“Toxic” scented candles are no different from cigarettes, which can increase the risk of cancer – Life Health

The abuse of scented candles can cause difficulty breathing, choking, even staying in an environment with scented candles for a long time will increase the risk of cancer.

There are many families who regularly use scented candles to burn in the living room and bedroom, often creating a pleasant fragrance, helping the spirit and mind to relax, but at the same time, scented candles will cause allergies. , or asthma and if inhaled too much also affects blood circulation to the brain.

A study by the University of South Carolina, USA has found that when burned, scented candles will release toxins and pollutants, which adversely affect human health. It affects everyone, from young to old, but those who already have chronic health problems are at even greater risk.

Expensive scented candles are less toxic because they are made from selected ingredients such as beeswax and soy wax. However, many inexpensive candles are made from paraffin. Paraffin contains at least 20 toxins. Ingredients such as trichloroethane, acetone, xylene, phenol, cresol, chlorobenzene… can cause cancer, lung irritation and damage to body parts including brain. Scented candles with added chemicals are also more harmful to health.

Abuse of scented candles can cause the following diseases:

Cancer

The molten paraffin in the candle emits benzene and toluene that smells like diesel engines, causing cancer. This is one of the most dangerous effects of candles on health.

Respiratory tract and asthma

Paraffin used to make candles is the cause of asthma attacks and causes many breathing problems. Burning candles produce toxic volatile organic substances because the temperature at the candle is not high enough for the paraffins to burn completely. The man-made chemicals that make up the smell of candles get into the air and cause lung irritation and breathing problems.

Headache

Headaches are caused by inhaling toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene that are released when candles are lit.

Kidney tumor

Experts warn that the paraffin emitted when burning candles can also cause kidney tumors. So limit your exposure to scented candles.

Affects internal organs

Candle wicks contain lead, which is very harmful to health, not good for the brain, lungs, liver and imbalance of hormones.

Allergy

The synthetic scents in scented candles irritate the airways and increase respiratory secretions often causing allergies.

Note when using scented candles

In order for the scented candle to maximize its function for the health of the user, you need to note the following ways to burn the scented candle:

Absolutely do not burn scented candles in closed rooms such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and air-conditioned rooms. Because at this time the air cannot escape, it is easy to suffocate and breathe because the CO2 in the air is too high.

To avoid unexpected incidents, when using scented candles, you need to place them in safe places, not in flammable places such as blankets and paper.

When using scented candles, it is important to note that the wick should be just right, about 1cm, so the wick should not be too long. Because the candle wick is too long, it will give off a big fire, emitting a lot of toxic smoke, and the big fire is also very easy to spread to other objects that can cause an unintentional fire.

To maximize the effect of scented candles, you can use them in essential oil lamps. Scented candles and essential oil lamps when combined together will bring you a wonderful and healthy atmosphere.

If you or a family member is suffering from some respiratory diseases, allergic to certain aromas, do not use scented candles. Allergic reactions can lead to life-threatening complications.

To avoid accidental burns, when using scented candles, you need to keep them out of reach of children. Young children are often very active, just a small mistake can cause unpredictable dangers.

Only light candles in case you are in the room, absolutely do not light candles when you are not in the room or sleeping, this is quite dangerous. There have been many unintended accidents caused by burning candles, so you need to be careful when lighting candles.