As a candlemaker, my interest piqued when I got in touch with Glory Dolphin Hammes, CEO of IQAir North America, and she agreed to an interview. She has been vocal about the hazards of burning candles indoors, and there couldn’t be a more interesting subject to talk about, considering it’s Christmas time.
I was curious to know more about and, frankly, maybe rebut some of her ideas. But her conversation with Homecrux was insightful; not only did I come to terms with the fact that candle burning without proper ventilation can be quite dangerous in closed spaces, but got to know other ways to keep our homes fragrant. Read on to know what Glory Dolphin Hammes tells us.
Homecrux (HC): Hi, tell a little about yourself. How was IQAir formed?
Glory Dolphin Hammes (GDH): My name is Glory Dolphin Hammes, and I’m the North American CEO for IQAir. IQAir is a global air quality technology company. We monitor air quality around the world, as well as provide filtration solutions inside homes, businesses, and more.
IQAir was formed more than 60 years ago when brothers Manfred and Klaus Hammes invented the world’s first home air filter in 1963, aimed at reducing black dust from coal ovens in German homes. Manfred, an asthmatic, noticed his symptoms improved with the filter, demonstrating its health benefits. Since then, IQAir has evolved into a leader in air quality, providing data, sensors, and filtration for homes, hospitals, and more.
My passion for environmental protection began in my early years through beach cleanups in Santa Monica, California. I’m an expert in environmental control and a Certified Indoor Environmentalist and licensed HVAC contractor specializing in air quality. My tenure with IQAir began as one of the youngest CEOs in the United States, and I oversaw the launches of IQAir’s HealthPro Series and AirVisual Platform in the United States. My passion to ensure everyone has access to breathe clean air inspired the launch of the IQAir Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing clean air for kids. The initiative works to provide air quality monitoring and air filtration technology in schools located in the most polluted communities in the United States.
HC: What do you think are the top causes of indoor air pollution?
GDH: Some of the top causes of indoor air pollution include everyday activities like cooking, particularly with gas and propane stoves, which release nitrogen dioxide and other harmful pollutants. Tobacco smoke, cleaning products, and off-gassing from building materials, furniture, and household chemicals also significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality. Moisture problems can lead to mold growth, which releases spores that affect respiratory health. In addition, outdoor pollution easily makes its way indoors through open windows, doors, and building leaks. In many cases, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside because contaminants accumulate in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation.
HC: You say burning scented candles inside the house is one of the top causes of indoor air pollution and can cause several health concerns. Why is that?
GDH: Burning scented candles can contribute to indoor air pollution because they release a mixture of fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they burn. Many candles, especially those made with paraffin wax, emit soot and chemicals like benzene, acetone, alkenes, and toluene, which can irritate the lungs and exacerbate asthma or allergy symptoms. Added fragrances can also release additional VOCs, which may trigger headaches, respiratory irritation, or sensitivities in some people. Because these emissions accumulate in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, even occasional candle use can noticeably impact indoor air quality. For individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, the effects can be more pronounced.
HC: Different types of toxic wax on the market are risky. But what do you think about natural ingredients like soy wax, coconut wax, or beeswax? Do you think they are safe to burn?
GDH: Even candles made from “natural” waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax aren’t completely risk-free when burned. While they generally produce less soot than paraffin, burning any candle still releases fine particulate matter and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. Fragrances or dyes added to these candles can also contribute additional VOCs, which may irritate the lungs or trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Natural waxes may be a cleaner option compared to paraffin, but using them indoors still requires good ventilation to minimize indoor air pollution and potential health impacts.
HC: Shed some light on how people can safely use indoor scented candles for holiday ambiance.
GDH: To limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles. For those still craving the ambiance and aroma of scented candles, there are safer ways to scent the air.
- Use essential oils for fragrance. Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma
- Simmer spices. Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove
- Create a potpourri. Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home
HC: Each scented candle comes with burning instructions, like the timing and how to get rid of soot and smoke. Don’t you think those can help eliminate the highlighted issues?
GDH: Following candle burning instructions like trimming the wick, limiting burn time, and keeping the candle away from drafts can help reduce soot, smoke, and uneven burning, which may lower some indoor air pollution. However, these steps don’t eliminate the release of fine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that occur whenever any candle is burned. Even with careful use, emissions can accumulate in enclosed spaces, so good ventilation and alternative options are still important to protect indoor air quality and respiratory health.
HC: Most wick sustainers are made from stainless steel. How are they toxic?
GDH: I’m not able to comment on specific brands as I have not tested them. I will say overall that I don’t think candles are a good idea, as they involve combustion, which will always lead to indoor air pollution. Burning anything indoors is a potential air quality issue, including cooking.
HC: I am a candlemaker myself. I pour each candle by hand and pay extra attention to the ingredients I am using. I believe conscious use of manufacturing materials and following the burning instructions can help alleviate the concerns you have highlighted. Your thoughts?
GDH: It’s true that careful attention to ingredients, manufacturing methods, and following burning instructions can help reduce some risks, like soot buildup or uneven burning. Using higher-quality waxes, wicks, and fragrance oils can also minimize the release of certain pollutants.
However, it’s important to recognize that any candle, regardless of how conscientiously it’s made, will still produce fine particles and some VOCs when burned. The most effective way to protect indoor air quality is to combine careful candle use with good ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces or around sensitive individuals, or by using alternative scented methods.
I thank Glory for taking the time out for this insightful conversation.
