For many people, candles are part of a cozy evening, but when a candle burns, it's not just the wick that burns. Small particles are also released, including fine particulate matter and, with some candles, soot, which are added to the indoor air. Whether that is a problem depends mainly on the quantity and frequency.
What is released when a candle burns?
The combustion of candle wax or paraffin produces fine particulate matter, and an irregular flame or a wick that is too long also produces soot. You can often recognize soot by a black haze on the wall or ceiling above a candle that has been burning for a long time. Scented candles can additionally release volatile fragrance compounds. In its advice on healthy air for children, the Lung Foundation (Longfonds) explicitly mentions candles as a source of additional fine particulate matter in the home.
Does the type of candle make a difference?
Candles made of different materials (paraffin, soy, beeswax) do not all burn the same way. In general, a candle with a properly trimmed, short wick and a steady, non-flickering flame releases less soot and particles than a candle with a long wick that is flickering in a draft. Many people notice that candles made from natural wax leave behind slightly less soot, although this is not a hard guarantee in every case. Opinions on this also vary: Omroep Brabant described the discussion between the Lung Foundation and a candle manufacturer about the question of whether every candle is equally bad.
How often is too often?
An occasional single candle usually has little noticeable impact on air quality in a well-ventilated room. With daily use of several candles at the same time, especially in a small or poorly ventilated room, the amount of fine particulate matter can clearly increase. People with sensitive airways sometimes notice this sooner than others.
Practical tips
- Trim the wick to about half a centimeter before lighting.
- Do not place a candle in a draft; this causes an unsteady flame and more soot.
- Ventilate the room occasionally if you burn candles regularly.
- Limit the number of candles burning simultaneously in a small space.
If you notice that the air in a room where candles are often burned feels a bit heavy, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove the released fine particulate matter from the air. We recommend the Dynter AirPure Plus PA244, suitable for up to 55 square meters and featuring a sleep timer and night mode for use in the evening hours. Check out the full range at dynter.eu.