Autumn Ambiance or Indoor Hazard: Are Diffusers and Candles and Toxic to Your Indoor Air Quality?
The crisp autumn air is settling in, and the leaves are turning vibrant shades of red and gold. At this time of year, many of us find ourselves drawn to the cozy comforts of our homes. It's no surprise, then, that autumn is the perfect season to light scented candles, switch on essential oil diffusers, and create that quintessential fall atmosphere. But as we indulge in these autumnal pleasures, an important question arises: Could these beloved staples be compromising our indoor air quality?
Year-round, we’re committed to helping you create a healthier home environment. That’s why we’re exploring the potential impacts of candles and diffusers on indoor air quality while offering practical tips for enjoying autumn ambiance without sacrificing the air you breathe.
The Appeal of Autumn Scents
There's no denying the allure of fall fragrances—those warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove, the comforting aroma of pumpkin pie, or the crisp scent of apples. All of these scents can instantly transform our homes into autumn havens. Scented candles and essential oil diffusers, in particular, have become go-to methods for infusing our living spaces with these seasonal scents.
Yet as we close our windows to keep out the chill, we may inadvertently be trapping pollutants inside our homes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. So, it’s crucial to understand how our favorite autumn indulgences might be affecting the air we breathe.
Are Candles A Flickering Concern?
Candles have been used for centuries to provide light and ambiance. Today, we primarily use them as decorative and aromatic accents, especially during the fall and winter months. But as they burn, candles can actually release various substances into the air and our homes that we need to stay aware of.
- Particulate Matter: As candles burn, they release tiny particles into the air. These particles, known as particulate matter (PM), can be inhaled deep into the lungs and potentially cause respiratory issues.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Many scented candles contain artificial fragrances that emit VOCs when burned. These compounds can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation in some individuals.
- Soot: Candles, especially those with lead-core wicks (though these are now banned in many countries), can produce soot. This fine, black substance can stain walls and furnishings and may be harmful when inhaled.
- Formaldehyde: Some studies have found that burning candles can increase indoor levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
It's important to note that not all candles are created equal. Candles made from paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product, tend to release more potentially harmful substances than those made from soy, beeswax, or other natural materials.
Are Diffusers A Healthier Alternative?
Essential oil diffusers have gained popularity as a natural alternative to scented candles. These devices disperse essential oils into the air, creating a pleasant aroma without the need for an open flame. But are they truly a healthier option?
- VOCs: While essential oils are natural, they still also release VOCs into the air. Some people may be sensitive to these compounds, experiencing symptoms like headaches or respiratory irritation.
- Humidity: Ultrasonic diffusers, which use water to disperse oils, can increase indoor humidity levels. While this can be beneficial in dry climates, excessive humidity can promote mold growth and dust mite proliferation.
- Oil Quality: The quality of essential oils used in diffusers can vary greatly. Some may contain synthetic fragrances or other additives that could potentially impact air quality.
- Overuse: Using diffusers for extended periods or in small, poorly ventilated spaces can lead to a buildup of oils in the air, potentially causing respiratory issues or skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
How to Enjoy Autumn Scents Safely
Creating a cozy autumn atmosphere doesn't mean you have to compromise your indoor air quality. While candles and diffusers can affect the air you breathe, there are ways to enjoy seasonal scents safely. Start by choosing natural wax candles with cotton wicks and high-quality essential oils for diffusers. Even as temperatures drop, make it a habit to open your windows briefly each day, allowing fresh air to circulate.
Moderation is also key–if you can manage it, limit your candle and diffuser use to a few hours in well-ventilated areas. For a natural touch, try simmering spices on the stove or baking autumn treats to fill your home with inviting aromas.
To stay informed about your air quality, consider using a monitor to track pollutant levels. Most importantly, though, you’ll want to invest in a reliable air purification system. Our Airmega air purifiers, equipped with powerful HEPA filters, effectively remove particulate matter and VOCs to ensure you can indulge in autumn's sensory pleasures while breathing clean, fresh air day and night.
Our Commitment to Clean Air
We understand the importance of creating a cozy autumn atmosphere without compromising your health. Our Airmega air purifiers are equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems that can capture up to 99.999%1 of fine particles as small as 0.01 microns, including many of the pollutants released by candles and diffusers. How is this possible? You can thank the Max2 Activated Carbon Filter, which captures and removes common VOCs from the air.
Take our Airmega IconS, which not only purifies your air but also serves as a piece of stylish furniture with a wireless charging station, seamlessly blending into your autumn decor. Its powerful filtration system can help mitigate the effects of candles and diffusers, allowing you to enjoy your favorite scents with less worry.
Embrace Autumn, Responsibly
As we welcome the fall season, it's natural to want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in our homes. While scented candles and essential oil diffusers can certainly contribute to that cozy autumn ambiance, it's important to be mindful of their potential impacts on indoor air quality.
By making informed choices about the products we use, practicing moderation, ensuring proper ventilation, and investing in air purification solutions, we can strike a balance between enjoying the sensory pleasures of autumn and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
The goal isn't to eliminate all sources of pollutants–that would be nearly impossible. Instead, it's about being aware of potential air quality issues and taking steps to mitigate them. With a little care and the right tools, you can create a home that's not only warm and inviting but also conducive to your health and well-being.
This autumn, let's embrace the season's scents and atmospheres, responsibly. After all, there's nothing cozier than knowing you're breathing clean, fresh air.
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Sources:
EPA - Indoor Air Quality Backgrounder
National Candle Association - History
National Candle Association - Candle Science & Testing
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
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