People have been using scented candles for years trying to mask unpleasant odours in their homes. They’re a go-to when trying to relax and unwind after a long days work.
Though they may seem safe, regular scented candles are actually a major source of indoor pollution, and destroy air quality (and the lungs). They put off chemicals that are considered just as dangerous as second-hand smoke.
According to Anne Steinemann, an environmental pollutants expert, certain candles may emit numerous types of potentially hazardous chemicals, like benzene and toluene (1). They can disrupt the nervous system, cause damage to the brain and lungs, as well as cause developmental problems.