Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: What's really in that candle? 

Lighting a candle may feel harmless, after all, how could something called “Vanilla Dream” or “Ocean Breeze” cause harm?

But depending on how they’re made, some candles release:

• Soot: tiny particles that can settle on your skin and in your lungs

• VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): invisible fumes that may irritate your skin or breathing

• Synthetic Fragrances: often derived from chemicals that can trigger sensitivity, allergies, or skin damage over time

When burned in small or poorly ventilated rooms, these particles can build up and increase oxidative stress, which breaks down collagen and...