Paraffin Candles Source of Carcinogens and Pollution
Author: American Chemical Society
Published: 2009/08/19 - Updated: 2017/11/06
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
On This Page: Summary - Main Article
Synopsis: Candles made from paraffin wax source of indoor air pollution including known human carcinogens. Burning candles made from paraffin wax, the most common kind used to infuse rooms with romantic ambiance, warmth, light, and fragrance, is an unrecognized source of exposure to indoor air pollution, including the known human carcinogens.
advertisement
Main Digest
Burning candles made from paraffin wax, the most common kind used to infuse rooms with romantic ambiance, warmth, light, and fragrance, is an unrecognized source of exposure to indoor air pollution, including the known human carcinogens.
Romantic, candle-lit dinners: An unrecognized source of indoor air pollution
Burning candles made from paraffin wax, the most common kind used to infuse rooms with romantic ambiance, warmth, light, and fragrance, is an unrecognized source of exposure to indoor air pollution, including the known human carcinogens, scientists reported here today.
Levels can build up in closed rooms, and be reduced by ventilation, they indicated in a study presented at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
In the study, R. Massoudi Ph.D., and Amid Hamidi , Ph.D., said that that candles made from bee's wax or soy, although more expensive, apparently are healthier. They do not release potentially harmful amounts of indoor air pollutants while retaining all of the warmth, ambiance and fragrance of paraffin candles (which are made from petroleum).
"An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you," Hamidi said.
"But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems."
Besides the more serious risks, he also suggested that some people who believe they have an indoor allergy or respiratory irritation may in fact actually be reacting to air pollutants from burning candles.
advertisement
Discover Related Topics ▶ Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can connect with us on social media such as X.com and our Facebook page. Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/recalls/candles-carcinogens.php">Paraffin Candles Source of Carcinogens and Pollution</a> Cite This Page (APA): American Chemical Society. (2009, August 19). Paraffin Candles Source of Carcinogens and Pollution. Disabled World. Retrieved December 1, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/recalls/candles-carcinogens.php
Share This Information To:
𝕏.com Facebook Reddit
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.