Wax melts, which are scented wax pieces that are heated in warmers, without using wicks, are usually the safer choice compared to candles. However, a recently published research study states that these products contaminating the indoor air can cause as big of a pollution problem as using a diesel engine for the same purpose. Let’s get the story straight about these pleasantly smelling products and their effect on the quality of the air in our dwellings.
Scented Wax Melts and Indoor Air Pollution
A study carried out by international scientists reveals that wax melts give out the terpene into the air, which creates ozone, and from this process, fine particles (nanocluster aerosols) that penetrate the lungs are generated. Well, straight into the lungs. Although the effects are not yet clear, these particles are causing respiratory diseases. It is very important to examine and quantify these ultrafine particles to understand the inside of the room better, as they help in identifying the source of pollution related to the room.
With innovative instruments such as PSMPS and PTR-TOF-MS, scientists followed the trail of the fragrance molecules coming from wax melts to ozone, which resulted in the creation of very toxic nano-aerosols. These active small aerosol particles come to the fore quickly in the indoor air and make a joke of the view that wax melts are more secure than candles. It means that they are likely to be more dangerous to the environment and human health than was assumed.
Even though wax melts by far are not as dangerous as they contain no smoke or flame, their fragrance compounds are still more in number than those in candles. This is just like a thunderbolt! The study reveals that just 20 minutes of the exposure is enough to carry billions of such volatile particles far down the lung space. Shockingly, scientists are still fully unaware of the adverse health effects of these particles.
Changing Internal Environment
Fragranced products are not only there to give off the smell, they are also changing the air through a chemical reaction that creates nanoparticles that may be present at dangerous levels. Indoor pollution can be just as serious as outdoor pollution, and yet it is not as well known. The scientists who made this discovery expect their work to act as a catalyst for the research of the hidden health risks that might be out there.
The scientific investigation, which came before the current report, disclosed that air fresheners, cleaning products, and even diffusers are the main source of a large number of toxic nanoparticles. In light of this, it is expected that future HVAC systems will be installed with these indoor pollutants in mind to be able to handle them more efficiently. Even though the wax melts give a smell of natural aromas, it should be noted that the nanoparticles released by them could be a potential health hazard, which is completely the opposite of what people mean by the term ‘fresh air’.
