Aroma Candles: Can They Cause Coughing?

Aromatic candles are a popular way to add ambiance to a space, but they may release harmful chemicals that can cause coughing. While the link between scented candles and coughing is not entirely clear, some studies have found that scented candles can trigger allergies and asthma, which can lead to coughing. Additionally, the chemicals released by scented candles, such as benzene and formaldehyde, can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing. However, it is important to note that the amount of exposure to these chemicals from candles is likely not enough to cause health issues for most people, especially if the candles are burned in a well-ventilated space.

Aroma candles can trigger allergies and cause coughing

Aroma candles are popular home items that infuse spaces with a sensation of warmth and a special ambiance. However, while they are often used to create a relaxing atmosphere, they can have the opposite effect on some individuals, triggering allergies and causing coughing.

The Science Behind the Effects

The fragrance in aroma candles is released through the evaporation of the fragrance from the hot wax pool and the solid candle itself, which emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are carbon compounds that easily turn into gas at room temperature. Some VOCs are naturally occurring, like those that give flowers their sweet aroma, but others, like formaldehyde and benzene, are potentially carcinogenic.

When burned, aroma candles, especially those made from paraffin wax, release powerful fumes and harmful chemicals, including toluene, benzene, and soot, which can trigger asthma symptoms and cause indoor air pollution. These chemicals are released into the air and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, potentially exacerbating allergic symptoms and asthma and altering hormone levels.

Health Risks and Prevalence

The adverse health effects of aroma candles are well-documented. Studies have reported that fragrance products, including scented candles, cleaning products, deodorants, and air fresheners, are associated with headaches, coughing, shortness of breath, migraine headaches, asthma attacks, dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.

A university survey found that people sensitive to fragrances can experience headaches, shortness of breath, and coughing from exposure to scented candles. Additionally, a study among young university students in Saudi Arabia found that 7.8% of scented candle users reported coughing as a health problem.

Minimizing Risks

If you are experiencing coughing or other respiratory issues, there are steps you can take to minimize the potential health risks of aroma candles:

• Choose candles made from natural materials like soy wax or beeswax, which produce fewer unwanted chemicals and are less likely to trigger allergies.
• Burn candles with ventilation, such as having a fan on or opening a window, to disperse the scent and smoke and reduce their concentration in the room.
• Opt for candles scented with essential oils rather than fragrance oils, as natural scents are less likely to trigger respiratory conditions.
• Choose candles with single-note fragrances, as those with multiple combinations of scents can trigger asthma and cause coughing, as well as release more unwanted chemicals.
• Keep candles away from drafts to reduce the amount of smoke they produce.
• Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting to ensure a proper flame height and reduce soot.
• Limit burning candles to less than four hours at a time to minimize exposure to emissions.

While aroma candles can trigger allergies and cause coughing in some individuals, taking these precautions can help reduce the potential health risks associated with their use.

Burning candles releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may cause coughing

Scented candles, particularly those made from paraffin wax, can release harmful chemicals such as toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde when burned. These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system and trigger coughing. Additionally, the synthetic fragrances used in candles often contain phthalates, which can exacerbate allergic symptoms and asthma when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

The emission of VOCs from scented candles has been linked to adverse health effects, including coughing, headaches, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Research suggests that frequent or prolonged exposure to scented candle fumes, especially in unventilated spaces, can increase the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.

To minimize the potential risks associated with scented candles, it is recommended to choose candles made from natural materials such as soy wax or beeswax. Burning candles with ventilation, such as using a fan or opening windows, can also help disperse the concentration of VOCs and reduce their impact on respiratory health.

While well-made and properly burned candles are generally considered safe, individuals with known sensitivities or respiratory conditions may still be susceptible to adverse reactions from the release of VOCs when burning candles.

Fragrances in candles can set off allergies and cause coughing

Scented candles are a popular way to add ambiance to a space, but they can also be a source of indoor air pollution. The fragrances used in candles can trigger allergies and respiratory issues such as coughing, especially in individuals who are sensitive to fragrances or have existing respiratory conditions.

