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As winter rolls in, the cozy scents of gingerbread, pine, and cinnamon waft through many homes, helping to create a festive, comforting atmosphere. The UK home fragrance market, valued at $685.5 million in 2023, is expected to grow significantly, reaching over $1.2 billion by 2030. Much of this growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of indoor air quality and a desire to enhance home environments. However, while fragrances like scented candles, air fresheners, and incense may mask unpleasant odors, they could actually be harming the air quality in your home — and your health.
Fragrances Mask, But Don’t Eliminate Pollutants
While home fragrance products may improve the scent of your indoor spaces, they don’t remove harmful pollutants. In fact, recent studies suggest that burning candles and incense, as well as using air fresheners, can worsen indoor air quality. Research conducted in Irish homes post-energy retrofits found that activities such as candle burning, smoking, and blocking ventilation could lead to significant air quality issues. When used in poorly ventilated spaces, products like scented candles can cause particulate concentrations to spike by up to 15 times the safe levels set by the World Health Organization. These pollutants take a long time to dissipate in underventilated rooms, increasing health risks.
Toxic Chemicals and Particulate Matter
Burning candles and incense releases a complex mix of chemicals and particulate matter into the air. This includes carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, all of which are harmful to human health. Additionally, home fragrances emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger short-term health problems such as coughing, sneezing, and irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure to these pollutants is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis. For those with asthma, these particles can exacerbate symptoms.
Comparing Risks: Incense, Cigarettes, and Candles
Surprisingly, incense sticks can produce more particulate matter than cigarettes. In fact, if the same weight of incense and cigarettes were burned, incense would generate approximately four times the particulate matter. In non-smoking homes, scented candles can often be the leading source of particulate pollution. Furthermore, aerosol air fresheners also release fine particles and VOCs into the air, which can be harmful to health.
Even more concerning is the fact that candles emit larger particles when burned, especially when the flame flickers, which can increase the release of black carbon. Small, poorly ventilated spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms are especially vulnerable to these pollutants, as their concentrations are much higher. In these rooms, chemicals like formaldehyde can accumulate to levels that cause irritation in the upper airways.
Health Hazards of Home Fragrances
Aside from short-term irritations, home fragrance products can have more severe health impacts. Many of the chemicals they release, such as benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde, are carcinogens. Burning scented candles and incense indoors has been identified as a major source of formaldehyde, a substance known to cause cancer. Moreover, exposure to the smoke from candles has been shown to impair cognitive function in the short term, while prolonged exposure to incense smoke has been linked to a decline in cognitive abilities.
‘Natural’ Scents May Not Be Safer
Some consumers opt for “natural” home fragrances, hoping to avoid synthetic chemicals. However, natural ingredients can still pose risks. When burned, these substances can release harmful levels of pollution. In some cases, the chemicals released from natural products can react with ozone in the air, creating toxic byproducts.
Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
While research on the long-term effects of home fragrances is still limited, experts agree that minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals is important. To reduce the potential risks, use home fragrances in larger, well-ventilated spaces like living rooms. Always ensure that vents are not blocked, especially in rooms where you plan to burn candles or incense. Additionally, remember that much of the harmful smoke from candles is released when the flame is extinguished. For safety, it is best to snuff out candles outdoors.
Conclusion
Home fragrances may help create a pleasant atmosphere, but they come with hidden risks. While they mask odors, they do not improve air quality and can actually contribute to harmful pollutants in the home. As the popularity of home fragrances grows, it’s important to be mindful of their potential health impacts. By being proactive about ventilation and choosing fragrance products wisely, you can help ensure a healthier environment for you and your family this holiday season.
