“Nano plastic particles found in the blood”: you have probably already read this sentence. The problem of micro particles is often cited, they are found almost anywhere: on snowy peaks where there is no living soul, in babies’ diapers, in our lungs…
Recently, it has been shown that they could come from your scented candles. At least that’s what it points out an epidemiologist from Inserm, with our colleagues from 20 Minutes.
Ultrafine particles and carcinogens
Their smell gives us the impression of purifying the surrounding air, of smelling “clean”, but this is only a decoy… Scented candles (which can be found both in convenience stores and in versions luxury), would emit so-called “ultrafine” particles, the size of which is 0.1 micron. Their particularity? To be so small thatthey not only infiltrate very well into our lungs, but also into our bloodvia the pulmonary alveoli, where oxygen passes to the blood, explains Isabella Annesi-Maesano.
Another negative point: the pollutants they emit, which are volatile organic compounds. We find in particular acetaldehyde, benzenes in low doses, toluene, formaldehyde. So many products that are not only dangerous for the respiratory tract (leading in particular to asthma), but also for reproduction, and of course for certain carcinogens.
Watch out for black smoke
Recently, a study published in Science Advances explained that the air in our homes was as polluted as a street full of exhaust fumes. Candles are not the only culprits: cleaning products are mainly targeted, especially those with fresh perfume smells.
That said, the specialist notes one thing: candles are less harmful than incense. Moreover, this is not the case with all candles: to locate them, it’s easy, just see if black smoke is released from their combustion or if there is a deposit of the same color on the candle holder. In general, avoid scented candles and ventilate regularly.
Source: 20 Minutes, Science Advances.
