Are Scented Candles Safe?

Everyone should want cleaner, fresher air in their home. Not only is it better for your health, but it leaves your home smelling better. Rather than actually cleaning their air, however, many homeowners opt to use artificial air fresheners instead. These items can provide an appealing scent, whether it’s a plugin or an aerosol spray.  

However, air fresheners come with a number of problems.  

For starters, they are not actually cleaning the air or treating the source of bad smells. Instead, they are simply covering them up. What’s worse is that many of these products include toxic chemicals that can irritate your nose and throat. Some have even been linked to kidney issues, liver problems, and cancer. They can also be directly harmful to children and pets who may try to consume them. 

Some may assume that scented candles are a better alternative to plugins and sprays. Sadly, this is not the case. In fact, in some ways, they can be even more dangerous. 

The Problems with Scented Candles 

There’s no question that lit candles provide a comforting ambiance to a room. And in today’s market, candles come in almost every scent you can imagine. However, these candles feature many of the same problems as other air-freshening products. For starters, they don’t actually treat the source of unpleasant smells. Instead, they simply cover them up. 

On top of that, candles tend to release many of the same toxic chemicals that plugins and sprays contain. They also release particle matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, both of which are bad for your health. 

Arguably, the biggest issue with candles, however, is that they are a serious fire hazard. Each year, fires caused by candles result in 677 injuries, 81 deaths, and $278 million in property damage. Between 2014 and 2018, US fire departments responded to 7610 home fires that started with candles. All it takes is a moment of neglect for a candle to cause a serious, life-threatening situation. 

Keeping Your Air Fresh without Candles 

There are several simple ways to keep your home smelling pleasant without having to rely on candles. Regular cleaning, emptying the trash, and maintaining airflow can make a big difference. Additionally, you should have your air ducts checked and cleaned periodically. Over time, debris, dust, and even mold can start to build up in your ducts. 

All of this can make your home’s air feel musty and stuffy. 

You can use air purifiers to clean your air further and reduce unwanted scents. Unlike other air freshening products, air purifiers actually remove irritating particles and unpleasant smells from the air. For air purification and air duct cleaning in the Springfield & Dayton, Ohio area, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today. We can help you breathe a little easier in your home or at your workplace.