Hidden Dangers of Scented Candles
I love candles! They provide a warm ambience that is unparalleled. I love lighting them before company comes over to mask the smell of whatever my house might smell like. We live on a farm with kids, dogs, farm animals, do lots of cooking, bring in barn and hunting clothes, you catch my drift. I also use to love lighting candles while in the bathtub to relax, or in the evening when trying to reduce the amount of artificial light in our home for our circadian rhythms. There’s something comforting about the soft glow of a scented candle, filling your home with the warm notes of vanilla, fresh linen, or seasonal spices. Oh and at Christmas time, its a must! But I found out that behind that cozy ambiance lies a hidden danger most people never consider. Turns out I wasn’t alone. Most Americans love a good scented candle but have no idea what they are doing to their health. After I learned what I did a few years ago, I’ll just say this…I wish more people were aware!! Join me as we go down yet another rabbit hole on how most of the popular scented candles that are currently in your home, release toxic chemicals like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde—substances linked to respiratory issues, hormonal disruption, and even long-term health risks!
If you are like me, you pay little attention to most of the doom and gloom headlines. However, a few years ago, over the Christmas holiday, I saw a New York Post article that caught my eye “How your scented Christmas candles can up your risk of heart disease, lung cancer.” What!?? I did not walk over to the pine scented candle that was glowing on my counter and blow it out, I ran! Oh no! Not my beloved candles! It’s time to peel back the label and understand what’s really burning in our homes and workplaces.
So I did a little homework on how many Americans have a scented candle in their home? Want to take a guess? If you guessed 1 out of every 10 (like I did) you are way off! The U.S. retail sales of candle products are estimated at approximately $3.14 billion annually according to candles.org. Based on industry data, it’s estimated that 7 out of 10 U.S. households use candles, with scented candles being the most popular choice. This suggests that around 70% of American families have at least one scented candle in their home. Turns out that EVERYONE loves the ambiance of scented candle in their home!
“7 out of 10 U.S. homes have at least 1 scented candle in them” – New York Post
It also turns out that an estimated 32.2% of the population experiences negative health effects from exposure to scented products, which can include air fresheners, scented candles, and other fragranced items commonly found in home, office, spa, and dining environments according to accessibility.com.
Non-scented candles are generally less toxic than scented candles, but they’re not completely free from potential health risks. The main differences lie in the ingredients used for fragrance and the type of wax and wick.
Key differences in toxicity between non-scented and scented candles
- Fragrance Chemicals:
- Scented candles often contain synthetic fragrances, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde when burned. These compounds are linked to respiratory issues, headaches, and even long-term health risks with prolonged exposure.
- Non-scented candles don’t have these added fragrance chemicals, significantly reducing the release of harmful VOCs.
- Wax Type:
- Paraffin wax (common in both scented and non-scented candles) is a petroleum byproduct. When burned, it releases chemicals like toluene and benzene.
- Soy wax, although touted to be a clean candle wax, are better than parafin wax, but due to heavy pesticide use in soy production and the possibility of added chemicals during processing, they are not considered clean, just “cleaner”.
- Beeswax, or coconut wax burn clean without toxins, when unscented. In fact, beeswax can actually help CLEAN the air by releasing negative ions that neutralize airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, mold and smoke!
- Wick Material:
- Candles with lead-core wicks (now banned in the U.S. but still found in imported products) can release toxic heavy metals when burned. Look for cotton or wood wicks instead.
While non-scented candles are generally safer because they lack synthetic fragrances, their safety also depends on the type of wax and wick used. Regardless, you still don’t want them in your non toxic home unless made with beeswax or coconut wax.
What is a VOC?
A VOC, or Volatile Organic Compound, is a type of chemical that easily evaporates into the air at room temperature. These compounds are found in many household products, including scented candles, air fresheners, paints, cleaning supplies, and even furniture. When products containing VOCs are used or burned (like in the case of candles), they release gases that can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Common VOCs found in scented candles include benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, which are known to have potential health risks. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Nausea
- Worsened asthma symptoms
Long-term exposure, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, may increase the risk of more serious health issues, including respiratory problems and even certain cancers. That’s why proper ventilation and choosing non-toxic, natural candles made without synthetic fragrances or paraffin wax can help reduce your exposure to VOCs in your home.
Does anyone have a candle that is worth lighting in my home?
For the cleanest burn, opt for unscented candles made from natural waxes with cotton or wood wicks. Beeswax candles, in particular, are known to purify the air as they burn, making them a healthier choice. This is what lead me to find a company that is making healthy moves in the scented candle industry. Fontana Candle Co. I actually was on the search for information on how to make my own beeswax candles because I missed having candles burning in the house so badly! But during my search I found Fontana and decided to save myself the work and buy from them (which I don’t do often I should say).
Unlike conventional candle companies that prioritize synthetic scents and paraffin-based formulas, Fontana is rooted in a heartfelt mission born from personal experience. As a family-owned business deeply affected by health struggles like asthma, autoimmune issues, and even the devastating loss of a loved one to lymphoma, their commitment to creating non-toxic, clean-burning candles isn’t just a marketing angle—it’s a way of life. Their journey began in 2017, sparked by a simple gift of a name-brand candle that, despite its pleasant aroma, left them feeling unwell after just one burn. This alarming experience led them down a path of research and discovery, revealing the hidden dangers of traditional candles—and ultimately inspiring the creation of Fontana Candle Co.
“The world is full of toxins, but we don’t think they should be in your home.”
What sets Fontana apart is their uncompromising dedication to health and wellness. They understand that what you breathe is as important as what you eat, crafting candles with only the safest, most natural ingredients. There are no synthetic fragrances, harmful chemicals, or paraffin wax here—just clean, thoughtfully sourced materials designed to nourish your space without compromising your well-being. In an industry saturated with products that prioritize aesthetics over safety, Fontana shines because their ethos is deeply personal and genuine. Their story isn’t just about candles; it’s about reclaiming the air we breathe, creating a toxin-free sanctuary at home, and offering peace of mind in the soft glow of a truly clean burn.
I hope you found at least some of this information helpful? I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went down this rabbit hole but it sure scared me enough to do the research! And the next time I have some friends over and I am trying to hide the smell of goat, I’ll happily light up a non toxic candle and feel good about it.
