What are the risks of aromatic candles and how can we choose them safely?

A flavored candles They are a favorite option for many people to make their house more comfortable. There are tastes for all. With sweeter or more citrus smells, with beeswax, soy beans or paraffin, with a rope or a wooden fuse, so that it sounded like chests cracked in the stake … There were a lot of talk about the risks that they were intended for health. Many people think that this is only from paraffin. Therefore, over time, they are usually the least common. It was also chosen More natural ingredients. However, some scientists insist that this is not enough.

There are not many studies in this regard. But there are some studies in which Toxic concentrations of particles V Poorly ventilated stay In which aromatic candles were used. These are small studies, so their results should be read out of caution. Nevertheless, they can be taken into account to take useful measures, far beyond the limits of restrictions on the use of paraffin.

The golden rule, logically, is ventilation. Although there are smells that are also associated with summer times, aromatic candles are much more often used when it is cold. In those days, we usually do not ventilate so much, and it is here that the main problem is located, because ventilation is necessary so that all those particles that accumulate in the environment of the environment, which allows fresh air to enter.

Toxic substances can come from controlled actions, such as lighting aromatic suppositories. But there are some, such as radon gas, whose accumulation in our homes cannot be avoided. Yes, we can ventilate and, above all, control what is in our hand. That is why it is so important to know what are the risks of clarifying our houses with candles.

Problem in incomplete burning

Generally speaking, burning is a process by which hydrocarbonconsists of hydrogen and carbon, reacts with oxygen bring to carbon dioxide, water and excellent energy release In the form of light and heat. Light is also needed Activation energy To lead to the reaction. A typical spark with which the fire turns on.

If there is enough oxygen, all fuel burns and is produced only by carbon and water dioxide. However, sometimes there is not enough oxygen or this cannot access all the fuel. When this happens, what is called incomplete combustion, other products are produced and created, such as Burnt carbon monoxideWhich are dangerous for health during high concentrations.

Candles usually suffer from incomplete burning, as oxygen around it is exhausted when they are on. This is easy to detect when this type of combustion occurs, because The flame flashes Instead of remaining constant.

This leads to the release of large quantities of these toxic substances. In addition, in the case of aromatic suppositories, the presence of essential oils and chemical flavors adds other elements to fuel. This is no longer a simple hydrocarbon. Therefore, other substances can be released into the environment, for example Sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxideswhich can also be dangerous.

In a study published in 2024, it was clear that in rooms that often use aromatic candles Maximum concentration of small particles Usually this is 15 times more than the World Health Organization (WHO) sets as safe. These are particles that easily penetrate the deepest from the respiratory system, affecting its correct functioning. In addition, concentration Formaldehyde This is usually higher than usual. This substance, along with everyone else, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer or chronic bronchitis, and other conditions. Astma can also worsen.

Shouldn’t we wear aromatic candles?

As we have seen earlier, it is important to note that these studies are small. In addition, poorly ventilated stays are taken into account, in which many candles are used very often.

In the article for National Geographicdirector of risk toxicology and assessing safer chemical analytics, Hans connectsHe indicated that flavored candles should not be dangerous with normal use. Despite this, both this and other experts indicate some tips to minimize risks.

We have already seen that the first is ventilation, but there is even more. For example, it is known that most of the soot, like other toxic compounds, is produced only CThe undercoming candle turns off. We all saw the fact that black humillo was happening. Therefore, it is advisable to turn it off on the street or next to the window. It can also be turned off without fools, closing a candle with a lid. Thus, the candle ends with oxygen to continue burning, and the soot is blocked inside. Then it can be cleaned with a cloth as soon as the lid cools.

In addition, the candle container is also an important factor. If there is a lot of distance between the wick and the mouth of the container, there will be less access to oxygen, so that combustion is more incomplete and more soot is generated. We cannot prevent the flame from being lower, as the wax is spent, but we can avoid use Very high candles.

Finally, of course, we should avoid lighting aromatic candles made from paraffin. But we should not trust the fact that they are sold as completely natural. Natural compounds can also be incomplete combustion. In addition, essential oils can produce a lot Allergens When heated. This is not dangerous for non -allergic people, but it should also be taken into account.

What if we do not turn on flavored candles?

There are people who flavored candles simply as a jewelry and never light them. Logically, it will not smell the same, but it can be a good option. In any case, if we see that we are not allergic to essential or flavoring oils that are removed, we can use Heat the candle without turning it on.

Today there are heaters that use Hagoen light bulb To melt the wax, so that the volatile compounds that cause perfume are released, but without flame. They are avoided with these accidents, but that’s not all. Hollin formation is also avoided. Some toxic particles can be released into the environment, but much less than when burning. In addition, all the wax can be fully made, which is sometimes impossible with the wick candles.

In short, a dangerous thing is to use a lot of candles, in a small stay and without ventilation. If we are well ventilated and do not abuse, they should not become dangerous. Logically, much more in this line should be investigated. And in the meantime, if you can resort to additional advice that we gave you better than better.