Beware of Scented Candles

Cinzia Cuneo 15 dicembre, 2011 Natale, salute, biologico

Cinnamon apple or pumpkin spice scented candles may evoke the holiday season for some, but for others, these airborne fragrances trigger allergy symptoms — from runny, itchy noses and sneezing, to asthma attacks.

A study presented at the latest annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) provided evidence that many room deodorizers and scented candles emit potentially dangerous VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemicals that exist as gas or vapor at room temperature. These include formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, limonene, alcohol and esters.

Good old times beeswax candles don’t cause any of those problems. Beeswax candles can be on the expensive side – at least in comparison to “regular” paraffin candles. But beeswax actually burns slower, so you’ll get more for your money than if you opted for the cheaper versions. Plus, the potential for better respiratory health is well worth the few extra cents.

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.