Serious Health Risk From Candles

Lisa Paterson has taken to Facebook to warn other about candles, Paterson said “I had to take Caitlin to a&e this morning as she woke up and her face was covered in soot. I thought it was carbon monoxide from my boiler but it wasn’t. The hospital confirmed that Caitlin had been getting poisoned during the night as she slept by her candle and if she lay there much longer the outcome would have been so different. Caitlin had burned and blew out her candle the night before and it turned black during the night. All candles have been thrown out of this house as they are so dangerous. I had never heard of this before so I am sharing this status to let everyone else know how dangerous candles can be. Thankfully Caitlin is ok she was a very lucky girl today”.

The number of aromatic candle manufacturers, professional and amateur, grows each year. A number of these introduce candles to their product line without the knowledge necessary to produce a safe and clean-burning product. Chemical testing provides conclusive evidence that emissions from some burning candles contain more than twenty volatile organic compounds, lead and a significant amount of carbon.

Burning scented candles inside homes, flats and commercial buildings can present serious health hazards to those living and working there. It can also mean damage to ventilation systems, furnishing and content. Evidence suggests breathing even one micron of particulate soot can be hazardous. Scientists have determined breathing particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller is detrimental to human health. These particles are dangerous because they are inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing irritation and respiratory problems. Those at extra risk include people with heart or lung disease, children and the elderly.

It is advised to burn candles for no more than an hour at a time and allow for cool-down period before re-lighting. Do not burn candles under a draft, like vents or near fans and heaters.