Few feelings compare to the immediate sense of calm brought about by lighting a
scented candle
. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve chosen a high-end brand or a £4 supermarket dupe with suspiciously similar packaging: this simple act can soften the edges of the most stressful days (and make you feel like you just about have your life together at the same time).
Just light the wick, observe the flame come alive, and subsequently allow your preferred scent to permeate the air.
waft through the room
while experiencing an equally smug and refined demeanor. Extra credit if the
scent
is crafted to invoke a highly specialized ambiance, such as leafing through ancient volumes in a quaint bookstore, stepping into a bakery during a bright morning, or strolling through a particular floral marketplace as the sun sets.
For better or worse, they’ve turned into a fast track to self-care and an instant remedy for our frayed nerves (and let’s not forget, they make the ideal accessory for crafting that picture-perfect social media image, which definitely hasn’t hurt their appeal). It’s no surprise, therefore, that these lightly scented status symbols have grown into a major industry. From 2021 to 2022, consumers in the UK shelled out £418 million on scented products.
candles
According to data analysts at Kantar, the global market is expected to increase from nearly $4 billion to $6.1 billion (£4 billion) over the coming ten years. While these indulgences may appear relatively innocuous, apart from their hefty price tags associated with premium versions, perhaps we should scrutinize more closely what precisely we are consuming.
By this point, we’ve all become quite familiar with the risks involved.
air pollution
And how the fumes produced from burning fossil fuels can adversely impact both the environment and our well-being. In recent years, however, researchers have grown increasingly worried about indoor air quality as well. Given that individuals in industrialized nations typically spend around 90 percent of their time indoors, it’s crucial to be mindful of what we’re inhaling. Daily activities like cooking and even lighting candles can release particles and contaminants into the air, contributing to serious conditions including heart disease, strokes, and lung cancer. The WHO reports that over three million fatalities annually are linked to polluted household air.
Several studies have particularly examined the effects of indoor candle combustion, yielding some concerning outcomes. For instance, research conducted by scientists at Copenhagen University in 2017 involved experiments on mice that revealed troubling findings.
particles
Released by burning candles led to greater harm compared to the equivalent amount of diesel exhaust fumes. A separate Danish investigation examined exposure to ultrafine particles—tiny enough to deeply infiltrate the lungs and worsen pulmonary conditions—and discovered that approximately 60 percent of such exposures were due to candle combustion. You might wonder why numerous studies on candles come from Denmark; well, they rank as one of Europe’s leading purchasers of candles, with each individual consuming roughly 6 kilograms yearly (a trend linked to “hygge,” emphasizing comfort and coziness indoors).
How worried should we really be about our beloved small indulgences? A candle can be considered “basically a mini combustion source sporting an exposed flame,” according to Professor Christian Pfrang, who chairs the department of atmospheric sciences.
University of Birmingham
Similar to a fireplace, gas hob, or wood-burning stove, he explains, a candle also releases nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, particularly if the combustion process isn’t complete. If your knowledge from those high school chemistry classes has faded over time, let me remind you: incomplete combustion occurs when an object burns with insufficient oxygen; soot accumulating at the top of your candle jar can be evidence of this happening. “Both nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide are recognized for their significant effects on human health,” Pfrang notes, which include issues related to lungs and hearts. However, he warns that studies generally indicate that emissions from just one candle typically fall below the thresholds outlined by World Health Organization standards regarding indoor contaminants.
In the previously mentioned Danish research, particulate matter emerges as another crucial aspect. According to Pfrang, lighting a candle generates “various-sized particles,” particularly emphasizing those known as PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, which pose significant concerns. He further notes that exposure to PM2.5 predominantly impacts older individuals suffering from long-term heart or lung conditions, children, and asthma sufferers.
Moreover, emerging studies are beginning to investigate how these scents might affect brain functions. This year, researchers from the University of Birmingham, collaborating with scientists at the University of Manchester, discovered that just one hour exposed to candle smoke could hinder cognitive abilities, reducing individuals’ capacity to concentrate and read emotional expressions on others’ faces.
Once you begin to put
fragrances
Into the equation, matters get more intricate. When you burn any kind of candle, they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — substances that readily turn into vapors and disperse as gaseous particles. As explained by Nicola Carslaw, an indoor air chemistry professor, “‘Volatile’ essentially refers to components that will quickly ascend into the atmosphere.”
