Who doesn’t enjoy a
scented candle or oil* to freshen
indoor air? A quick Internet search
resulted in a manufacturer’s site where consumers
can browse fragrances by selecting
categories: clean, floral, fruity, gourmet, outdoor,
spicy and tropical. With so many fragrance
collections to choose from,
they are easily
integrated into enhancing the ambiance of home or
work environments.
*Does not include
essential oils. These oils are “plugin” type products.
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Have you ever
wondered what ingredients are in these products? “Heavily scented candles can
release limonene, a chemical that reacts with ozone to create formaldehyde”
(Prevention.com, October 2016). According to the American Cancer Society , formaldehyde - a known human
carcinogen - is found in many household materials and personal care products.
Exposure to relatively high amounts of formaldehyde has been linked to some
types of cancer in humans.
Do the scented
candles/oils you purchase contain limonene/formaldehyde? Concerned consumers
will refer to the product label for disclosure. Unfortunately, the answer will
not be found there. Federal regulations do not require manufacturers
to list
ingredients. In a blog post, the Environmental Working Group stated, “Some
companies have provided partial ingredient information but have withheld names
of fragrance ingredients, on grounds they are obligated to protect the trade
secrets of their fragrance suppliers” (www.ewg.org, February 2016). Undoubtedly, what
will be found on the label are catch-all terms such as “fragrance” or “natural
fragrance” with no specifics provided.
So, then,
what is the shopper to do? The good news is that the EWG continues to lean on
manufacturers to disclose product ingredients that hide behind the “fragrance”
term. A leading manufacturer has promised to begin providing ingredients
beginning with selected products. Its webpage lists 60 chemicals in one
selected plugin oil refill.
Provided
here are some listed ingredients with descriptives:
·
Prefixes Ethyl, Methyl, Butyl or
Propyl
What
It Is: Parabens,
Formaldehyde releasers. These commonly-used preservatives are known toxins that
irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. They have been linked to many
allergic reactions.
·
Phthalates: Fragrance, DEHP, DHP,
DBP 5, Dibutyl Phthalate
What It Is: Group of endocrine-disrupting
chemicals – disrupts human hormonal systems that can cause infertility among
other health issues. Used in cosmetics to hold color and scent (responsible for
the smell of new vinyl shower curtains).
·
Isobutene
What It Is:
Propellant made from petroleum processing. A carcinogen (linked to cancer).
·
Paraffin wax (found in some candle products).
What It Is: Soft, waxy substance usually made
from petroleum or coal. Can emit chemicals that can irritate the lungs
(including soot) and that have been linked to cancer.
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What
about unscented candles? According to the Prevention.com article, “…even
unscented, petroleum-free products release some soot.” That would be a concern
for asthmatics and other individuals sensitive to this by-product. A healthy
alternative to heavily scented candles and oils are 100% beeswax candles as
they are chemical free and do have a subtle honey scent. If you just can’t live
without the scented candles and oils, know that low concentrations of
formaldehyde are not considered to be hazardous (www.cancer.org). To reduce concentrations in
indoor air, limit the time candles are burning – don’t leave them for more than
an hour or two. And, for plugin oils, unplug them when not in use.
By: Sonja
Koukel, PhD
Community
& Environmental Health Specialist
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