تعهد نامه
نوع مقاله : مقالات مرور سیستماتیک
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Background and Objective: Scented candles are a potential source of indoor air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are classified as hazardous environmental contaminants with significant health implications. These candles, widely used in households, religious and cultural ceremonies, spas, and other enclosed environments, can emit toxic compounds contributing to indoor air pollution and associated health risks. This study aims to evaluate the health effects related to exposure to PAHs released from scented candles and to provide recommendations for choosing safer alternatives.
Materials and Methods: On February 15, 2023, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with relevant search terms related to scented candles and PAHs. Initially, 1,297 records were retrieved. After removing duplicates, irrelevant, and non-English articles, 180 relevant studies were reviewed in full. From these, 11 high-quality and pertinent articles were selected and synthesized in this review.
Results: The reviewed studies reveal that scented candles can emit multiple harmful substances, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and PAHs. These pollutants have been linked to respiratory system disorders and an increased risk of carcinogenesis, particularly with chronic exposure. The findings highlight the urgent need for in situ monitoring and longitudinal health studies to better understand the long-term impacts of scented candle use.
Conclusion: It is essential to conduct risk assessment and apply effective exposure reduction strategies regarding scented candle use. Suggested measures include opting for cleaner alternatives (e.g., soy or beeswax candles), minimizing burn duration, using candles with natural wicks, and improving indoor air ventilation. Increased public awareness and further toxicological and epidemiological research are critical to understanding and mitigating the health impacts of these commonly used indoor products.
Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
کلیدواژهها English