Indoor combustion deodorants, including incense and scented candles, have been identified for several years as sources of pollutants in indoor air. As part of an action plan on indoor air quality, the government had even considered prohibit marketingin France.
In a new report, the Environment and Energy Management Agency (Ademe) once again warns fans of home fragrances. For its study, the agency studied the emissions of pollutants in the indoor air of nine incense sticks, nine scented candles and a catalytic lamp, from the French market, “in order to realistically simulate the levels of pollutant concentrations to which users of these different products are exposed”.
Frankincense pollutes more than candles
The use of incense sticks results in high concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein. “For incense, emissions are highest during combustion and during the hour following the end of combustion before decreasing under the effect of aeration”.
Candles generally emit fewer particles than incense, but the particles emitted are finer. They also emit more nitrogen oxides than incense sticks.
A “moderate” use of incense and scented candles is therefore recommended.
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