Presented as less toxic than candles, the scented fondants would also emit polluting and healthy particles by heating.
- When scented fondants burnt, they emit nanoparticles suspended in the air of a width between 1 and 100 nanometers.
- According to the researchers, these particles could present a risk of inhalation because they are small enough to cross the respiratory tissues and enter the blood circulation.
- It is the aromatic compounds that would contribute to the formation of nanoparticles.
- According to the researchers, these particles could present a risk of inhalation because they are small enough to cross the respiratory tissues and enter the blood circulation.
The scented fondants, these small wax pebbles that are placed in the cup of a scoring burner to flavor the air, would not disseminate good odors, according to a study by the University of Purdue (USA).
These products, often presented as a safer and less polluting alternative than candles, would also emit nanoparticles dangerous for health.
Interior pollution: the scented fondants as problematic as the candles
To determine the effects of fondants scented on indoor air quality, the researchers have conducted experiences with 15 trade waxes in a witness house. Some were scented (for example lemon, papaya, tangerine and peppermint) and others not. The team established a reference base for indoor air pollutants, then turned on the wax heating for about 2 hours.
The air a few meters from the melted waxes was analyzed. The team discovered nanoparticles suspended in the air, of a width between 1 and 100 nanometers, at levels comparable to those reported for traditional candles. “These particles could present a risk of inhalation because they are small enough to cross the respiratory tissues and enter the blood circulation”say scientists in their press release.
In addition, a person inhales similar quantities of nanoparticles, whether in the presence of melted waxes, traditional candles or a gas stove.
Wax and pollution: aromatic compounds contribute to the formation of nanoparticles
Scientists have also identified the main volatile organic compounds (VOCs) issued by the fondants. The most frequent were terpenes, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoids.
They also noticed that these terpenes reacted with ozone when they were suspended in the air. The latter formed sticky compounds, which agglutinated in nanometric particles.
On the other hand, no emission of terpenes, nor formation of nanoparticles was observed when the unspeakable fondants were heated. “This suggests that aromatic compounds contribute to the formation of nanoparticles”specify researchers.
Faced with their detailed results in the review Environmental Science & Technology Lettersthe authors recommend more toxicological research on the risks linked to the inhalation of nanoparticles formed from scented waxes.
