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Candles now blamed for Earth's pollution

Candles are now being blamed for global pollution problems. Burning candles can lead to high levels of pollutants, called particulates, released into the atmosphere.

Research by the US Environmental Protection Agency shows the pollution from a burning candle can exceed standards the agency sets for outdoor air quality.

"If I were someone who had a health problem like asthma, and I were looking for things to prevent aggravating my respiratory problems, candles and incense are two things I would seriously consider" getting rid of, says Michael Osborne of the EPA.

The National Candle Association's Valerie Cooper says the concerns are overstated because the highest level of particulates was seen only when the candles smoldered.

She said: "Their conclusions clearly say under normal conditions candles didn't produce significant amounts of particulates."

The association and EPA suggest trimming candle wicks to a quarter inch, ventilating the house and keeping lit candles out of drafts.

Story filed: 18:54 Thursday 14th June 2001

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2001

Answers

I don't really know what is in incense, so my comment may not apply, but invariably if you can smell it, it's a problem. The so- called "volatiles".

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2001

I got a bunch or pretty candles for gifts, and am afraid to burn them indoors for "lead" , and I never could stand to be around incense...now if seems if someone has on perfume to strong, I get sick!

I still can use deodorant!!!!! (smile and wink!!!!!)

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2001

Twenty years ago I lived in Massachusetts and there was a candle factory outlet store in town. One of the things I heard from people there is that the Catholic Church required candles made from beeswax and olive oil. They were a lot more expensive but they supposedly burned cleaner than ordinary candles, which are made from petrochemical waxes plus colored dyes and scented oils.

Churches burn lots of candles in an enclosed space. Being fussy about the ingredients may be a practical thing for them rather then just a ritual purity question.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 2001