A recent study published in Environment International found that the use of scented products like incense, oil diffusers, and candles significantly raises air pollution levels indoors.
In short:
- All three types of fragrance products contributed to increased levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a form of air pollution linked to harmful respiratory and cardiovascular effects.
- Burning incense emitted the most indoor air pollution, and households using incense had average indoor PM2.5 levels nearly 3 times higher than levels measured outdoors.
- In homes using fragrance products, PM2.5 levels frequently exceeded the World Health Organization’s limits for safe short-term exposure.
Key quote:
“This study demonstrates that fragrance products are a substantial yet underrecognized driver of indoor particulate pollution…. Our findings show that routine fragrance practices can substantially reshape indoor exposures.”
Why this matters:
Air pollution is a significant risk factor for human health globally, responsible for an estimated 6.6 million deaths in 2019 alone. Scented products are a major contributor to indoor PM2.5, with many fragrances containing unknown chemical ingredients that companies are not required to disclose due to market protections for trade secrets. While the negative effects of exposure to indoor air pollution are well established, the results of this study point to the underexamined role of commonplace products as sources of at home exposures.
Related EHN coverage:
- Air pollution linked to more than 700 health conditions
- Scented period products bring worrisome toxic exposures. Who’s most at risk?
- Portable air filters in daycares can reduce indoor pollution by 83%: Study
More resources:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Improving indoor air quality
- American Lung Association: Clean air indoors
Source:
