Users generally do not imagine fine dust pollution in the home – simply by lighting and burning atmospheric candles – and are aware of the possible effects on health. Candles are particularly popular in the run-up to Christmas.
It is hardly known that the residues produced by burning can already pose a health risk to people with illnesses or sensitive respiratory tracts.
Only in the work area – with prolonged or regular daily contact with fine dust (A-dust) – are special measuring devices such as the SG10-2A used to measure the occurrence and concentrations of (fine) dusts that are harmful to human health.
What does particulate matter mean?
Particulate matter is the outdated but still commonly used term for respirable dust (A-dust). This means that the finely dispersed solid particles in the air can penetrate into the alveoli (air sacs).
Classic examples of the A-dust fraction are coal dust (C) and titanium dioxide (TiO2).
It is not possible to specify the exact size of the particles; the aerodynamic diameter is used as an auxiliary parameter. The diameter describes the particle size with up to 10µm.
Exposure to fine dust (dust fraction A-dust)
Due to the small particle size, A-dust (fine dust) can penetrate deep into the alveoli. The pulmonary alveoli, also known as alveoli, ensure that the gas exchange between the air we breathe and the blood can take place. Carbon dioxide leaves the blood and is exchanged for oxygen, which is transported away by the red blood cells. If this process is disrupted, this can lead to breathing difficulties and an oxygen deficiency.
As already mentioned, the dust particles can penetrate into the alveoli, which happens (partly) unnoticed. There they cause irritation of the lung tissue, which can lead to scarring and permanent impairment of lung function with prolonged exposure. For this reason, various legal provisions apply when contact with fine dust occurs at the workplace .
The relevant safety measures are documented in the risk assessment and the occupational limit value regulates the permitted exposure.
In private households, these regulations are not tangible and often a danger from A-dust is not recognized as such. And who automatically assumes that a burning candle causes fine dust pollution? The combustion process consumes oxygen and releases very fine particles (soot). Kerosene candles in particular tend to produce soot. Other factors such as draughts or a wick that is too long also encourage the formation of soot. Replacing them with beeswax candles is advisable, as is extensive airing after extinguishing the candles.
Sources:
[1]: Source Contribution image: © subbotina /123RF.com
[2]: https://www.lunge-zuerich.ch/de/lunge-luft/luft/aussenluft/feinstaub/feinstaubquelle-kerzen/?oid=1021&lang=de
[3]: https://www.vzhh.de/themen/umwelt-nachhaltigkeit/eine-kerze-ist-eine-kerze-ist-eine-kerze
[4]: https://www.bund.net/bund-tipps/detail-tipps/tip/schadstofffreie-kerzen/
[5]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/gesundheit/umwelteinfluesse-auf-den-menschen/innenraumluft/feinstaub-in-innenraeumen
[6]: https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Alveole