Many of us casually use scented candles during a bath, incense during yoga, or air fresheners to brighten up our homes. However, these products might unknowingly reduce our indoor air quality and expose us to dangerous substances.
The global home fragrance market is flourishing, valued at $7.6 billion in 2023 and expected to rise to nearly $20 billion by 2030. Nonetheless, organizations such as the Environmental Working Group and Women’s Voices for the Earth have criticized the industry for not being open about its ingredients.
Previously, U.S. laws didn’t force companies to list the ingredients in fragrances. But in California, the Fragrance and Flavours Right to Know Act now demands transparency through the state’s Safe Cosmetics Program database, compelling brands to disclose and reformulate harmful substances.
Outside of California, labelling is less revealing. Products could contain numerous chemicals merely listed under the term ‘fragrance,’ explains Ryan Sullivan, a chemistry associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University.
Weak regulation and poor disclosure can result in unanticipated exposure to harmful chemicals in fragrance products, some of which are banned or regulated in the European Union. This includes allergens, compounds linked to reproductive issues, and ingredients like parabens and phthalates that can imitate estrogen. “Even a small amount of an endocrine-disrupting chemical can be impactful,” says Sullivan.
Additionally, when air freshener sprays mix with air components like ozone, they can generate harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde.
The good news is, there’s a variety of safe methods to keep your house smelling pleasant. Here are some expert recommendations.
Clean meticulously to avoid foul scents
The first strategy is to pinpoint and eliminate the sources of any unpleasant odours. Regular cleaning with eco-friendly solutions is key, but it doesn’t mean your home has to smell like harsh disinfectants to be considered clean. Sullivan says a chemical “clean” smell isn’t a true indication of cleanliness, which to a chemist means “no chemicals.”
Instead, dispose of trash frequently and use bins with tight lids. For damper areas such as closets or under the sink, non-toxic activated charcoal bags can absorb moisture and odours effectively. Baking soda or white vinegar on the countertop can limit cooking smells. If outdoor air quality is poor and prevents opening windows, Sullivan’s top recommendation is to use Hepa air filters to improve indoor air circulation.
Select and burn scented candles with caution
Candle and incense burning do produce a minor amount of pollution, notes Sullivan, who nonetheless enjoys candles at home. Research on scented candle emissions suggests the impact is relatively minor, but it can depend on variables like room size or candle quantity.
Shoppers should stay informed about candle brands that are transparent about following safety and labelling policies, like California’s strict regulations. California’s Proposition 65 website contains information about chemicals that may be harmful. Green America, an environmental non-profit, advises using candles made from renewable materials such as 100% plant-based wax or beeswax instead of those made from petroleum-based paraffin. They recommend eco-friendly brands that employ wood or cotton wicks, which are preferable to zinc-core wicks that might contain lead, alongside phthalate-free natural fragrance oils or pure essential oils. These alternatives emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants when burned.
It’s a smart habit to keep your home well-ventilated while using candles and to burn them in moderation to maintain good air quality.
Caylen Baker, the founder of Canvas Candle Co., emphasizes the importance of trimming your candle wick before each use. By doing so, you reduce the amount of black smoke and particulate matter released into the air, which makes breathing it in healthier.
Simmer pots offer a simple, homemade solution to fill your space with enjoyable smells. By boiling citrus peels, spices, and vanilla extract, you create a homey, comforting scent. If you’re using edible ingredients, the mixture can even be consumed as a warm drink. To avoid indoor air pollution, use an electric hot plate, slow cooker, or rice cooker instead of a gas stove, and make sure to keep an eye on the water levels to prevent burning.
Essential oils, despite some criticisms regarding their production, are generally considered safe in small amounts for fragrancing purposes. They can be used in non-toxic scented plug-ins, added to water in electric diffusers, or used in DIY room sprays. You could also place a few drops on an inconspicuous felt furniture pad to subtly scent your space. However, people with respiratory conditions and pet owners must be cautious, as some essential oils can be irritating or dangerous to animals.
Growing aromatic plants inside your home can also enrich your living spaces, even though it’s a misconception that they can purify the air. Cultivating fragrant culinary herbs like basil, dwarf rosemary, and oregano, as well as flowering plants such as jasmine, gardenia, paperwhites, and stephanotis, can beautify your home and provide pleasant fragrances. For those with outdoor areas, consider window box plants like geranium and heliotrope, or shrubs like lilac, bay, or sarcococca near windows and doors for their scents to drift inside.
