Are Candles Bad for Your Health?
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Lighting a candle is a small daily pleasure. Its warm glow and delightful scent create a cozy and special atmosphere. But do you know if candles are bad for your health? Do candles affect indoor air quality? Today, we clear up your doubts and help you enjoy candles safely and healthily.
Do Candles Affect Air Quality?
The answer is: it depends on the type of candle you choose. Many commercial candles contain paraffin and synthetic fragrances that release substances that can affect the air you breathe. However, candles made with natural ingredients, such as soy wax or vegetable wax, along with essential oils, are a much cleaner and safer alternative.
At Herriet, we create 100% natural, toxin-free scented candles so you can enjoy their benefits worry-free.
What Substances Can Conventional Candles Release?
Some commercial candles may release compounds that negatively impact indoor air quality, such as:
- Benzene and toluene – Found in paraffin combustion, these can irritate the respiratory tract.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Present in synthetic fragrances, these can trigger allergies and headaches.
- Soot – A byproduct of burning candles, it can accumulate on surfaces and affect the air you breathe.
This is why choosing natural candles is a great way to take care of your home environment.
The Importance of Using Sustainable and Natural Candles
Conventional options, including premium brands, often contain petroleum derivatives and artificial fragrances that negatively impact the environment and can be harmful to health.
In contrast, sustainable candles do not harm indoor air quality like paraffin candles do. Candles made with vegetable or soy wax offer a clean, toxin-free burn. Additionally, natural essential oils provide pleasant fragrances without synthetic chemicals. Choosing sustainable candles is a conscious decision that benefits both your home and the environment.
Tips for Using Candles Safely
If you love candles, here are some recommendations to help improve indoor air quality while enjoying them:
1. Ensure proper ventilation
Opening a window or maintaining good airflow helps refresh the air and reduces any accumulation of particles in the environment.
2. Trim the wick before each use
Keeping the wick short reduces the amount of soot and smoke released into the air. Ideally, the wick should be around 5 mm before lighting the candle.
3. Use a candle snuffer instead of blowing it out
Blowing out a candle generates more smoke. A candle snuffer helps reduce soot and prevents residues from dispersing into the air.
4. Do not leave the candle burning for too long
It is recommended not to burn candles for more than 2-3 hours at a time to avoid overheating and unnecessary emissions.
5. Use an air purifier
If you want to ensure your indoor air stays clean, an air purifier can be a great ally. It helps remove any suspended particles and improves indoor air quality.
Alternatives to Scent Your Home
If you're looking for a flameless alternative to freshen up your space, Herriet offers room sprays made with essential oils. They are a practical and safe way to scent your home without compromising air quality.
Benefits of Using Herriet’s Natural Candles
At Herriet, we believe that enjoying a candle should not be a concern. We design natural, toxin-free, and eco-friendly candles that offer:
✅ Natural and relaxing aromas thanks to pure essential oils.
✅ 100% vegetable and sustainable wax, free from petroleum derivatives.
✅ Safety for you and your pets, with no artificial fragrances or toxins.
✅ Longer burn time and clean combustion, with no harmful residues.