A GP has issued a warning
A medical professional has raised concerns about a popular Christmas gift. The physician warned that scented candles might trigger unwelcome breathing difficulties.
For many people, candles are a seasonal staple, creating a festive atmosphere. However, beyond the evident fire hazard, they present additional potential risks.
General practitioner Doctor Neel Patel, from LloydsPharmacy, highlighted that festive candles might provoke allergy-type responses owing to their chemical composition. He stated: “Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and additives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned.
“These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or congestion.” Consequently, he advised those susceptible to these substances to steer clear of candles altogether.
He continued: “If you are particularly sensitive, it’s best to avoid candles or opt for unscented candles instead.” His guidance is supported by research published in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery in 2023.
In this editorial, researchers noted: “When scented candles are lit indoors, several harmful gases are released. They range greatly, from those known to have no effect on health, except for those that may be cancerous.”
They cautioned: “A number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that have been identified as carcinogens, such as naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, were also found in candle fumes that are products of wax, aroma substances, or combustion dyes.”
They outlined “typical” symptoms reported by individuals exposed to scented candles as:
- Vertigo
- Headaches
- Mucosa irritation
- Respiratory issues
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Chest tightness
- A dry or irritated throat
They continued: “When burning scented candles indoors, quantities of pollutants such as formaldehyde, CO2, and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] were measured that were higher than background levels, showing that the candles were one of the sources of indoor pollution.”
They noted that certain coloured candle waxes contain dyes “which have been associated with urothelial cancer [a type of bladder cancer] development”. “Frequent consumption of scented candles for quite a long time and their use in inadequately ventilated rooms may increase the chance of developing urothelial cancer,” they stated.
In summary, they advised that people opt for candles made from natural materials such as beeswax and fragranced with essential oils rather than synthetic perfumes. They also suggested only lighting candles in well-ventilated spaces.
Nevertheless, one specialist observed that scented candles only emit small quantities of VOCs. Pulmonologist Dr Renee Dixon told the Cleveland Clinic that candles pose “no imminent danger”.
She highlighted that indoor cooking is more hazardous as it elevates the particulate matter in the air and has been associated with respiratory diseases. She advised: “You just have to be mindful about investing in high-quality candles and keeping them in well-ventilated areas.”
However, she did acknowledge a potential correlation between candle usage and bladder cancer. “All these volatile organic hydrocarbons accumulate in the blood,” she explained. “They eventually get excreted through the bladder, hence the link with bladder cancer.”
As such, she suggested that individuals living with or recovering from bladder cancer might want to steer clear of candles, as should those with chronic lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Guidelines for safely burning candles:
- Invest in high-quality candles
- Ensure your candle is lit in a well-ventilated room, away from any flammable objects
- Avoid burning a candle for more than four hours at a stretch
- Never leave a lit candle unattended, and refrain from burning it if there’s a chance you might doze off
- Instead of blowing out a candle or using a snuffer, utilise a wick dipper to gently immerse the wick in the wax pool. This technique doesn’t produce any smoke or wax splatter
- Wait until your candle has cooled down before attempting to touch or reposition it
- Consider alternatives to traditional candles, such as flameless candles or wax melts
