Fall is known for its aromas nearly as much as for its pretty foliage. As the weather cools off and dusk sets in earlier each day, we often spend a little more time indoors, close our windows and start to use fireplaces and candles more. All of this creates a cozy autumnal-vibe ambience.
But when we start to learn about air quality and toxins in our environment, candles are one item that top the lists of indoor air toxins.
When you burn a candle, it releases compounds from the wick and the wax into your home’s air. While a metal wick is not great, the more concerning thing is what’s in the wax, which is commonly made with paraffin and loaded with artificial fragrance.
To give off that delightful apple-pie or pumpkin-spice aroma when you burn them, candles release various compounds into the air. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and smoke.
VOCs are, per their name, volatile and can cause irritation and inflammation in the body. They are linked to many health concerns.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are notorious for not only being carcinogenic but also acting as endocrine disruptors. Meaning, they can impair how your hormone pathways function and cause all sorts of issues.
Your hormone pathways are essential – not just for sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, but for things like thyroid function and appropriate cortisol production.
Exposure to candles can cause additional symptoms for many people. Some common issues you may notice are vague symptoms like headaches, puffiness, wheezing, increased sensitivity and more.
Now, I’m not about to tell you to never burn a candle again.
It’s what you do daily and regularly that makes a difference.
When you know better, you can make better choices.
Here are a few tips to decrease your exposure:
- Choose a less-toxic candle. Look for non-metal wicks (wood or fabric are generally better) and a candle made from coconut wax or beeswax. Avoid paraffin candles, as these give off VOCs.
- Avoid using candles that give off much smoke.
- Invest in a high-quality air purifier. I like this one.
- Use the candle less. Choose one or two nights a week to enjoy it, and keep it to a couple hours at most. Ideally, with your air purifier on.
- Try a diffuser instead. You can control the quality much more here: add water and a couple drops of essential oils, turn it on, and enjoy the aroma. High-quality, organic and pure essential oils are best.
- Use the old-fashioned method. Simmer a pot of water with your favorite fruits and spices. Slice up an orange and an apple, sprinkle in some cloves, and add a couple cinnamon sticks. Set to simmer and enjoy the aroma. (If you’re having a party, this can double as a great way to make mulled cider or wine and/or a conversation starter.)
And for the love of all things healthy, open your windows regularly in general – fresh air and ventilation go a long way toward supporting indoor air quality.
References:
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.12.040
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15001-6
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001524
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