Candles and scents are classics for making any space feel cozy and smell amazing. Who doesn’t love the warm glow of a candle or the fresh scent of an air freshener filling the room? But there is more to these seemingly innocent products than meets the eye—or nose.
Did you know indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and chances are that your candles and artificial scents could be one of the culprits? While the alluring scent of fresh roses or woody musk feels luxurious, the ingredients of these smelly artifacts tell a different story.
Many candles and synthetic fragrances contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and other chemicals that can pose health risks. Additionally, the production and disposal of these products can harm your home and the environment.
Curious? Well, here are 14 reasons why you should cut back on the candles and synthetic fragrances.
1. It’s Expensive
Candles, reed diffusers, and other artificial scents can strain your budget as they often come with a hefty price tag. Even if you buy lower-cost options, the prices will add up by the time your through with your shopping spree.
According to Statista, in 2023, home air fresheners generated approximately $2.8 billion in sales across multiple outlets in America. If you’re on a tight budget, you should seriously consider removing this extra item from your cart.
2. Overpowering Synthetic Smell
Scented candles might smell nice at first, but their strong synthetic fragrances can quickly become overwhelming. For sensitive people, these artificial scents can lead to headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues.
Plus, such overpowering scents don’t necessarily eliminate odors. All they do is mask them and blend with existing smells, which can be unpleasant.
3. Air Pollution
Lighting candles or putting on a diffuser may set the mood, but they pollute the indoor air, reducing its quality. According to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, candles and air fresheners such as sprays, incense, diffusers, etc., release harmful pollutants like benzene and toluene, which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
These chemicals cause health hazards and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. VOCs create an invisible cloud of toxins in your home, which you definitely want to avoid.
4. Allergy Trigger
For many, scented candles and air fresheners can cause bouts of sneezes and sniffles. Sometimes these products can cause full-blown asthma attacks! It’s better not to risk discomfort for your family and guests.
If you’ve ever found yourself having watery eyes or a scratchy throat after lighting a candle, it’s not just a coincidence—it’s your body’s reaction to the artificial scents.
5. May Worsen Asthma
Did you know more than 25 million Americans deal with asthma? This chronic condition can get worse with things like pollution, allergens, and strong smells.
To help manage symptoms, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests steering clear of air fresheners, scented candles, and diffusers as these items contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the respiratory system and trigger asthma symptoms.
6. Endocrine Disruption
The chemicals in scented candles and artificial scents don’t just smell unnatural; they can also disrupt your body’s natural hormone balance.
Most of them contain phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting compounds, which can disrupt hormones and cause problems in growth and metabolism. The worst part? These ingredients are not always clearly labeled, leaving you unaware of what you’re really inhaling.
7. Headaches and Migraines
Strong synthetic scents can trigger headaches or migraines for some people. Research shows that people who exposed themselves to scented candles for more than 60 minutes had a 1.42 times higher occurrence of headaches.
It’s better not to risk a pounding head and get yourselves some natural, unscented options to preserve your peace of mind.
8. Impacts on the Fetus
Although little research exists on this matter, these products include chemicals like phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have been linked to potential developmental issues.
Some of them may also have methylene chloride, which poses serious risks to pregnant women as it can cross the placental barrier. It is also a known carcinogen linked to cancers of the pancreas, lungs, and liver.
9. Fire Hazard
Well, this one is quite obvious: a single flickering flame can quickly turn into a dangerous blaze, especially near flammable materials like furniture or paper.
Data suggests that in the U.S. between the years of 2018 and 2022, candles caused 4% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, and 6% of home fire injuries, of which 36% started in the bedroom.
10. Harmful for Pets
When you light a scented candle in your home, your furry companions are at risk. Unscented candles are okay around pets, but some scented candles contain essential oils that can be toxic, especially for dogs.
The symptoms may look like sneezing and reverse sneezing, pawing at the nose or eyes, or nasal discharge. In the interest of taking care of your fur babies, skip the scented candles.
11. Mold Growth
When burned, candles release water vapor into the air, which can accumulate in wall corners, windowsills, or damp spaces, creating an ideal environment for mold to thrive.
This can lead to musty odors and potential health risks. To keep your surfaces dry, it is better to use candles sparingly.
12. Natural Alternatives are Better Options
Making scents at home is safe for your health and can save you significant money as well.
Essential oil diffusers, all-natural sprays, or even simmer pots can bring delightful aromas into your home without any of the risks. Bonus? They last longer and often smell just as good.
13. Environmental Impact
The impact of scented candles and air fresheners goes beyond your home. Many candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum by-product that contributes to fossil fuel depletion.
Additionally, their packaging and candle holders are often made of plastic or non-recyclable materials, which adds to landfill waste.
14. Skin Problems
Exposure to the chemicals present in these products can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin.
Upon contact, they can cause rashes, redness, or dryness. Long-term exposure to these substances can also worsen skin conditions.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
