Safety of Stored Scented Candles
QUESTION:
Can scented candles that are being stored near you only (not being burnt or used) harm health? The smell of these candles from a scented candle showroom and storage next to us is very strong and it burns our eyes and throats. If they don't burn the candles and they are just storing them, can the strong smell harm health? Can soot, lead, metal and etc... travel when the candles are not used and they're just sitting there?
POSTED BY BITA :: NEW JERSEY USA :: 01/02/2007 6:53 AM
DEBRA'S ANSWER:
Scented candles that are being stored, not burned, can be harmful to health from the scent, but the soot and lead are only released when the candle is burned.
Most scented candles are scented with artificial fragrances, which are released even when the candle is not burning. If you have a whole showroom and storage of scented candles, the exposure would be quite larger.
For more on the health effects of artificial fragrances, see the links posted at Q&A : Workplace Fragrance-Free Policies. There is a lot of information there.
Debra :-)
