Aromatherapy candles have been in high demand lately. Apart from scenting the room, the aroma of candles can also help relieve stress and help you sleep better. But is it safe to use aromatherapy candles in the long run?

Is lighting aromatherapy candles dangerous?

Before lamp technology was invented to illuminate the room, humans first used candles made from animal fat. The use of candles is thought to have lasted since 3000 BC.

Today, candles are no longer used for primary lighting but are widely used in birthday celebrations, religious events, and as aromatherapy candles. Most modern candles are made from paraffin wax, but they are also commonly made from beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax.

Since candles are popularly used for everyday purposes in modern life, many experts have questioned the safety of using candles. Burning candles is known to release toxins from the materials they are made of. Apart from releasing toxins, lighting aromatherapy candles can also lead to indoor pollution.

If a candle containing toluene is lit in a room with poor ventilation, exposure to toluene can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. This can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and anxiety. Meanwhile, benzene is a carcinogenic substance and can increase the risk of developing cancers such as leukemia and other blood cancers.

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So, is using aromatherapy candles harmful to your health?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the use of aromatherapy candles has different side effects for each person. Some people like the smell of aromatherapy candles, but some of them feel dizzy or nauseous due to the use of aromatherapy.

No research has yet revealed that aromatherapy candles are more harmful than unscented candles. This is because all types of candles that are burned can release volatile organic compounds. As long as it is done in safe amounts, the use of aromatherapy candles can be said to be harmless to health.

Also, according to Everyday Health, the safety of using aromatherapy candles is dependent on many factors, including:

• Concentration of particles contained within
• Ventilation of the room when candles are lit and inhaled
• Duration on how long does one can breathe-in emissions from candles

Another thing to consider is the main ingredient of the candles used. Candles made from palm wax are claimed to be safer than candles made from paraffin. Burning paraffin candles is known to release substances that are harmful to the lungs.

Aside from the harmful content of aromatherapy candles, for some people, exposure to certain scents can trigger asthma. If you have asthma, you should be wary of using candles and burning aromatherapy ingredients.

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Tips for safely using aromatherapy candles

The effects of using aromatherapy candles may vary from person to person. If you want to use aromatherapy candles, then you need to pay attention to some safety aspects of using these candles. To be safe, you can apply the following tips before lighting an aromatherapy candle:

• Choose high-quality candles that are safe for your health. Choose aromatherapy candles that use natural waxes such as soy or palm waxes
• If it is to be lit indoors, make sure the room is well ventilated
• Avoid lighting aromatherapy candles all day

If you are sensitive to certain fragrances, have allergies or have asthma, you should avoid using aromatherapy candles. Discontinue use immediately if you experience an allergic reaction, such as tightness, dizziness, or other physical complaints.

There is no scientific research strong enough to state that aromatherapy candles are harmful to health. However, if you experience complaints after using aromatherapy candles, you should immediately stop using them and see a doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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