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When autumn comes, nothing feels more warm or cozy than to light a scented candle.
The autumn-themed scents that fill up your home are unmistakable signs that the seasons are changing in your household.
But now, it seems there may be evidence that scented products—candles, plug-ins, gels, and incense sticks among them—could actually be making us sick.
Extended, use of these products over long periods of time can cause asthma, lung damage, and even increase our risk of lung cancer.
Frankincense, sandalwood, and agarwood scents are among the worst offenders, as they’ve been found to be about as toxic as tobacco smoke.
Air fresheners can interfere with breathing and cause asthma. Some of them can even contain formaldehyde—not exactly something you want to be breathing in.
One 2013 study, published in the International Journal of Public Health, found that air freshener use by pregnant women was associated with babies with wheezing and lung infections.
Some organizations even believe that air fresheners, specifically Glade brand air fresheners, can interfere with babies’ hormonal development.
As for scented candles, as much as we love them, they’re dangerous too. Even just letting the candles evaporate will allow pollution to occur. Even touching them may allow your body to absorb dangerous chemicals.
Scented candles, once lit, can release the chemicals formaldehyde and paraffin, which can give you some lung damage and respiratory issues if you’re burning them frequently.
Of course, SC Johnson and other producers of air fresheners and candles stand by their products’ safety.
So maybe it’s not enough to give them up completely, but maybe make them an autumn treat rather than a regularity.
