Scented Candles Linked to Indoor Air Pollution Risks

Quick Summary

• A recent study by Nusrat Jung’s team at Purdue University highlights indoor pollution caused by scented products like wax melts and candles, previously marketed as safe.
• Scented wax melts release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and terpenes into the air,which react with ozone to form nanoparticles that may pose respiratory risks,even though no combustion occurs during their use.
• Earlier research also identified hair sprays and other fragrant products as contributors to indoor air pollution when used in combination with heating devices like curlers or straighteners.
• Comparative analysis revealed scented products can generate more harmful breathable nanoparticles than gas stoves or diesel engines.
• ventilation quality and household patterns considerably influence the degree of indoor air pollution in homes, especially given increased time spent indoors due to work-from-home habits.
• Researchers suggest avoiding such products altogether or using exhaust fans for better ventilation when they are in use.

read More

Indian Opinion Analysis
The findings underscore a global environmental challenge that applies equally to Indian households where scented candles or fragrance sprays are increasingly popular for personal care and home aesthetics. With a high prevalence of densely packed urban housing in India-ofen marked by limited airflow-indoor pollution from these sources could exacerbate existing health risks tied to poor air quality already prevalent outdoors due to industrial emissions and vehicular pollutants.

The research urges attention toward monitoring household ventilation while emphasizing the potential respiratory impacts of sustained nanoparticle exposure from commonly used domestic items like hair sprays, candles, and fresheners-a pertinent consideration amid growing awareness regarding public health linked to air quality in India.

Moreover, considering India’s tropical climate promoting year-round use of cooling devices over natural ventilation practices (like open windows), implementing measures such as regular exhaust fan usage might emerge crucial for better air management at individual levels.

india’s regulatory focus needs broader inclusion beyond traditional outdoor pollutants toward framing guidelines tackling cleaner lasting consumer choices facilitating safer ‘indoor’ environments too respecting human everyday interactions prompting reshuffling ‘Stay aware Investing Future.’