Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Health risks of burning popular scented candles at home
Scented candles make rooms smell nice, and they can help people feel calm and relaxed.
But doctors say they do not really heal the body, and they can even be bad for our health.
When candles burn, they let out tiny bits of smoke and chemicals into the air.
If you breathe this in a lot, especially in a closed room, it can make you cough or have trouble breathing.
People with asthma have to be extra careful.
Some cheap candles are made from paraffin wax, which comes from oil, and they can release chemicals that are linked to cancer.
Doctors say occasional use is probably fine for most people.
To be safer, choose candles made from soy wax or beeswax and burn them with the window open.
If you get headaches, feel dizzy, or start coughing, stop using the candle and get fresh air.
Scented candles, often sold as aromatherapy products, have no proven health benefits and can pollute indoor air, especially in poorly ventilated rooms.
Doctors say burning candles can release smoke, fine particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may irritate lungs, trigger headaches, and worsen asthma or COPD.
Petroleum-based paraffin candles can emit carcinogens like benzene and toluene, though experts say the cancer risk from occasional use is generally low.
The Indian scented candle market reached $18.56 million in 2025 and is projected to grow to $27.95 million by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.66%.
Experts recommend soy, beeswax, or coconut wax candles with phthalate-free, low-VOC labels and cotton or wooden wicks without metal cores.
- Who
- Medical experts, including pulmonologist Dr L Koushik of Meridian Hospital, Chennai; Dr Pooja Pillai of Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru; and Dr Pujan Parikh of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.
- What
- An examination of the health risks of burning scented candles, including indoor air pollution, respiratory irritation, and potential exposure to carcinogens.
- When
- Not specified in the article; market data cited covers the Indian scented candle market from 2025 to 2034.
- Where
- India — reported through doctors based in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai; the market analysis covers India.
- Why
- Scented candles are popular for mood-setting and stress relief, but doctors warn that frequent burning in poorly ventilated spaces can harm respiratory health.
Health Experts' Warning
Relaxation Proponents' View
Health benefits of scented candles
Health Experts' Warning
Scented candles have no proven health benefits, and there is no clinical evidence that they enhance overall health; any effect is limited to mood and environment.
Relaxation Proponents' View
Aromatherapy is effective for reducing stress and creating peace and tranquility; fragrances like lavender or vanilla can promote relaxation, improve mood, and even support better sleep.
Cancer risk from burning candles
Health Experts' Warning
Petroleum product-burning candles emit benzene and toluene, both carcinogens, so frequent use in poorly ventilated spaces may increase exposure and long-term health risks.
Relaxation Proponents' View
Opposing arguments claim the levels of these chemicals in candles are not enough to cause real damage, and there is a dearth of medical evidence proving candles cause cancer; the risk for occasional use is generally low.
- Indian scented candle market size (2025)
- $18.56 million
- Projected market size (2034)
- $27.95 million
- Projected CAGR
- 4.66%
- Main health risks
- Airway irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, worsened asthma and COPD
- Potential carcinogens emitted
- Benzene and toluene, from petroleum-based paraffin candles
- Recommended candle waxes
- Soy, beeswax, and coconut
- Labels to look for
- Phthalate-free, low-VOC, non-toxic, clean-burning, low-smoke
- Warning signs to watch for
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye or throat irritation, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath