The safety of lighting candles during pregnancy depends entirely on the candle’s composition and usage, touching on concerns about indoor air quality and chemical inhalation. While a flickering candle offers a calming ambiance, pregnancy involves a heightened awareness of environmental factors. Substances inhaled by the mother can potentially affect the developing fetus. Understanding the candle’s composition—from its wax base to its wick and fragrance—reveals the specific risks involved, guiding individuals toward safer choices.
Combustion Byproducts and Air Quality
Burning any material, including candle wax and wick, releases byproducts that compromise air quality in enclosed spaces. A fundamental concern is the release of particulate matter, known as soot, which consists of ultrafine airborne particles. Inhaling these particles is particularly relevant during pregnancy because these pollutants can potentially affect maternal lung health and oxygen transfer.
The combustion process also generates gases such as carbon monoxide, though typically in low concentrations from a properly burning candle. However, in poor ventilation, these byproducts can accumulate. Another serious concern is the wick material itself. While largely phased out, some imported candles may still contain wicks with metal cores, historically made with lead to keep the wick upright.
Burning a candle with a lead-cored wick releases lead particles into the air, which can settle on surfaces and be inhaled. Lead is a known neurotoxin, and its exposure poses a risk to the developing nervous system of the fetus. Choosing candles with wicks made from 100% cotton, paper, or wood eliminates this heavy metal risk.
Chemical Additives and Fragrance Concerns
Beyond the general risks of combustion, the specific ingredients in most commercial candles introduce additional chemical risks. Many widely available candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When this wax is heated and burned, it can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the surrounding air.
These VOCs include known carcinogens such as toluene and benzene, chemicals also found in diesel fumes and other industrial emissions. Research indicates that toluene can cross the placenta, raising concerns about potential fetal exposure. The frequency and duration of burning these paraffin-based products directly correlate with the accumulation of these compounds indoors.
The fragrance itself often presents the greatest chemical concern. Synthetic scents commonly used in candles contain phthalates, chemicals that help the scent linger. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems even at low exposure levels. This disruption is a particular concern during pregnancy because hormones play a fundamental role in fetal development.
Selecting Safer Candle Types and Usage Guidelines
A pregnant person can significantly mitigate risks by carefully selecting the type of candle used. Opting for candles made from natural waxes, such as 100% beeswax or soy wax, is the preferred starting point. Beeswax is considered the cleanest-burning option, while soy wax is a plant-based alternative to petroleum-derived paraffin.
The wick should be clearly labeled as 100% cotton or made from wood, ensuring it does not contain a hidden metal core. The safest choice is to select unscented candles, which entirely removes the risk associated with synthetic fragrances and phthalates. Even candles scented with essential oils require caution, as the chemical structure of natural oils can change when burned, potentially creating new irritants or compounds that are not pregnancy-safe.
When using any candle, it is important to limit the burn time and ensure maximum ventilation in the room. Opening a window or running an exhaust fan can help prevent the accumulation of emitted particles and gases. For those who seek a strong scent experience, a water-based essential oil diffuser is a safer alternative, though the choice of essential oils still requires careful research to ensure they are appropriate for use during pregnancy.