Toxic Chemicals in Candles
While candles are associated with relaxation, there is unfortunately nothing relaxing about the indoor air pollution associated with candles.
When we burn candles containing toxic components, we create a confined space in which pollutants can accumulate [1] . Without outdoor air diluting the particles emitted, these toxins can build up in our homes and can be a contributing factor to indoor air pollution [2] .
Lead wicks tend to be a primary concern regarding candles. Thankfully, lead-cored wicks have been banned [3] from being manufactured, sold or imported in the United States since 2003. However, not all countries have this ban, so be wary of products purchased outside of the U.S. unless that country has a similar restriction. It is ideal to look for wicks that are made with natural materials, such as 100% cotton or wood. Aside from the wicks, there are a number of other toxic substances widely used in candles today.
Ingredients of Concern
To help you navigate the chemical confusion, we’re identifying a few of the top ingredient offenders commonly found in candles:
Phthalates – Phthalates are commonly present in the fragrance formulations in conventionally scented candles where the ingredients list typically provides little to no explanation of what’s inside a scent or where it comes from. Instead, the scent will be listed as “fragrance” or “parfum” which provides no information to the conscious shopper. While listed as a single entity on product labels, “fragrances” can be comprised of many different undisclosed natural substances or synthetic chemicals. Phthalates, as well as many of the other chemicals typically found in fragrance formulations, have been linked to developmental and reproductive harm, endocrine disruption, and asthma [4] . Among the many ingredients that fragrance is comprised of, phthalates are especially harmful. Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, including lower sperm count in males. Phthalates [5] can also cause damage to the female reproductive system and have been known to cause a variety of birth defects and reproductive impairments.
Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde can be released into the air by burning conventional candles. It is linked to cancer [6] and is also associated with short-term impacts like irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as allergic skin reactions and rashes [7] .
Acetaldehyde – Like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde can be released into the air when burning a conventional candle. This chemical has been classified by the EPA as a probable carcinogen and can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract [8] .
Paraffin – Paraffin wax often makes up the wax portion of candles and is derived from petroleum. Like most petroleum products, paraffin is neither clean-burning nor biodegradable in the environment. Candles made from paraffin are suspected to release toxic chemicals [9] , including toluene and benzene [10] . Benzene [11] is a known carcinogen and toluene is linked to a myriad of ill effects, including developmental toxicity [12] . The chemicals released from paraffin wax over an extended period of time could contribute to the development of cancer, allergies and asthma [13] .
Tips for Choosing a Candle
- Shop for candles with the MADE SAFE® seal.
- Unscented candles may not contain harmful fragrance chemicals, but they are often still paraffin-based [14] . Instead, look for beeswax, 100% non-GMO soy, or coconut candles. Make sure the wax base is not a mixture containing paraffin, as paraffin can be added to keep prices down.
- Look for 100% cotton wicks or wood wicks.
- Find candles made with 100% pure essential oils rather than mystery “fragrances”. (Remember, avoid essential oils to which you are allergic or sensitive.)
- Skip the artificially-colored candles. Pigments used in candles can be toxic to humans and the environment. If you prefer a candle with some color, look into yellow beeswax candles (some
beeswax candles use naturally refined beeswax and will appear white). Certain essential oils can add a lovely colored tint to candles as well. - Use alternative methods to keep your home smelling great. This can include utilizing essential oils, room sprays (scented with essential oils rather
References
[1] Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
[2] Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/introduction-indoor-air-quality
[3] CPSC Bans Candles With Lead Cored Wicks. (2009, April 7). Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2003/CPSC-Bans-Candles-With-Lead-Cored-Wicks
[4] Wang, Y., & Qian, H. (2021). Phthalates and their impacts on human health. Healthcare, 9(5), 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050603
[5] Not Too Pretty Phthalates, Beauty Products & the FDA. Jane Houlihan, Charlotte Brody, Bryony Schwan. (2002, July 8). https://noharm-uscanada.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/110/Not_Too_Pretty.pdf
[6] Proposition 65. (n.d.). Formaldehyde (gas). Oehha.ca.gov. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/formaldehyde-gas
[7] US EPA. (2000, January). Formaldehyde. epa.gov. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/formaldehyde.pdf
[8] Acetaldehyde. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/acetaldehyde.pdf
[9] The Impact of Candle Burning During All Saint’s Day Ceremonies on Ambiet Alkyl-Substituted Benzene Concentrations. Tomasz Olszowski, Andrzej Klos. (2013, September 20).
[10] Worried if Candles are Toxic? Lung. (2022, November 22). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-candles-bad-for-you/
[11] The Impact of Candle Burning During All Saint’s Day Ceremonies on Ambiet Alkyl-Substituted Benzene Concentrations. Tomasz Olszowski, Andrzej Klos. (2013, September 20).
[12] Proposition 65. (n.d.-b). Toluene. Oehha.ca.gov. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/toluene
[13] Soybean Candles for Health Life and Wellbeing. R. Massoudi. South Caraline State Universtiy, United States of Agriculutre, Research, Education & Economics Information System.
[14] FAQs: Candles. Children’s Environmental Health Network. https://cehn.org/our-work/eco-healthy-child-care/ehcc-faqs/candles/
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