Households warned not to use candles in bathroom | UK | News
Households are warned not to use candles in the bathroom (Image: Getty)
Households have been warned against using candles in the bathroom because candles can actually be ‘very harmful’.
The charity British Heart Foundation (BHF) has issued advice on air pollution in your home. Particularly in winter, when windows are often closed and the heating system is running, air pollution can cause serious problems and is also linked to a variety of health conditions highlighted by BHF.
While relaxing in a soapy tub with a glass of bubbly and a few flickering candles is a surefire way to relieve stress, especially during the cold winter months, the BHF says burning candles can be ‘very harmful’.
It says: “Air pollution is the name given to gases or particles in the air that can harm your health if inhaled.
“You may be more at risk if you have a heart or circulatory condition. Air pollution is mostly caused by cars and vehicles, but can also be caused by things like burning wood, farming and factory smoke.
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“Indoor air pollution can also be very harmful, especially if your home doesn’t have good airflow. Things that can pollute your air at home include:
- burning candles
- burning firewood
- smoking indoors
- “Keep your windows closed while cooking.”
She adds: “If you’re using candles, blow the flame near the window and leave the window open for a few minutes.”
The science behind this is explained in more detail by technology giant Panasonic.
Their wellness advice page states that the candles contain many synthetic chemicals that are ‘known to disrupt hormones’, as well as other potentially harmful or cancer-causing additives.
It says: “Candle emissions are tiny particles and gases, including soot, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and added fragrances, that are released when the candle burns. Are these harmful? Stanford researchers set out to answer this question by finding trace amounts of cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde on burning wicks.”
“The good news is that with normal use, the risk is low. The important thing is to use candles in moderation and ensure good airflow. Without these, harmful chemicals can remain in the air long after the candle has been blown out.”
“Scented candles, in particular, require careful attention. Many use synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates, chemicals known to disrupt hormones. When candles burn, these phthalates mix with the smoke to form tiny particles that can irritate the lungs or cause headaches. Children, pregnant women, and people with asthma or allergies are particularly sensitive to these airborne irritants.”
She adds: “If you notice black residue around candle jars or walls, this is a sign of your soot IAQ. [Indoor Air Quality] gets hit. “The same particles can leak into HVAC ducts and spread from room to room, raising questions about long-term exposure to pollutants.”
Panasonic recommends avoiding using candles in bathrooms altogether to ensure safe burning.
He adds: “Stick to larger, well-ventilated spaces, such as a living room with open windows or an exhaust fan. Avoid small, enclosed spaces where pollutants accumulate quickly, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.”
She explains best practices for candles: “It makes for great ventilation, but daily candle habits can also make a difference in how much smoke and chemical residue actually reaches your lungs. Here are four simple best practices to follow:
Limit burn time: Keep each session under one to two hours so that combustion byproducts never reach high concentrations. Extinguish completely and allow the room to ventilate before relighting.
Trim the wick: Trim approximately ¼ inch before each use. A shorter wick burns more consistently, reducing vibration, smoke, and black debris that coats walls and HVAC filters.
Choose clean-burning candles: Choose soy, beeswax, or coconut candles with cotton or wood wicks and essential oil scents. “Stay away from paraffin blends, synthetic fragrances and bright dyes, which add unnecessary toxins.”
