As modern lifestyles increasingly emphasize aesthetics and comfort, a Ghanaian toxicologist is warning of a hidden threat lurking in many stylish homes and social spaces — indoor air pollution caused by scented candles and other everyday household products.
Dr Regina Ama Oppong Wiredu, a toxicologist with SYNLABB Ghana, has sounded the alarm on the health risks of prolonged exposure to toxins released by popular scented candles, especially in poorly ventilated environments such as bedrooms, cafés, salons, and even offices.
“Many people don’t realize that what they breathe in at home could be as dangerous as what they’re exposed to on the streets,” Dr Wiredu told The Mirror in an interview on June 13, 2025.
Her comments spotlight a broader public health challenge: the lack of awareness and regulation concerning indoor air quality in Ghana — an issue she says is “largely overlooked but potentially life-altering.”
Aesthetic Trend, Hidden Risk
Scented candles have become a staple of interior décor and self-care routines, especially among youth, fueled by social media trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But Dr Wiredu warns that the same candles, particularly those made with paraffin wax and synthetic fragrance oils, may be quietly releasing cancer-linked and hormone-disrupting chemicals into the air.
These include:
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene
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Phthalates, found in artificial fragrances, linked to hormonal imbalance and reproductive risks
“We’re not saying people should panic, but repeated exposure — especially in small, enclosed spaces — increases long-term health risks, from respiratory issues to cancer,” she warned.
Gaps in Regulation, Urgent Need for Policy
Despite rising global concern over indoor pollution, Ghana lacks comprehensive regulations for common household items like candles, air fresheners, and cleaning sprays — products that Dr Wiredu says should be monitored for chemical safety.
“There are clear standards for water and food safety, but virtually none for what we inhale indoors,” she noted. “That needs to change.”
She called on the Ghana Health Service and the Environmental Protection Agency to begin crafting guidelines for household chemical exposure and to educate the public about the risks.
Vulnerable Populations at Greater Risk
Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are most vulnerable to these exposures. Long-term inhalation of indoor pollutants, even at low levels, could exacerbate chronic health issues.
“Cancer doesn’t happen overnight. It builds over years of exposure to harmful substances — many of which are in our own homes,” Dr Wiredu explained.
What Can Consumers Do Now?
Until regulations catch up, Dr Wiredu urges the public to take practical steps toward healthier indoor environments:
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Use natural alternatives such as soy, beeswax, or coconut wax candles
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Choose candles with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances
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Burn candles only in well-ventilated spaces
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Limit burn time and avoid candles that emit dark smoke or overpowering scents
She also recommends alternatives such as reed diffusers, air-purifying plants, and improved room ventilation as safer ways to maintain ambiance.
Call for a National Indoor Air Awareness Campaign
Dr Wiredu is advocating for a national indoor air quality awareness campaign, stressing that many Ghanaians equate pollution with outdoor smog or industrial waste, forgetting about the toxins within their own homes.
“Indoor air quality must become part of our national public health conversation. It’s time we start protecting ourselves from the invisible pollutants we invite into our homes.”
As scented candles continue to glow in homes across Ghana, experts like Dr Wiredu remind us that health and beauty must coexist — but not at the cost of our lungs or long-term well-being.
