Households are being warned not to use candles in the bathroom (Image: Getty)
Households have been given a warning over using candles in the bathroom because it could actually be ‘very harmful’.
Charity the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has issued advice over air pollution in your home. In winter especially, when windows are usually closed and the heating is running, air pollution can cause serious problems, with links to several health conditions highlighted by the BHF.
While relaxing in a soapy tub with a glass of bubbly and a few flickering candles is a sure-fire way to de-stress, especially in the cold of winter, the BHF says that 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 you breathe them in.
“You may be more at risk if you have a heart or circulatory condition. Air pollution most commonly comes from cars and vehicles, but can also come from things like burning wood, farming and factory fumes.
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“Indoor air pollution can also be very harmful, especially if your home lacks good air flow. Things that can pollute your air at home include:
- burning candles
- burning firewood
- smoking indoors
- keeping your windows closed during cooking.”
It adds: “If you use candles, blow the flame near a window and leave it open for a few minutes.”
The science behind this is explained in more detail by tech giant Panasonic.
On its healthy living advice pages, it says that candles contain many synthetic chemicals ‘known to disrupt hormones’ as well as various other potentially harmful or cancer-causing additives.
It says: “Candle emissions are tiny particles and gases released as a candle burns, including soot, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and added fragrances. Are they harmful? Stanford researchers set out to answer this question, finding trace amounts of cancer-causing chemicals — like benzene, toluene and formaldehyde — above burning wicks.
“The good news is that, with normal use, the risk is low. The key is to use candles in moderation and ensure good airflow. Without these, harmful chemicals can stay in the air long after the candle is blown out.
“Scented candles, specifically, need careful attention. Many use synthetic fragrances that contain phthalates — chemicals known to disrupt hormones. When candles burn, these phthalates mix with smoke, creating tiny particles that can irritate the lungs or cause headaches. Children, pregnant women and people with asthma or allergies are especially sensitive to these airborne irritants.”
It adds: “If you ever notice black residue around candle jars or walls, that soot is a telltale sign your IAQ [Indoor Air Quality] is taking a hit. Those same particles can infiltrate HVAC ducts and spread from room to room, raising questions about long-term exposure to pollutants.”
To burn safely, Panasonic recommends avoiding using candles in bathrooms entirely.
It adds: “Stick to larger, well-ventilated areas — like a living room with open windows or an exhaust fan. Avoid small, enclosed spaces where pollutants build up quickly, like bathrooms or bedrooms.”
Its best practices on candles explains: “Great ventilation sets the stage, but day-to-day candle habits can also make a difference in how much smoke and chemical residue actually reach your lungs. Here are four simple best practices to follow:
Limit burn time: Keep each session under one to two hours so combustion by-products never reach high concentrations. Extinguish fully and let the room air out before relighting.
Trim the wick: Snip it to roughly ¼ inch before every use. A shorter wick burns steadier, reducing flicker, smoke and the black residue that coats walls and HVAC filters.
Choose clean-burning waxes: Opt for soy, beeswax or coconut wax candles with cotton or wood wicks and essential-oil scents. Steer clear of paraffin blends, synthetic fragrances and bright dyes that add unnecessary toxins.”