Your favorite Christmas decorations threaten your health

As the holiday season approaches, scented candles and colorful garlands become indispensable attributes of the New Year's mood. However, these favorite decorations can harm your health. Experts warn about the risks associated with their use, in particular the toxicity of the materials and the impact on the quality of sleep.

Candles made from paraffin, a product of petroleum refining, can emit toxic substances such as toluene and benzene. These chemicals cause headaches, dizziness and, in the worst cases, serious diseases, including cancer. Studies show that even unlit candles can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), although their concentrations are usually safe.

The problem is aggravated when burning scented candles: their emissions may significantly exceed safe limits. For example, strawberry flavoring causes the release of 2,098 parts per billion of formaldehyde, while the acceptable level is up to 400 parts.

Even safer alternatives like soy or beeswax candles emit VOCs, especially if they contain artificial fragrances.

Holiday lights, despite their atmosphere, can negatively affect the quality of sleep. Dr. Kathryn Hall points out that bright or flickering lights before bed reduce levels of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Especially harmful are blue lights, which can completely disrupt the daily rhythm.

The "flicker" mode is also dangerous: it creates excessive visual stimulation, which excites the brain and makes it difficult to fall asleep. Multicolored lights further enhance this effect.

How to avoid risks?

  • Choose candles made from natural materials, such as soy or beeswax, without fragrances.
  • Ventilate the room after using candles.
  • In the evening, avoid turning on bright or twinkling garlands, especially with blue light.

New Year's atmosphere is important, but safety and health should always come first.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

popular

Share this post:

More like this
HERE

Khmelnytskyi prosecutor Olga Veselovska refused to undergo a second medical examination

Prosecutor of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor's Office Olga Veselovska refused to undergo a retrial...

It became known how many years Yanina Sokolova and the frontman of the band “Druha Rika” Kharchyshyn were together

Recently, the frontman of the band "Druha Rika" Valeriy Kharchyshyn publicly...

Western aid to Ukraine is decreasing — what is known

According to the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, military support...

The founder of the Adzhalyk charitable foundation is accused of illegal transportation of conscripts

The prosecutor's office reported Serhiy Kryvenko, the founder of...

6 early signs of vitamin deficiency

Avitaminosis is a condition that occurs due to a lack of vitamins...

Most Germans are against payments to Ukrainian refugees

Results of a survey by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (INSA) conducted on...

While Ukrainians are advised to save gas, Naftogaz is paying millions to its top managers

After a night-time combined attack on energy and gas facilities...

Interceptors instead of missiles: a new Ukrainian tactic against mass attacks

What seemed like military fiction a year ago is now...