Open Access Conference Proceedings

Scented candles are used in many professions. Both gaseous and solid emissions are generated in the workplace by their combustion. In our pilot experiment, we focused on determining the concentration of nanoparticles in the environment, their mean diameter, and lung deposited surface area (LSDA). The article presents the results obtained during the measurement in areas simulating a dry environment (shop, restaurant) and a humid environment (spa, rehabilitation). The concentrations of nanoparticles in the area of the simulation workplace (area 5.3 m2, volume 12.7 m3) during the burning of a single candle were measured to be ca. 1600 thousand particles in cm3 in the atmosphere. Such values are comparable to a foundry, engineering plant or glassworks. Measured concentrations can pose a risk primarily to both employees and clients. While in industrial plants the risks arising from the presence of dust and nanoparticles are taken into account and workers are provided protective equipment, in shops, spas or beauty salons, where scented candles are burned, they are often neglected.

Keywords: Scented candles, emissions, nanoparticles, measurements, precaution

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