Yankee candles?: Hi, my partner and I... - Asthma Community ...

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Yankee candles?

andy121 profile image
18 Replies

Hi, my partner and I sometimes use unscented candles which I’m fine with, but we was wondering about the scented Yankee ones do you think it will be ok? And does anyone else use them? . I know things like perfumes, washing powder and deodorant sprays set my asthma off but was wondering if Yankee candles might be a different scent as when I sniff them in the shops I’m fine, might be different when burning not sure.

I be glad of any help thanks.

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18 Replies
Oldandgray profile image
Oldandgray

Very sadly, as I love scented candles, I can’t have them near me as they set off an asthma attack in less than five minutes.

I was in the vets recently and there was a pet smell candle burning which was immediately blown out. I think it’s the vapours and smoke that set me off.

My dog and I and the vet had our consultation outside with me struggling to talk.

runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski in reply toOldandgray

>>>My dog and I and the vet had our consultation outside with me struggling to talk.

I know how you feel. I have a respirator with me at all times for situations like this. And if one needs to take a rescue inhaler, it requires inhaling this very air that makes you sick and feeling even worse, waiting until the drug kicks in.

djbctla profile image
djbctla in reply toruncyclexcski

I have the same experience, trying to catch air in the same environment,I cough - so embarrassing, always have Ventolin attached to Aerochamber with me for such emergencies.

BERNARDINE

kjs81 profile image
kjs81

I find Yankee to be one of the worst. They’re toxic, will blacken walls where they’re set near. I’ve tried a few different types (with as natural a wax and wick as I can find) and now only use a local producer as hers doesn’t trigger my asthma.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1

The white colours of Yankees tend to be soft scents.the worst thing bout Yankees is the smell whn blow them out - they actually smoke! U need to put lid on v quicklyx

Gareth57 profile image
Gareth57

I wonder if it's the wax rather than the scent, some wax's must burn differently and the smoke starts me even when un-scented

claracola profile image
claracola in reply toGareth57

You could try soy candles. Better than wax.

Ts777 profile image
Ts777

I can’t deal with any artificial scents, or candles.

However, if I’m careful about what I put in it, a diffuser works for me. Just pure essential oils from a reputable supplier.

I do have to take care with it though. I expect one won’t suit everyone.

teddyd profile image
teddyd

Unscented candles are the only ones I can use . Yankee candles are a no no for me. I can't use any scented candles . Yankee candles for me are unfortunately one of the worst.

peege profile image
peege

Yankee candles are particularly awful! And I'm a person who can wear my regular perfume, use bleach and smell flowers. Yankee always set off my asthma I've avoided them like the plague for many many years. I've been gifted a Neom candle in the past and White Company diffusers and they're alright for me. It may be because they're quite expensive and use purer, cleaner ingredients ( I could never afford to buy them myself).

Don't do it is my advice

Itswonderful profile image
Itswonderful

I would not recommend these if you are sensitive to smells. They make me ill!

runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski

Candles burn at low temperature, with plenty of particulates/soot the remaining unburnt and emitted in the air. Hold a laser particle counter in the viccinity and see for yourself. The only fuel that burns relatively cleanly in terms of particles and VOCs is natural gas. Hydrogen, too, but it's hard to get :). I do not understand why anyone would deliberately poison themselves and everybody around. Wood-burning I at least understand if there are no other sources of heat available, if it's a matter of life and death.

Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministratorCommunity Ambassador

I can't comment on Yankee candles as I'm not a scented candles person.

But after reading other replies, I just wanted to say that people with asthma and their families etc should be aware it's not just artificial scents that can set off asthma, and they shouldn't assume that using higher quality or purer oils or products will be automatically better in every case.

It may of course be better for some individual people and their asthma, as some people have said they found that better - I'm not here to say what does or doesn't work for an individual. But that exact product might be worse for others. Some of my worst triggers are pure, natural scents (as in so natural it's the actual plant scent from a rose or lavender bush!) The artificial versions of these scents often don't bother me. Propellants. air fresheners and some perfumes can still be a nuisance for me, but natural scents are absolutely not without their hazards in asthma.

Karenjaninaz profile image
Karenjaninaz

All candles give off smoke whether, scented or not. Smoke is not good for asthma. I always loved candles, but I no longer use them because of my asthma.

CeeCee3 profile image
CeeCee3

I often burn yankee candles & get no trigger from them. I used to burn Neom candles which are scented & all natural - they were great but very expensive. Im on a tighter budget atm so have to burn yankee candles…they smell lovely & im fine with them but after you get half way down the jar they do smoke. If you can afford to I would recommend Neom or a scented bee’s wax candle - the cheaper paraffin candles are toxic although they do hold the scent very well. Like most things it’s trial & error 🤷🏻‍♀️.

lakelover profile image
lakelover

Sorry, I just can't understand why anyone uses candles. We have electricity here in Cumbria which I find lights the house very well. I don't use a bbq either because I have a very good electric cooker & I can manage to carry food outside. Why help to pollute the atmosphere & make it worse for our children/grandchildren. Does no-one care anymore?

Mandevilla profile image
Mandevilla in reply tolakelover

The problem with that is where do you stop? Traffic is a huge polluter, so on this basis, no one should ever go on holiday, visit friends or make any other non-essential journey unless they walk. What about the pollution involved in making and transporting non essential items?

I can see the point of not burning candles in the presence of someone who is made ill by them, but expecting everyone to stop using them is a bit extreme!

alex45674 profile image
alex45674

I find that scented ones start my asthma off very efficiently. If you want to try, maybe get a small one but be prepared to give it away if it sets you off.

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