Should I use scented candles to deodorize the room?

Doctor, does regular use of scented candles have any effect on health? (Binh Minh, 32 years old, Quang Ninh )

Reply:

Scented candles (or scented wax) are candles that emit a scent when burned. The scent of scented candles stimulates relaxation, helps control mood, and effectively eliminates odors, so they are popular with many people. Although they bring many benefits, they should not be used regularly. The level of impact on health varies depending on the level of exposure to chemicals released into the environment by scented candles.

Cheap candles using paraffin wax derived from petroleum, when burned, will release some volatile organic compounds similar to diesel exhaust into the air, such as acetone, benzene and toluene... causing headaches; irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; nausea; difficulty breathing. If inhaled in large amounts, users may experience lung problems, DNA mutations, and even cancer.

The fragrances used to scent these candles often contain phthalates. When burned, the heat releases the scent of phthalates, which help to scent the home. However, they can stimulate increased respiratory secretions, exacerbating allergy and asthma symptoms. In addition, burning scented candles also releases particulate matter (PM), also known as soot, which pollutes indoor air. PM is very small in size, and if exposed to high concentrations, it will settle in the alveoli, causing respiratory problems.

Candles made from expensive natural waxes such as beeswax, soy, palm wax, coconut wax, stearin (made from vegetable or animal oils) release fewer toxic chemicals than paraffin wax candles. However, they also produce soot when burned, so they still pose many potential health risks if used improperly.

Burning candles create a lot of soot, which poses many potential health risks if used incorrectly. Photo: Freepik

People with allergies, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. should not use scented candles because they can trigger acute attacks or make the disease worse.

It is best not to use scented candles regularly, especially in closed rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and air-conditioned rooms to avoid the accumulation of toxic gases, which can cause difficulty breathing. If you like scented candles, you should prioritize choosing natural wax candles and burning them in a well-ventilated room for about 15-20 minutes a day. Note that the wick should be about one centimeter high, and should not be too long, which will cause a large fire and a lot of toxic smoke. Trim the wick regularly to reduce soot. Avoid placing candles in unsafe, flammable places such as blankets, bed sheets, paper, etc. When you want to extinguish the candle, you should use a specialized tool or blow it out outside to avoid soot and smoke flying into the house, which will affect air quality.

In case of irritation such as runny nose, sneezing when burning scented candles, you should stop using them. Families can replace them with other natural, safe, cost-saving solutions to deodorize their living space such as regularly cleaning, vacuuming, and cleaning the house; opening windows to let in wind and sunlight; planting some green plants around the house such as ferns, dracaena, chrysanthemums, etc.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Ngan
Respiratory Department, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi

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