Scented candles are a popular way to keep your home smelling nice. But they could be doing more harm than good when it comes to your health.
Prior to the festive season, one of the most popular times of year for scented candles, US-based doctor and dermatologist Dr John Zade took to TikTok to warn against their use.
In a video posted in October last year, he said: “Dr Zade here, and if you’re using this one thing in your house, you need to stop right now.”
He explained a lot of scented candles are made from paraffin and when burned, release toxic chemicals into the air which are not good for us.
Dr Zade added: “Along with that the fragrances in the chemicals can be super irritating.
“A lot of people get eyelid rashes or other skin rashes because of these fragrances.
“So we do not like scented candles, try to remove them from your house.”
Many homeowners have since taken to the comments to hit back at the medic’s remarks.
One user exclaimed: “Not all candles are paraffin. We love scented candles.”
Another said: “No candles now? This is the very last straw on the fun bus of life and I just can’t.”
But others thanked the TikTok doctor for his health warning and shared their own scented candle horror stories.
One wrote: “Not me sitting here with an eyelid rash wondering how I got it.”
Someone penned: “I can’t use any of the plug-in stuff either. All of that stuff makes me sick.”
A study published last year suggested burning candles may lead to adverse health problems in young adults with mild asthma.
The research, carried out by a team from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University, showed indoor air pollution caused by burning candles and fumes while cooking can cause irritation or inflammation in young people with mild asthma.
As part of their conclusion, the researchers added it’s important to prioritise having a healthier indoor climate – it’s better to open doors and windows when cooking or lighting candles.
