2023-09-09 16:20:00
THE ESSENTIAL
A study shows that smoke from candles or cooking food is harmful to young asthmatics. This indoor air pollution can, among other things, cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system. Researchers point out the importance for everyone’s health of properly ventilating their homes.
Have you planned a candlelit dinner with an entirely homemade meal to surprise your lover? It might be a good idea to review your romantic plans for the evening if your other half suffers from asthma… even mild ones. A study from the University of Aarhus (Denmark) shows that ultrafine particles and gases produced by candles or cooking food can be harmful to young people suffering from asthma.
Asthma: young people are also sensitive to candle smoke
For this study on the effects of indoor air pollution on the health of young asthmatics, researchers exposed 36 people aged 18 to 25 suffering from asthma to three different environments: one contained ultrafine particles and gases produced during the preparation of a meal, the other corresponded to emissions from burning candles and finally from clean air.
Medical examinations were performed before exposure, immediately following, and once more the next morning to determine whether participants had signs related to respiratory and systemic inflammatory changes.
“Our study shows that indoor air pollution caused by fumes from cooking and burning candles can lead to adverse health effects, such as irritation and inflammation in young people with mild asthma. Among other things, we found indications of DNA damage and signs of inflammation in the blood.”specifies Karin Rosenkilde Laursen, co-author of the study published in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxixology.
“Young people are generally fitter and more resilient than older and middle-aged individuals. Therefore, it is concerning that we observed a significant impact of particles on this particularly young age group.”notes the scientist.
For her, asthmatics should remember to open windows or ventilation as much as possible when cooking or lighting candles given the irritation and inflammation observed following exposure to smoke.
Indoor air pollution: everyone should be careful
For the scientist, asthmatics should not be the only ones to pay attention to the air quality in their homes and to fear excessive indoor pollution.
In a press release published by his university at the end of AugustKarin Rosenkilde Laursen explains: “Even though the study focused on young people with asthma, its results are interesting and relevant to all of us. Winter is approaching, a time when we tend to light a lot of candles and may be less susceptible open doors and windows while cooking. By prioritizing healthier indoor air, even when we are comfortably seated at home, we may help reduce the incidence of serious lung and cardiovascular diseases , as well as cancer.
The researcher plans to continue this work by examining how emissions from cooking and candles affect healthy adults.
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