Can burning candles affect your health?

Sweet scents with potential side effects.

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In a Nutshell Burning candles is a quick and easy way to set a relaxing mood or improve the smell in your home. But there's a chance this practice could negatively affect your health. Scroll down to learn more about the potential side effects and how to find candles and other aromatherapy options that are easier on your health. • 12 best foods for healthy skin • What are the early signs of narcolepsy? • Don't try these absurd migraine remedies at home Safety first, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 28, 2024 • 2.5 min read

what's got us buzzing Can burning candles negatively affect your health? The most obvious risk of burning candles is the possibility of starting a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles were the cause of 4% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, and 6% of home fire injuries between 2018 and 2022. (Reminder: Never leave candles unattended, and always blow them out before falling asleep!) There isn't conclusive research confirming that they pose any serious health risks. However, many candles contain potentially toxic ingredients, including lead wicks, paraffin wax, synthetic compounds, and petrochemicals. Exposure can cause headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, or allergic reactions. These ingredients and the smoke released from burning them can aggravate respiratory issues in pets as well. Occasionally burning candles in a well-ventilated space probably won't impact your health, unless you have allergies. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms above, you might consider swapping your candles out for options with nontoxic ingredients or switching to an essential oil diffuser or smokeless incense sticks. When shopping for new products, look for these safer features to ensure a "cleaner" burn: phthalate-free fragrances derived from 100% essential oils 100% natural or plant-based wax (e.g., coconut, soy, beeswax) 100% cotton, hemp, or wood wicks brand transparency around ingredients used best nontoxic candles

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Great finds A healthier candle alternative       Vitruvi Stone Diffuser Add tranquility to your space with an essential oil diffuser! The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser has a high quality matte ceramic cover that looks like decorative pottery. It comes in soothing colors like white, black, charcoal, sea, and suede to match any room. This diffuser can run for 4 or 8 hours, paired with an optional LED light that adds a soft glow for extra ambiance. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.

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Thanks for reading! Do you have a favorite nontoxic candle? Send your recommendations to wellnesswire@healthline.com.

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