Scented candles and incense may be more toxic than cigarettes
Photo: Why scented candles and sticks are harmful (freepik.com)
Scented candles and incense may create a cozy atmosphere, but they also release volatile organic compounds into the air, invisible to the human eye, states nutritionist Oksana Skitalinska.
Harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, ozone oxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde, are released into the air during burning. Regular use of these products can result in concentrations of harmful substances in indoor spaces exceeding WHO permissible levels by up to 15 times!
Why are scented sticks and candles dangerous?
Scented sticks emit, on average, four times more toxins than cigarette smoke.
Harmful particles enter the bloodstream and penetrate deep into the lungs.
PM2.5 particles, formed during burning, are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. They cause inflammation, which can result in genetic mutations and increase the risk of cancer, including lung cancer.
Potential health consequences:
- Coughing, difficulty breathing, and asthma flare-ups
- Headaches, nausea due to strong scents
- In severe cases, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer
How to reduce harm?
Pollution levels depend on room size: the smaller the room, the higher the concentration of harmful substances. To minimize impact:
- Use candles in large rooms with open windows.
- Avoid excessive use of scented sticks, especially in enclosed spaces.
- Keep in mind that packaging for scented candles and sticks often does not list all ingredients, making it difficult to assess their safety.
Safer alternatives for scenting indoor spaces:
- Sachets with natural fragrant herbs
- Diffusers and sprays that don’t require burning
- Flameless scented sticks
However, even these options should be used cautiously: don’t overload the room with scents, avoid placing them near beds, keep them out of reach of children.
A simple and natural way to create a pleasant home aroma is to place citrus peels, use fresh herbs, or apply essential oils. Health is more important than any artificial fragrance.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
