What Are the Dangers of Scented Candles?

Phtalates

• Artificial scents are used in the majority of scented candles in order to create the desired fragrance. Artificial means "man-made" or refers to something that was not created naturally. After lighting an artificially scented candle, unnatural chemicals are released into the air. Eventually, you end up breathing in these chemicals. Phtalates, a class of chemicals often found in scented candles, have been linked to allergic reactions and may trigger asthma related problems. These chemicals are also known to cause problems with the reproductive system, immune system and central nervous system. Unfortunately, even if you look at the ingredients on your candle labels, certain chemicals are unlikely to be listed as ingredients are a "trade secret." Even worse, as of 2010, the FDA has no regulations whatsoever on the use of chemicals for fragrance. The safest candles are made with 100 percent all-natural beeswax and are scented with essential oils derived from botanical sources.

Paraffin Wax

• Most candles are made with paraffin wax as it is less expensive than other waxes (i.e. soy, beeswax). Paraffin is made from wax that is created after refining crude oil. Hydrocarbons that are capable of generating fossil fuels are found in paraffin wax. When a paraffin wax candle is burned, all kinds of chemicals are released into the air, the most dangerous being toluene and benzene. Both of these chemicals are solvents used in the manufacturing of glue and paint. Individuals who "huff" (sniff to get high) glue and paint are achieving an impaired state due to these solvents. Benzene is also a well-known carcinogen. A chemistry expert from Durham University, Dr. Andy Beeby, says that "[Benzene] is not a substance I would ever expose myself to in the lab." Other chemicals found in paraffin based scented candles are acetaladehyde, formaldehyde and naphthalene, all of which are known to cause problems with the respiratory tract.

Lead

• Scented candles are the type of candles most often found with metal-core wicks. Metal-core wicks were once preferred over cotton and paper wicks because of their stability. The wicks were less likely to fall over into the wax. Despite that small benefit, metal-core wicks have been shown to contain lead and when burned, could cause lead poisoning. Jerome O. Nriagu, Ph.D., has conducted a number of studies on metal-core candle wicks. In one study, he found that after burning four candles with metal wicks, lead was released into the air. He concluded that the levels of lead emitted were dangerous to human health. Lead poisoning has been linked to impaired learning, brain damage, organ damage and behavioral changes. In 1999, Australia banned all metal-core wicks. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission placed wicks containing lead on the ban list. Despite this, metal-core wicks containing lead have still been found in stores.