Say it ain’t so – a new study has found that burning candles could be worse for us than passive smoking.
As someone who has cultivated a ‘candle cupboard’ (yes, that is an entire cabinet devoted to my bougiest bougees and no, I do not live in a mansion; far from it in fact), a recent report warning of the apparent health risks associated with burning candles cut deep. So much so that I almost didn’t read it as I knew that whatever the outcome, my love of wax would never wane and I would carry on burning regardless (perhaps just with slightly less abandon or when the kids are at school depending on how damning the report was). Because for many of us, candles are part of our everyday rituals and a comfort few of us are willing to relinquish (the UK home fragrance market generated a revenue of almost £541 million in 2023 and is expected to reach over £950 million by 2030). There’s something about that gentle flickering glow that warms the very cockles of our souls and are a balm for HD screened-out eyes. They have the ability to create a calming, intimate atmosphere that speaks to our primordial selves (being able to create fire being what sets us apart from our hairy ape cousins). And don’t get me started on their miraculous ability to impart a kind filter to over-40s skin; Richard E. Grant did a recent house tour on Instagram where he confessed; 'My candle bill is very large – I burn a lot of candles because it’s the best lighting if you’re over the age of 35 – which I astonishingly am – candlelight is the most gorgeous thing.'
Cassie Steer's favourite home fragrances
A mantra to live by methinks and I could go on. But back to this study (as I gently cradle Jo Malone’s Velvet Rose & Oud deluxe candle). The headline-grabbing report penned in The Conversation by Dr Asit Kumar Mishra, at the University College Cork and Dr Marie Coggins at the University of Galway was pegged on their studies into the impact of energy retrofits in Irish homes which found that activities such as burning candles, smoking and blocking wall vents can have a significant negative effect on indoor air quality. In fact, using scented candles when combined with closed windows and blocked wall vents can increase peak fine particle concentrations to 15 times the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization levels which they found can take a while to return to normal levels in unventilated rooms (flickering flames in particular increase emissions of black carbon). So what is it about candles that make them a potential health hazard? According to Mishra and Coggins, burning candles or incense sticks ‘produces a complex mix of chemicals and particulate matter, including toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen as well as being a major source of formaldehyde.’ So far so depressing. According to the duo even short-term exposure to candle smoke has been shown to reduce cognitive function and it’s the particulate matter which can cause both short-term health effects such as coughing and irritation to the eyes, nose and lungs as well as worsening some existing conditions such as asthma and increasing the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis (incense sticks produce around four times as much particulate matter as cigarettes and scented candles are likely to produce more fine particulate matter than non-scented candles). It’s something echoed by Head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK. Erika Radford; “This is the time of year for winter candles and burning incense, but there is a general lack of awareness of their potential health harms. Candles and incense sticks emit particle matter (PM) and other pollutants when they're burned and there is evidence linking incense burning to lung disease, so high levels of exposure should be avoided.” But for those who covet candles and wax lyrical about scented wax, all is not lost according to both Radford, Mishra and Coggins; 'If you love to use home fragrances, then there are ways to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. For example, try to use home fragrance products in larger spaces, such as the living room, and open windows. Check that any vents have not been blocked in your home – especially in a room where you plan to use home fragrances. Finally, most of the smoke from candles is emitted when the flame is extinguished. To be on the safe side, always try to snuff out candles outdoors,' (aka the perfect excuse to buy Dior’s Candle Snuffer £34). I’ll admit the news has made me re-evaluate burning several candles in my teeny, tiny (unventilated, window-free) bathroom, but the living room will remain a flaming ode to ouds and warming woody notes (a recent report branded wood burners Britain’s biggest source of dangerous air pollution and I reason I don’t have one of those). And for those who want to scent their homes sans candles? Here are the very best.Shop: The Best Home Fragrances
There’s nothing quite like a Jo Malone candle but it turns out they do room sprays pretty well too. There are several to choose from including best-selling Lime, Basil and Mandarin but I personally prefer the soft, succulent floral/fruity vibes of the English Pear and Freesia which is just the right side of sweet.
These wellbeing pods by Neom are a brilliant way to scentscape your home. I use the Bedtime Hero Essential Oil Blend with mine which is mellow and spa-like rather than lavender-y to help prep my body for sleep (works better than Netflix that’s for sure). Simply fill the water tank, add a few drops of your chosen oil and press the button for a heatless fine mist.
Level up your home scenting game with this smart fragrance diffuser which lets you control the frequency and intensity of your home perfume remotely so you can stick it on whilst on the bus for instant ‘ahhh’ when you walk in. Each cartridge emits 270 hours-worth of fragrance (there are 14 available) and it helps that it’s also rather easy on the eye.
Forget cloying Christmas tree air fresheners swinging off your rearview mirror, this deluxe car diffuser from Acqua di Parma is set to make every car journey a treat. Crafted with an Italian leather cover, the diffuser attaches to the air vent to waft out your chosen refill scent (I’d gladly take them all).
I’ve yet to meet a Diptique product I didn’t like but this hourglass beauty is the crème de la crème. Not only is it a thing of beauty in its own right, it gently diffuses fragrance as you turn it (I personally love the mossy, spicy elegant scent of the iconic 34 Boulevard Saint Germain). One to woo guests with.
The object we never knew we needed. This scented terracotta pomegranate gently diffuses a beautiful spicy fragrance composed of rose, ylang, ylang and pomegranate nestled amongst a rich musky, patchouli, oakmoss base. One to serve for cosy winter nights.
I love a discovery set and this one from Loewe doesn’t get much chicer. Composed of five wax scented tablets designed to help you choose your favourite botanical blend (Tomato Leaves is a firm favourite in the Grazia offices), I use mine to scent drawers and laundry cupboards.
Diffusers aren’t always the most inspirational objects when it comes to design but trust Tom Dixon to change that. This smoked glass flacon looks more like a chic laboratory beaker and comes with a charcoal reed to disperse the rich, woody (non-alcoholic) scent.
Cassie Steer is acting health and beauty director at Grazia with over 25 years’ experience on women’s glossies.
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