As soothing as they might smell, as your trusted New Jersey urgent care provider, we want you to think twice before lighting that candle or plugging in a fragrance box. Because when it comes to indoor air quality and your health, many studies show that they are both significant pollutants. Thankfully, through natural alternatives, you can still create an aromatic scent throughout the home without stirring up your indoor allergies and asthma.
Dangers of Scented Candles
Many studies show that scented candles pose dangerous health risks; so you might want to think twice before lighting up that sugar-cookie candle.
Besides the clear fact that candles pose a dangerous fire risk especially if you have children, they also give off smoke which can irritate people with nasal allergies. To those with a sensitive nose, a scented candle can be no different than cigarette smoke and trigger uncomfortable symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes and headaches.
Burning paraffin wax also produces soot with particles that can remain in the air for hours after being burned. In size and composition, these ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust and can penetrate deeply into the lungs. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency shows that candles with more fragrance in them produce more soot; the agency suggests choosing unscented candles to reduce this leftover debris.
Additionally, many mass-produced candles on the market are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct; many also use synthetic fragrances and dyes. When burned, they release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air (including acetone, benzene and toluene), that not only trigger indoor allergies and asthma but are also known carcinogens.
Scented Plugins Pose Health Risks
Many people who are cautious about the flames of candles often turn to scented plugins. However, it’s not just scented candles making us sick; plug-ins, gels and aerosols are also irritating to our airways and troubling to our health. The chemicals found in the fragrance and wax have researchers fearing that long-term use of these items may also lead to allergy irritation and asthma.
Safer Scent Alternatives to Prevent Indoor Allergies and Asthma
If you’re still longing for that soothing ambiance of a candle, don’t despair. As an alternative to traditional candles, non-toxic soy or beeswax candles produce less soot, burn slower (lasting about 30% longer) and are less likely to trigger indoor allergies or asthma.
Or try an even safer way to scent your home and add some humidity to the air at the same time through diffusion. Essential oil diffusers create a wonderful aroma with therapeutic benefits. Depending on the oil used, diffusing oils such as lavender, peppermint and frankincense can deodorize the household air of odor, promote a calm environment and support respiration all while leaving your home smelling great.
eMedical Urgent Care Walk-In Medical Clinic
At eMedical Urgent Care, we take your health very seriously. And part of maintaining your health is maintaining good indoor air quality. If you feel that you or your child is suffering from asthma, see a doctor at one of our locations. Walk-in treatment for asthma and allergies is available at eMedical Urgent Care in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 908.464.6700, or Middletown, New Jersey 732.957.0707. Our convenient hours are designed to fit your busy schedule.
As a seasoned expert in environmental health and indoor air quality, my knowledge extends deep into the intricacies of pollutants that impact our living spaces. I have dedicated considerable time to researching and understanding the effects of various substances on human health, particularly in the context of indoor environments. My expertise encompasses a wide range of pollutants, their sources, and the associated health risks, making me well-versed in guiding individuals towards healthier lifestyle choices.
The article you provided delves into the potential dangers associated with scented candles and fragrance-based products, particularly in the context of indoor air quality and its impact on health. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Indoor Air Quality and Health:
- The article emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality on health, highlighting the need for individuals to be cautious about potential pollutants in their living spaces.
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Dangers of Scented Candles:
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Scented candles are identified as significant sources of indoor pollution. Apart from the obvious fire risk, the article discusses how the smoke from burning candles can irritate individuals with nasal allergies, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and headaches.
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Burning paraffin wax, commonly used in mass-produced candles, produces soot particles that resemble diesel exhaust and can linger in the air for hours. The Environmental Protection Agency's study suggests that candles with more fragrance emit more soot.
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Mass-produced candles often contain paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct, and synthetic fragrances, releasing toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. These VOCs, including acetone, benzene, and toluene, are known to trigger indoor allergies, asthma, and are also classified as carcinogens.
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Scented Plugins Pose Health Risks:
- The article extends the discussion to scented plugins, gels, and aerosols, highlighting that these alternatives can also be irritating to airways and pose health risks. The chemicals present in the fragrance and wax may lead to allergy irritation and asthma with prolonged use.
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Safer Scent Alternatives:
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The article provides alternatives to traditional candles, suggesting non-toxic soy or beeswax candles as they produce less soot, burn slower, and are less likely to trigger indoor allergies or asthma.
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Another safer option mentioned is the use of essential oil diffusers. These devices offer a therapeutic and aromatic experience without the harmful effects associated with traditional candles and plugins. Specific essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and frankincense are recommended for their deodorizing, calming, and respiratory support properties.
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eMedical Urgent Care's Perspective:
- The article concludes by associating the information with the services of eMedical Urgent Care, emphasizing the clinic's commitment to maintaining good indoor air quality for the well-being of patients. The article encourages individuals to seek medical attention if they suspect asthma or allergies.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the potential health risks associated with scented candles and offers practical alternatives for individuals to maintain a healthier indoor environment.
