Candles have been casting a warm and flickering glow for centuries, creating an ambiance that soothes the soul, forges an inviting atmosphere, and has become a staple in a variety of traditions.
However, concerns about candles’ impact on indoor air quality continues to pepper the media.
Let’s delve into the facts and dispel myths surrounding candles, highlighting why they are safe to use.
Indoor air quality is not affected by candles.
Candles are a beloved part of home décor and create a cozy atmosphere, so it’s important to understand why they don’t affect your air quality.
Candles are non-toxic and noncarcinogenic. Scented or unscented, there is no evidence that daily exposure will affect a person negatively.
According to the independent peer-reviewed study, Human health risk evaluation of selected VOC, SVOC and particulate emissions from scented candles, “candle emission testing was undertaken in environmentally controlled small and large emission chambers… conclud[ing] that under normal conditions of use, scented candles do not pose known health risks to the consumer.”
Likewise, this same study also noted that indoor air quality changes can arise from a variety of sources including cooking, smoking inside, and even household plants.
If you still have concerns, move your candle to a well-ventilated (but not drafty) area of your home and make sure keep the wick of each candle trimmed to ¼ inch.
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