Dangerous smells: when candles and incense become a real health hazard

Waxes from natural materials tend to be “cleaner”, releasing fewer toxins compared to paraffin, as well as releasing less soot.

“Scented candles, in addition to these products, release volatile compounds responsible for odors, such as limonene, linalool and benzyl acetate, depending on the oil or fragrance added; which bring benefits or risks to the body, depending on several issues”, explains Nenconi.

Innocent wicks can also pose a danger if they are not made entirely of cotton, which contain toxic metals when burned like sink and tin.

How candles can harm you

When burned, paraffin candles, as mentioned, release substances such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene. According to Elie Fiss, pulmonologist at Alta Diagnósticos, from Dasa, these compounds are pollutants and can cause respiratory problems and irritation of the airways.

“In a closed environment, especially, it can be very harmful. Even more so for those who already have breathing problems, such as asthma or hyperreactive bronchial”warning