Burning Scented Candles Can Pose Health Risks

Burning scented candles has become a popular way to create a cozy atmosphere at home, but concerns about their safety have long been debated by health experts.

For those who've ever watched smoke wafting up from a candle or noticed soot accumulating around the base after burning, it's natural to wonder whether inhaling these substances is harmless.

Dr. Meghan E., a respiratory toxicologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, suggests that there are legitimate health concerns associated with burning candles indoors.

These include inhalation of soot from candle smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).

The good news is that while some caution may be warranted when it comes to scented candles, experts don't recommend completely eliminating them from your home.

The health risks associated with scented candles are far-reaching and complex.

Research has shown that burning scented candles can lead to an increase in certain strains of bacteria in the air, a finding that was documented in a 2025 study.

However, most studies on this topic do not focus specifically on candles, but rather on the broader impact of particulate matter (PM) on human health.

According to Dr. Croft, inhaling PM over long periods of time has been linked to asthma attacks, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and an increased risk of cardiac events as well as stroke and other neurologic conditions.

Visible smoke or soot emanating from a candle is a clear indication that particulate matter is being released into the air, Dr. Croft notes.

Indoor air quality is a major concern for experts in the field, who point to ventilation as the most crucial factor in maintaining healthy indoor environments.

A 2021 study shed light on the impact of scented candles on indoor air quality, revealing that two burning candles emit carbon dioxide at a rate equivalent to one person's emissions over the same period. This highlights the potential for indoor pollution from these seemingly harmless products.

Research into the emissions of pillar candles has shown that their output is not constant over time. A study found that emissions are higher when the candle first begins to burn, before stabilizing as it continues to burn. This suggests that the initial burning phase may be a critical period for air quality.

Studies by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RFIM) have investigated the effects of scented candles on indoor air quality. While some potentially hazardous chemicals were detected in one study, their levels were below those considered toxicologically significant by global health authorities.

The impact of fragrances on human health is a complex issue that involves not just scented candles but also other personal care products and household items. According to experts, individuals are exposed to a multitude of fragrances throughout their daily lives, including those found in lotions, perfumes, face cleansers, body washes, shampoos, hand sanitizers, and more.

These exposures can be cumulative, with the aggregated effects of multiple products potentially having a significant impact on overall health. Scented candles are just one part of this broader picture, although they do contribute to indoor air pollution when burned.

The relationship between fragrances and individual experiences is highly personal and subjective. Some people find that certain scents evoke positive emotions and help form memories, while others may experience discomfort or even physical symptoms in response to strong odors.

When confronted with an unpleasant scent, it's essential to take steps to minimize exposure, such as removing oneself from the environment or asking for ventilation. This is particularly relevant in situations where a person is unable or unwilling to leave the area.

The combustion process involved in burning candles releases pollutants into the air that particle filters cannot capture.

These gaseous particles can be particularly problematic for people living in small spaces or areas where ventilation is limited.

Some households may attempt to mitigate this issue by installing charcoal filters, which are designed to absorb these gaseous particles. However, such filters require regular replacement or they become saturated and lose their effectiveness.

In addition to using filters, experts recommend turning off the ionization function of air purifiers, as it can create indoor ozone that irritates lungs and exacerbates asthma conditions.

Using scented candles can be a tempting way to create a cozy atmosphere in your home, but experts warn that it may not be worth the potential health risks.

When burning candles, it's essential to trim the wick before lighting them to prevent excessive smoke and soot production. Another crucial step is to avoid breathing in the air above candles, as this can lead to inhalation of toxic fumes.

Experts recommend setting a timer when using scented candles to ensure they're not left burning for extended periods. Additionally, it's best to extinguish the candle with a snuff or by dipping the wick in wax instead of blowing it out, which can release soot and smoke into the air.

To minimize risks associated with scented candles, consider opting for flameless alternatives like electric wax warmers, which melt wax and release fragrance molecules without burning anything.