Careful with Christmas scented candles - many are unhealthy

Chemicals and pollutants: scented candles can harm your health

Baked apple, orange-cinnamon or vanilla: scented candles are very popular, especially during Advent and Christmas. With the fragrances in the nose, many people join in the happy celebration. But the burning of candles can sometimes harm your health. Especially toddlers can suffer.

To get in the mood for the merry feast with Christmas scents

In the cold season, and especially during Advent and Christmas, many people want to bring warmth, comfort and romantic light into the apartment with candles. Especially scented candles with Christmas scents are currently very popular. With gingerbread, baked apple or Zimataroma you can tune wonderfully on the merry party. But many scented candles also pose a health risk. Especially for small children, the products can be dangerous.

Currently, scented candles with Christmas flavors are very popular. But some of these products pose a health risk. Especially allergy sufferers and small children can be at risk. (Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com)

Allergic reaction

Scented candles can become problematic, among other things, for persons suffering from a fragrance allergy. With them, the fragrances quickly lead to discomfort or occasionally to respiratory problems.

In addition, the contact with the candles may lead to allergic reactions of the skin such as eczema or rashes among allergic persons.

But also people who do not suffer from an allergy, respond to the burning of scented candles sometimes with symptoms such as headache, coughing, watery eyes or nausea.

It can be due to the different ingredients of candles.

Harmful pollutants

For example, experts advise against using paraffin candles. Burning this petroleum product releases pollutants that can cause headaches, among other things.

Pesticides and heavy metals such as zinc and lead can also pose a health hazard.

Gel candles and synthetic perfumed candles can also cause discomfort such as cough, dizziness, nausea, headache and allergic reactions.

Scented candles can promote cancer

According to British scientists, some scented candles can even promote cancer, as they can sometimes release enormous amounts of formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is toxic, can lead to cancer and even in lower doses, among other things, cause nosebleeds, coughing or burning eyes.

As the researchers from the University of York found in a study, the concentrations found in the products studied were significantly higher than expected.

Danger especially for small children

For infants and toddlers, scented candles, scent sticks and fragrance lamps that burn essential oils can also be dangerous.

This is indicated by the Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) on its website "kinderaerzte-im-netz.de".

"Even though many of the scented candles, sticks and lamps contain natural essential oils, they are harmful to children," explains Dr. Josef Kahl, spokesman for the pediatricians.

"By burning, among other things, fine dust, soot and sometimes even formaldehyde are released and dispersed in the air. They can irritate the skin and mucous membranes and also cause allergies, "says the expert.

Do without the aromatisation of the rooms

In addition, according to the physician essential oils can be swallowed in gel form or as a liquid of infants.

"And as with candles, so there is a risk of burns here. Wherever children are, you should therefore do without the aromatization of rooms, "says the physician.

"Scented candles, sticks and lamps as well as the associated oils and gels must also be kept out of the reach of infants and toddlers," warns Kahl.

Delete candles without smoke

Anyone who still wants to use scented candles, according to experts, should resort to environmentally friendly products.

Above all, candles that consist of 100% beeswax are recommended. Although these are more expensive, they burn off more slowly than, for example, paraffin and thus have a longer life.

And no matter which products are used: Candles should be deleted as much as possible soot and smoke-free.

To this end, recommends the Federation of Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND): The Candle wick briefly turn off when making, dip into the liquid wax and then quickly erect again.

So not only does not smoke, but the method also has the advantage that the candle will light up better next time. (Ad)