British scientists scented candles can promote cancer

Scented candles and co may cause cancer
Especially in the cold winter months scented candles are popular. When it storms outside and snows the flickering candlelight and the aroma gives a touch of coziness. British scientists are now reporting potential health threats. Accordingly, scented candles could possibly even cause cancer.

Scented candles make for a cozy atmosphere
When a cold winter wind blows outside, many people inside like to make themselves comfortable with a scented candle. The flickering flame and the exhaled scent ensure that you can relax well. However, as British scientists have now discovered, scented candles often contain undesirable substances that can also be harmful to health. For example, a study at the National Center of Atmospheric Science at the University of York in the United Kingdom found that many of these products release formaldehyde, a substance considered to be a potential carcinogen.

Scented candles may increase the risk of cancer. (Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com)

Carcinogen formaldehyde
For example, a study several years ago showed that workers exposed to formaldehyde for several years had increased nasopharyngitis mortality. In addition, in the recent past, substances such as formaldehyde in e-cigarettes are often warned, which some experts nowadays classify as more problematic than normal smoking. In the scented candles formaldehyde is not directly contained, but in the production of so-called limonene are often used - substances that give the candles a fragrance, for example, citrus fruits. They are also often included in other products such as room fresheners or cleaning agents.

Much higher concentrations than expected
Although limonene can cause health problems such as skin irritation, headaches and nausea in people with allergies, they are not carcinogenic per se. However, the British scientists discovered that the fragrances partially transform into formaldehyde when in contact with indoor air. Formaldehyde is poisonous, can cause cancer and even in lower doses, among other things nosebleeds, coughing or burning eyes lead. According to the team around Professor Alastair Lewis, according to "BBC", they were very surprised that the Limonenduftkonzentrationen contained in the examined products were up to 100 times higher than previously thought.

Ventilate rooms regularly
The concern of the experts is also increasing because of the modern apartments and houses, which are so well insulated that little air can escape. This increases the retention time of the already high formaldehyde concentrations and could lead to long-term negative health effects. Professor Lewis advises in principle to be more careful when using scented candles or fragrant detergents. "We still do not know what the long-term consequences of formaldehyde threaten," said the study director. If you use such products anyway, be sure to ventilate regularly - immediately after use. Indoor plants can also reduce the problem a bit. These can partially absorb formaldehyde and other toxic substances. According to the scientists, previous studies found particularly good effects on ivy, geranium and ferns. (Ad)