In recent years, scented candles have gradually become an important part of home decoration and self-care because of their multiple functions, such as creating a warm and romantic atmosphere, relaxing the mood, and purifying the air.

However, with the popularity of scented candles, discussions about their potential harm to human health are also increasing.

Analysis of the Ingredients of Scented Candles

Scented candles are mainly composed of three parts: wax, fragrance, and dye. Wax usually includes paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, and palm wax. The fragrance is the core ingredient of scented candles, determining the scent it emits. Dyes are used for the beauty and decorative effect of candles.

1. Paraffin: Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum. When it burns, it releases harmful gases including benzene, toluene, and sulfur dioxide, which are considered toxic to the human body.

2. Fragrance: There are many kinds of fragrances on the market, and their quality varies. Some inferior fragrances contain phthalates, which are considered to have potential hazards such as carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and endocrine disruption.

3. Dyes: Some synthetic dyes release harmful heavy metals such as lead and cadmium when burned. These heavy metals are very harmful to human health.

Harmful Substances Released During Combustion

In the process of burning, scented candles release some harmful chemicals in addition to fragrance molecules.

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Scented candles release volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene when burning.

These compounds, when inhaled, may cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure may even increase the risk of cancer.

2. Particles: Tiny particles (PM2.5) produced during the combustion process can enter the lungs through the respiratory tract, inducing or aggravating respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

3. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Some candles release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons when burning. These compounds are highly carcinogenic.

The Impact of the Usage Environment on Hazards

The usage environment of scented candles also affects the degree of harm to human health.

1. Ventilation Conditions: Using scented candles in a closed space with poor ventilation will cause the concentration of harmful substances to rise rapidly, thereby increasing harm to the human body. Therefore, when using scented candles, good ventilation should be maintained indoors.

2. Burning Time: Burning scented candles for a long time will cause the accumulation of harmful substances and increase the harm. It is recommended to light scented candles for no more than 1-2 hours each time, and pay attention to extinguishing them in time.

3. Number of Candles: Lighting multiple scented candles at the same time will greatly increase the release of harmful substances. Therefore, try to control the number of candles lit simultaneously to reduce the impact on indoor air quality.

Conclusion

As a decoration that improves the quality of life, the atmosphere and fragrance brought by scented candles are indeed pleasant. However, the harmful substances produced during the burning process should not be ignored.

By understanding the composition of scented candles, the potential hazards during the burning process, and reasonable usage methods, you can enjoy the wonderful experience brought by scented candles while minimizing harm to human health.

Therefore, when choosing and using scented candles, it is essential to be cautious to protect the health of yourself and your family.