Does it really matter if your candle is non-toxic or not? As long as it smells good, it can’t be doing that much harm, right?

It would be lovely if this were the case, but a growing body of evidence suggests there are dangers lurking in many popular brands of candles. A lack of transparency about what is contained in these candles makes it very difficult for customers to choose what is best for them.

There are many factors that contribute to the toxicity of candles in the home. The size of the room, how long you burn the candle, the airflow in the space and even the health of occupants will determine how dangerous your candles are.

The only way to be confident that your candle will not cause harm to residents – including pets – is to choose non-toxic candles. In this short guide, we’re looking at what the evidence says about candle toxicity and how you can protect your family by choosing candles with safe ingredients.

Why care about candle toxicity?

Candles are unique because they are designed to be burned. A home scent like a reed diffuser will release scent through your home slowly. When you light a candle in your home, this heats the wax which then vaporizes the scent compounds suspended in the wax.

When paraffin candles are lit, these release something known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These carbon-based molecules include substances like benzene and toluene which contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause health problems when inhaled.

Paraffin candles in particular are the most dangerous for health, but this isn’t the only ingredient that should start alarm bells ringing. The fragrance used can also cause irritation and allergic reactions.

It’s not just your indoor air quality you should be concerned about. Poor quality candles may also contain compounds known to be endocrine disruptors. These are compounds that can mimic, block or alter the action of your body’s endocrine system, which is the system responsible for hormonal regulation. Disruption of this system can lead to health problems.

The dangers of paraffin wax candles

As outlined above, paraffin is one of the worst offenders when it comes to toxic home scents. It’s a byproduct of the petrochemical industry and produces high levels of soot when it burns. VOCs should also be a cause for concern.

According to the American Lung Association, VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. They can cause breathing problems and nausea. They’re known to damage the central nervous system and other organs. And some are even known to cause cancer.

One study found that burning paraffin candles in the home is linked to reduced cognitive performance. This was compared to the kind of pollution a person might face during their daily commute next to roads.

Another found that scented candle use in the home can alter the state of airborne microbiome. This means that airborne bacteria was more likely to multiply, leading to lower air quality. Specifically, this article looked at scented candles made with “improperly refined wax materials”.

If a paraffin candle outlined the true risks on the label, we’re confident no one would want them burning in their homes.

Steps to safely scent your home

The dangers outlined above might make you want to avoid candles entirely, but you don’t have to take the purist route. Nearly all of these studies looked at the negative impact of burning paraffin candles in the home, which are widely available and more commonly used.

One of the studies pointed to the potential for making candles safe by focusing on the “combination of wax and wick composition to obtain the lowest possible emissions”. By avoiding paraffin wax and using a cotton wick, for example, emissions of harmful particles can be reduced.

You can also avoid potentially harmful compounds by choosing candles scented with essential oils that are known to be safe. This can eliminate the risk of endocrine disruptors making their way into your home.

It’s also a good idea to limit burning time and pay close attention to how you feel around scents. Rather than lighting a candle and letting it burn all day, set a timer so you remember to blow it out. This will also help to make your candles last longer.

You don’t have to give up scent to feel safe in your own home. If you’re not sure where to start, try the seasonal Summer Non Toxic Candle Gift Set to kick start your journey of discovery.