Brian Barton
Candles are a common feature in many homes, adding warmth and atmosphere. However, burning candles can also contribute to indoor air pollution by emitting particulate matter, such as candle soot, into the air. This can discolour walls and ceilings and contaminate ventilation systems, particularly those made from fibreglass. Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles, as well as scented and aromatic candles, are often the worst offenders, with their wicks and common wax materials emitting air pollutants when burned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candles cause air pollution | Yes |
| Type of candles that cause air pollution | Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles, scented and/or aromatic candles |
| How candles cause air pollution | Candles emit particulate matter (candle soot) into the air |
| Effects of candle air pollution | Discoloration of walls, ceilings and contents of a home, contamination of ventilation systems, especially those constructed from fiberglass "duct-board" |
What You'll Learn
- Candles can cause indoor air pollution by emitting particulate matter (candle soot) into the air
- The lead found in the soot comes from the metal-core wick
- Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles are the worst offenders
- Scented candles can be even worse, as they unload large quantities of soot into the atmosphere
- Candle pollution can discolour walls, ceilings and the contents of a home
Candles can cause indoor air pollution by emitting particulate matter (candle soot) into the air
Candle pollution not only discolours walls, ceilings and the contents of a home, but it can also contaminate the ventilation system's ductwork. This is especially true of ducts constructed from fibreglass "duct-board". Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles and scented and/or aromatic candles are the worst offenders. Most candles on the market today are made from paraffin wax or a blend of paraffin and other waxes. Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum.
Common wax materials and wicks can emit nasty air pollutants when burned. Scented candles can be even worse, and both varieties unload decent quantities of soot into the atmosphere. However, there are alternatives to paraffin wax candles, such as beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax candles, which are better for indoor air quality.
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The lead found in the soot comes from the metal-core wick
Burning candles indoors can cause air pollution, and the lead found in the soot comes from the metal-core wick. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mentions in a 2001 report that burning candles indoors can cause indoor air concentrations of lead above EPA-recommended thresholds.
Candles emit particulate matter (candle soot) into the air, which not only discolours walls, ceilings and the contents of a home, but can also contaminate the ventilation system's ductwork. This is especially true of ducts constructed from fibreglass "duct-board".
It appears that petroleum-based (paraffin) candles and scented and/or aromatic candles are the worst offenders. Most candles on the market today are made from paraffin wax or a blend of paraffin and other waxes. Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum.
Scented candles can be even worse, and both varieties unload decent quantities of soot into your in-home atmosphere. Your everyday candle is typically made of paraffin wax.
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Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles are the worst offenders
Candles can cause air pollution, especially when burned indoors. The US EPA has identified candles as a potential source of indoor air pollution. Burning candles can emit particulate matter (candle soot) into the air, which not only discolours walls, ceilings and other surfaces, but can also contaminate the ventilation system's ductwork. This is especially true for ducts constructed from fibreglass "duct-board".
Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles and scented or aromatic candles are the worst offenders. Most candles on the market today are made from paraffin wax or a blend of paraffin and other waxes. Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum. When burned, paraffin wax emits relatively nasty air pollutants. Scented candles can be even worse, as they unload large quantities of soot into the atmosphere.
In addition, a 2001 EPA report mentions that burning candles indoors can cause indoor air concentrations of lead above EPA-recommended thresholds. The lead found in the soot comes from the metal-core wick.
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Scented candles can be even worse, as they unload large quantities of soot into the atmosphere
Burning candles indoors can cause air pollution. Candles emit particulate matter (candle soot) into the air, which can discolour walls, ceilings and other surfaces, as well as contaminating the ventilation system's ductwork. Scented candles can be even worse, as they unload large quantities of soot into the atmosphere. Most candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, a derivative of petroleum, which is particularly bad for air quality.
Scented candles are often made from paraffin wax, a petroleum-based product that emits harmful chemicals when burned. These chemicals can include benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, which are known to cause cancer and other health problems. In addition, the wicks of scented candles are often made with lead, which can be released into the air as soot. This lead-contaminated soot can then be inhaled, potentially causing serious health issues.
The soot from scented candles can also discolour walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in your home. It can also contaminate the ventilation system, especially if the ducts are made from fiberglass "duct-board". This can result in poor indoor air quality, which can have negative effects on your health.
There are a few ways to reduce the impact of scented candles on air quality. One is to look for candles made from natural, non-toxic materials, such as beeswax or soy wax. These types of candles typically burn cleaner and produce less soot. Another option is to ensure that your home is well-ventilated when burning scented candles, to help reduce the build-up of soot and other pollutants. Finally, you can consider using alternative sources of ambient lighting, such as LED candles or fairy lights, which do not produce soot or other harmful emissions.
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Candle pollution can discolour walls, ceilings and the contents of a home
Burning candles indoors can cause air pollution and may result in indoor air concentrations of lead above EPA-recommended thresholds. Candle pollution not only discolours walls, ceilings and the contents of a home, but it can also contaminate the ventilation system's ductwork. This is especially true of ducts constructed from fibreglass "duct-board".
Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles and scented and/or aromatic candles are the worst offenders. Most candles on the market today are made from paraffin wax or a blend of paraffin and other waxes. Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum. The lead found in the soot comes from the metal-core wick.
Candle wax is not the only culprit when it comes to candle pollution. Common wick materials can also emit nasty air pollutants when burned. Scented candles can be even worse, as they unload large quantities of soot into the atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles can cause air pollution.
Petroleum-based (paraffin) candles and scented and/or aromatic candles are the worst offenders.
Candles emit particulate matter (candle soot) into the air.
Candle pollution can discolour walls, ceilings and the contents of a home, and contaminate the ventilation system's ductwork.
You could try switching to candles made from natural waxes, such as beeswax or soy wax, which are less likely to emit harmful pollutants.
