PropertyValue
?:author
?:datePublished
  • 2016-08-19 (xsd:date)
?:headline
  • Do Scented Candles Cause Cancer? (en)
?:inLanguage
?:itemReviewed
?:mentions
?:reviewBody
  • Anecdotal stories abound about the dangers of burning scented candles in an enclosed space. The information is difficult to track down, muddied by vague claims about toxins and what seems to be conflicting information: Some studies indicate that scented candles cause cancer, others conclude they don't. Yet another study concludes that it's what the candle is made of, as opposed to the scent itself, that can be harmful. There doesn't seem to be an agency in the United States that has jurisdiction to oversee whether scented candles present a health risk or not. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Consumer Product Safety Committee either said they do not have jurisdiction over scented candles, or referred us to one of the other agencies upon inquiry. The National Candle Association (NCA), meanwhile, wrote to us on 23 August 2016 and said candles are safe. One study done by researchers from the United States and Europe concluded that under normal conditions, scented candles do not present a health risk. Another study by a researcher at South Carolina State University concluded that burning candles made of paraffin can result in health problems, including cancer and asthma. Still another indicated that candles (and incense) can contain everything from particulate contaminants that can affect air quality to lead, which is put into wicks to make them stand straight and can still be found in scented-candle circles despite a voluntary ban. Per the NCA: What to believe? In January, British publication The Telegraph reported that a study completed by Professor Alastair Lewis of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of York found the ingredient limonene — which gives products a citrus smell — could be carcinogenic. Professor Lewis told the publication: Limonene reportedly mutates into formaldehyde upon contact with air. According to the NCI, formaldehyde is a carcinogen: The evidence does indicate that there are dangers associated with pollutants that result from burning candles (and incense), although how much damage can be caused (and by which candles) is still up in the air. Moderation is probably the best approach, as is keeping areas well-ventilated and not leaving candles unattended. While research noted above does seem to indicate that vegetable-based candles, like soy, are healthier, The NCA also weighed in to say that all candles burn the same and there are no more health risks associated with parafin than there are soy candles. Finally it's a good idea to avoid the ingredient limonene, no matter how good it might smell, in any cleaning or fragrance product. (en)
?:reviewRating
rdf:type
?:url