When scented candles are burned, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and chemicals into the air. VOCs are carbon compounds that easily turn into gases at room temperature, and they can have short-term and long-term negative health effects. Particulate matter is a mixture of extremely small liquid droplets and particles that can enter the lungs, and prolonged exposure to particulate matter has been linked to heart and lung problems.

The specific chemicals released by scented candles can vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance used. Candles made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, can release toxic soot and chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

The fragrances in scented candles can act as irritants, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma. Fragrances can trigger allergic reactions, causing symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, watery or red eyes, and nasal congestion. Even individuals without allergies may experience respiratory irritation from the fragrances, leading to coughing and other symptoms.

The risk of experiencing these effects is higher for individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The fragrances can trigger asthma attacks and make breathing more difficult. It is important for individuals with respiratory conditions to avoid scented candles and opt for unscented candles or natural wax alternatives.

How to minimize the impact of scented candles on allergies and coughing

If you choose to burn scented candles, there are some steps you can take to minimize their impact on your health:

• Burn candles in a well-ventilated space: Proper ventilation can help disperse the fragrances and chemicals released by the candles, reducing the concentration of irritants in the air.
• Choose candles made from natural waxes: Candles made from beeswax, soy wax, or other plant-based waxes tend to release fewer chemicals and less soot, which can reduce the risk of respiratory irritation.
• Opt for essential oils over fragrance oils: Candles scented with essential oils have a more natural fragrance, which is less likely to trigger respiratory issues.
• Burn candles for shorter periods: Limiting the amount of time you burn scented candles can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and fragrances.

Aroma candles can cause indoor air pollution

When burned, candles release toxins such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, as well as soot. The amount of soot produced is increased when the flame is extinguished, or if it is flickering. The candle's container can also contribute to pollution; the higher the rim, the more likely the candle is to produce soot, as oxygen struggles to reach the flame.

Paraffin candles are the worst offenders, as they also release harmful chemicals such as acetone and toluene. These candles are derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, and the wicks are sometimes wrapped around metal, which can produce toxic soot. The emissions from paraffin candles contain many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel.

The pollution from candles can cause a reaction in people prone to allergies, and irritate the respiratory tract. They can also trigger asthma and allergies, and have been linked to lung cancer. However, it is important to note that the link to lung cancer is disputed, and there is currently no direct evidence that everyday candle use increases the risk of developing cancer.

To minimise the risk of indoor air pollution from candles, it is recommended to only burn candles for a short period of time (one to two hours), ensure good ventilation in the room, and opt for unscented, natural candles made from beeswax or soy wax.

Burning candles for too long can be harmful

Firstly, candles can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be dangerous. VOCs include chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are known carcinogens. These chemicals are released when candles are burned, and they can accumulate in the blood, potentially leading to an increased risk of bladder cancer. While the levels of these chemicals released by candles are typically below the amount that would cause immediate health problems, extended exposure or burning candles for too long may have negative consequences.

In addition to VOCs, candles can also release particulate matter, which is a mixture of extremely small liquid droplets and particles that can enter the lungs. Prolonged exposure to particulate matter has been linked to heart and lung problems, including an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory issues.

The type of wax used in candles can also make a difference. Paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, has been found to release higher levels of toxins and particulate matter compared to other types of wax. Candles made from natural materials such as beeswax or soy wax are generally considered safer and release fewer harmful chemicals.

To minimise the potential risks associated with burning candles, it is important to follow some simple guidelines. Firstly, always burn candles in a well-ventilated area to reduce the concentration of toxins and particulate matter in the air. Avoid burning candles for more than four hours at a time, and keep them away from drafts to reduce the amount of smoke released. Trim wicks to 10-15mm and avoid candles with lead wicks, as these have been linked to lead poisoning.

While candles can be enjoyed safely, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and take steps to reduce any negative impact on your health. Burning candles for too long or in an unventilated space may increase the risks associated with exposure to toxins and particulate matter.

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