University of York
Extra synthetic scents result in higher levels of volatile organic compounds.
Other fragranced items—perfume, for instance—also include VOCs. However, their usage differs significantly. Unlike perfumes which aren’t typically burned, candles release VOCs into the air where “these compounds react with substances produced during burning,” making them potentially more hazardous according to Pfrang. When lit, candles emit harmful VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. As noted by Pfrang, “The levels of certain VOCs emitted from these sources may surpass those deemed safe by the World Health Organization.” He specifically highlights acrolein and benzo[a]pyrene due to their association with numerous health issues, particularly cancers.
Proper ventilation is essential for eliminating indoor air contaminants in your residence.
Carslaw points out that aroma chemicals can be found in various items such as air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and body washes. She notes that “the issue lies in their high reactivity upon release.” Additionally, research indicates that these compounds generate extra particles through oxidation in the atmosphere. For instance, recent investigations conducted at Purdue University in the U.S. reveal that these airborne contaminants are sufficiently tiny to infiltrate deeply into the respiratory system.
If all of this makes you want to discard your cherished candles along with their artisanal containers, wait just a moment before doing so. There’s positive news: By making some adjustments and altering how you use them, you can continue enjoying these items without excessive worry. Start by giving careful thought to airflow. As Pfrang explains, “Proper ventilation is essential for eliminating indoor pollutants from your living space.” This process can be expedited via cross-ventilation—opening several windows briefly to generate a breeze. While this may seem self-evident, consider how often during chilly winters you’ve lit perhaps a festive cinnamon-scented holiday candle yet kept your house tightly closed off to maintain warmth. Once more, let me point out my suspicion that the concept of hygge bears part of the responsibility here.
Effective ventilation shouldn’t diminish the aroma of the candle; instead, it ought to assist in distributing the fragrance evenly throughout the space by enhancing what insiders refer to as “candle throw” – essentially, the capability of the scent to disperse within a room.
Although an occasional candle won’t cause you to “drop dead,” as Carslaw says, where you light your candles matters too. You frequently notice this in major Hollywood films; there might be someone surrounded by 20 fragranced candles in a romantic setting within a room. Lighting such candles in a space with poor ventilation can lead to issues though. In short, avoid trying to replicate Monica and Chandler’s proposal scene from
Friends
Although fragranced candles are frequently marketed as an essential component of any relaxation ritual, she warns against using them in confined areas like bathrooms or keeping one alight for long durations in your bedroom right before bedtime.
And even though discounted alternatives with comparable fragrances may seem appealing (think of them as the scent equivalent of a fast-fashion version of a designer dress), it’s also important to understand the components of candles. As one expert points out, “The price really reflects the quality.”
Gail Race
An interior designer with experience in product development for home fragrances mentions that less expensive candles often consist of paraffin wax paired with synthetic fragrances. Even when these scents sound natural—like lavender—the cheaper brands usually opt for artificially created aromas instead of using genuine ingredients.
As you move into higher price ranges, individuals tend to use significantly cleaner-burning waxes such as beeswax and coconut wax.
When you burn paraffin wax, which comes from petroleum, it can release harmful substances into the air. However, as prices increase, individuals often opt for cleaner-burning alternatives such as beeswax and coconut wax,” explains Race. Additionally, these choices are generally better for the environment. It’s also important to pay attention to the wick, an aspect frequently neglected amid enthusiasm for exclusive scents and attractive designs. In earlier times, wicks contained a lead core designed to maintain their vertical position; however, they were prohibited in 2003 because of health risks (a fact worth remembering should you decide to revive some vintage candle treasures). Instead, cotton or wood-based wicks usually provide safer and more sustainable options.
It’s important to remember that when “a candle is put out, it releases a significant amount of particulates,” according to Pfrang. Thus, blowing out the wick at the end becomes “the most contaminating part of burning candles inside.” For a safer alternative, he suggests using a candle snuffer; despite sounding old-fashioned, these tools simply and securely extinguish flames without causing pollution. These devices come in various styles—some luxurious options available through high-end decor stores where form meets function, as well as straightforward models like those found at IKEA priced around £1.50.
Pfrang essentially suggests that there’s no need to worry excessively over “the occasional use of a candle,” but it is crucial to remain mindful of the possible pollutants. This way, you can “reduce your exposure while still indulging in activities you enjoy.” Personally, I light up a Diptyque “Baies” candle as part of my celebrations. Of course, with all the windows wide open.
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