Hidden Dangers of Scented Candles and Air Fresheners

The aroma of a room can change its whole ambiance. Whether you favor lemon verbena or forest pine, scented candles and air fresheners can help set your home’s vibe. But room fragrances might not be as harmless as we think. In this blog, learn more about the unknown risks of scented candles, how air fresheners impact our health, and what you can use as safer alternatives.

Are Scented Candles Harmful to Your Health?

Depending on what they’re made of, yes, scented candles can be toxic, impacting your indoor air quality and, thus, your health.

The Dangers of Paraffin Wax

The biggest offender is paraffin wax candles. Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum, which is a fossil fuel. It’s a common ingredient for candles because it’s cheap and practical. 

However, it has a number of drawbacks. When you burn paraffin wax candles, they release many harmful gases into the air, some of which are carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. These include hydrocarbons like naphthalene, pyrene, and anthracene. 

Additionally, candles can release both carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, plus formaldehyde! 

Have you ever spent time around a burning candle and experienced any of the following symptoms? If so, now you know why:

• Headaches

• Watery eyes

• Sneezing

• Dry throat

• Stuffy nose

• Tightness of the chest

What About Other Room Fresheners?

Maybe you don’t light candles but instead use room spray. Is this any safer?

More than likely, no, unfortunately. These products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause symptoms like:

• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

• Headaches.

• Nausea.

• Dizziness. 

• Fatigue.

In more extreme cases, you can even experience damage to the kidney, liver, and central nervous system (CNS).

Are all scented candles and other types of room fresheners off-limits? No! Thankfully, there are safer alternatives that are better for your indoor air quality and your health.

Non-toxic Alternatives to Paraffin Wax Candles and Room Sprays

You can still light candles—even scented ones! Opt for candles made with soy wax or beeswax. They’re eco-friendly and don’t release those nasty chemicals when you burn them. They even have a longer burn time! So, even if it costs you a little extra (which isn’t always the case), these candles will last longer than their paraffin alternatives.

You can even make your own non-toxic candles right at home. Stop by your local craft store and look for the wax, wicks, jars, and scents, which usually come in tiny bottles. These supplies are pretty cost-effective and go a long way.

If room sprays are your preference, once again, you can buy safer alternatives or make your own. There are plenty of brands that sell non-toxic and even plant-based scents, skipping harmful ingredients like parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, preservatives, and artificial fragrances and dyes.

To make your own room spray, look online for a “recipe” you like. The ingredients are typically very simple: water and essential oils. Speaking of which…

Are Essential Oils Safe?

Essential oils can be another safe alternative to toxic paraffin wax candles and room sprays. Some have even been studied and found to have specific health benefits. For example, certain essential oils have antimicrobial, antiviral, antibiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Others can help to relieve stress, boost your mood, and support sleep.

However, we do want to note that you should learn how to use essential oils. For example, some are so potent that a few drops in your diffuser is all you need. Also, some essential oils can be toxic to dogs and babies. 

To be safe, do your due diligence—and, if necessary, speak with your healthcare provider—before spraying or diffusing essential oils.

How to Remove Toxins Released by Candles and Sprays

Maybe you share a home with someone who enjoys burning candles. Now what?

First, airflow is key. Ensure that you regularly change your HVAC filters so they can operate properly. If the air quality outside is good, crack a window to improve ventilation.

What if that isn’t enough? Or what if the outdoor air quality in your area is bad, maybe due to traffic, construction, or wildfires?

An air purifier can be one of your strongest allies in the fight against pollutants and contamination. But for it to be capable of targeting the dangerous toxins that candles and scented sprays release into the air, a multi-layer filtration system is key.

The Sans air purifier combines:

• A prefilter for larger particles, like hair, animal fur/dander, and dust.

• A 1 lb activated carbon filter to absorb VOCs, chemicals, odors, and gases. 

• A medical-grade HEPA 13 filter, which captures 99.95% of particles 0.1 microns in diameter.

• UV-C light to neutralize pathogens like mold, bacteria, and viruses, which can make you sick.

These four components work in harmony to take the stale, contaminated air inside your home and give it a renewed life. Candles, sprays, toxic cleaning products, smoke, mold spores, and dust mites don’t stand a chance.

Sans monitors your indoor air quality in real time and auto-runs as needed. The monitor gives you in-the-moment updates on your air quality, and the device will notify you when it’s time to change the filters. For smaller areas, like dorm rooms, apartments, or single rooms, consider the Sans mini. It’s the perfect companion for college students and office workers.

So many things in our homes pollute the air we breathe, and we don’t even realize it. It’s not just candles. New furniture can release volatile organic compounds. Pesticides can wreak havoc. Even cooking a delicious meal comes with its risks. 

It’s time to take action! Be mindful of what you bring into your home in the first place, and use a high-quality air purifier to help with the rest.