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A new study has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with scented wax melts, revealing that these popular household products can contribute to indoor air pollution by forming potentially toxic particles. The research, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters by the American Chemical Society (ACS), challenges the perception that wax melts are a safer alternative to traditional combustion-based candles.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers from Purdue University, led by Nusrat Jung and Brandon Boor, examined how scented wax melts release airborne aroma compounds that react with ozone in indoor air to form nanoscale particles. These particles, ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, have been linked to adverse health effects when inhaled.
Previous studies have shown that wax melts emit more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than traditional candles due to the direct heating process, which maximizes the surface area for fragrance release. VOCs, particularly hydrocarbons like monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, are known to react with ozone and produce sticky compounds that aggregate into nanoparticles.
The Experiment
To investigate this phenomenon, researchers conducted tests on 15 commercially available wax melts—both scented (lemon, papaya, tangerine, and peppermint) and unscented—within a full-scale house model designed to replicate a typical residential setting.
The team first established a baseline of indoor air pollutants before activating the wax warmer for two hours. They then continuously sampled the air at various distances from the wax melts, finding that nanoparticle concentrations reached levels comparable to those produced by traditional candles and gas stoves.
“These particles could pose an inhalation risk because they are small enough to pass through respiratory tissues and enter the bloodstream,” the researchers noted. Additionally, their calculations suggested that a person could inhale similar amounts of nanoparticles from wax melts as from other common indoor sources of air pollution.
Implications for Indoor Air Quality
Significantly, unscented wax melts did not emit VOCs or form nanoparticles, suggesting that aroma compounds play a crucial role in nanoparticle production. While the study provides new insights into indoor air pollution, the researchers emphasized the need for further toxicology studies to assess the long-term health risks associated with inhaling these nanoparticles.
Disclaimer
This article is based on findings from a scientific study and is intended for informational purposes only. Further research is necessary to determine the full extent of health risks. Individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities to airborne pollutants should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on indoor air quality management.
