Candles and incense are dangerous, says French agency
Candles and incense sticks used to perfume domestic houses can be dangerous for your health, according to the French environment agency.
Despite their benevolent image, perfumed candles and incense sticks give off certain pollutants when they burn - such as benzene and formaldehyde - which can cause respiratory problems and even be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), according to Ademe (the Agence de l'environnement et de la maîtrise de l'énergie), reported in French newspaper Le Figaro today.
The agency advises consumers to limit their use of these types of products, and if they do use them, to open a door or window to the outside for at least 10 minutes during and afterwards.
According to the agency’s studies, candles give off fewer pollutants than incense sticks, but do give off more fine particles, so they should especially not be used around anyone who is asthmatic or pregnant, the advice said.
If you do light candles or incense, you should also use a lighter rather than matches, as the latter can add yet more particles into the air when they are lit, the advice added.
The advice comes soon after the release of a study by the DGCCRF (Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes), which found that even electronic (“plug-in”) air fresheners or anti-mosquito products can damage the quality of air inside domestic homes, and emit as many pollutants as candles or incense sticks.
