and exhaust fans.¹³ Make sure to change the air filters in your home every 3 to 6 months. Also, you could use an air purifier. These are excellent strategies to improve airflow but are not necessary to do when burning a candle.

What about the wick?  

In 2003 lead wicks were banned.  Prior to 2003 most candle manufacturers voluntarily stopped using lead in wicks.⁷  But as a precaution, it may be advisable to purchase candles made in the US or Europe and from a reputable source.  Look for cotton or wood wicks.   

What if I have migraines?

People who suffer from migraines may find certain fragrances trigger headaches.  If so, I would recommend avoiding scented candles or any strong scents for that matter.  Keep a journal of exposures to determine your potential migraine triggers.  Note any scents, foods, environments, emotions, sounds as well as your menstrual cycle.    

What if I have asthma or allergies?

Some people with asthma or allergies could be sensitive to scented candles.  In those cases, use candles that only contain essential oils or just use unscented ones.¹⁴  If you have an allergic reaction or asthma attack, stop use and seek medical attention. 

So, are candles unhealthy for you?

Candles can provide healing and calming benefits.  Choose scents that you love and feel good to you.  Burn according to the guidelines above to reduce exposure to chemicals.  But any toxin exposure from your scented candles is minimal. You may indulge in burning scented candles to your heart’s delight.  

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17291597/#:~:text=Various%20physiologically%20active%20substances%20in,correlated%20with%20aroma%2Dinduced%20FRSA.&text=These%20findings%20clarify%20that%20lavender,the%20body%20from%20oxidative%20stress.
2. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/act.2015.29016.jbu?journalCode=act
3. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/ 
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25588193/
5. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24582651/
7. https://candles.org/faqs/
8. https://www.eca-candles.com/2018/09/28/particle-emissions-from-candles-are-no-health-hazard-2/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5492873/
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/paraffin-wax
11. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210820111125.htm#:~:text=Summary%3A,Gt%20from%202020%20to%202030.&text=The%20oil%20refining%20industry%20plays,supply%20chain%20and%20climate%20change.
12. https://aocs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1007/s11746-002-0562-y
13. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/Improving-Ventilation-Home.html
14.  https://parade.com/1310643/shameikarhymes/are-candles-bad-for-you/

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