Candles, do you like it dislike them

The responses here are what I expected. I have friends who love them, and are very easy to buy for at Christmas, and I have friends who dislike them, or hate them.
I think candles are very marmite, and people dislike them because the scents make them feel I'll, or they feel they can be dangerous. I love them but respect both points if view.

I used to like them years ago. But I have read in numerous sources that the fumes they give off as they burn are toxic and may contribute to cancer. They are bad for humans and very bad for pets. So I never use them now. Nor air fresheners (except a quick burst very occasionally and I make sure I don't breathe it in and my cats are well away. Of all household fragrances, I prefer the more pure incense cones, burned with a window open.

Loathe all scented candles. Like unscented ones for Christmas and special occasions.

I usually use the unscented ones as I have chronic sinusitis and some of the strong perfumed ones really sets it off. I love sitting in the evenings with the candles flickering as it makes the room feel cosy. My friend is a fireman and he tuts when he comes into my house because the candles are lit as he's been to fires caused by them.

Yankee, lavender

tanith

Can’t abide them, fills the house with sickly smelling fumes and chemicals. No thankyou.

Nor me, they irritate my lungs and start me wheezing. I do like a good quality natural infuser? though.

I have several candles, but I never light them so I suppose they are ornaments! Even dust collectors! Worry about the fire hazard and some can be sickly.

Surely candles must follow the same safety checks as other household items?
How can they possibly be sold if they are likely to cause cancer or other serious health issues?

I like unscented candles but hate scented ones.

Sorry, but don't like them ! They make me wheeze, same as wood burners. Have battery night lights, they work for me.

I love candles especially in the dark winter months,I love the gentle cheery light they give off and the light scent I have been slightly concerned regarding the possible chemical fumes aspect but usually only light them at weekend.
I like Yankee and Harry Slatkin but have been gifted some very expensive ones which I wouldn't buy .

QVC sell Harry Slatkin

According to this article,

‘Inhaling any type of smoke can be unhealthy. If you plan on using candles regularly, it’s a good idea to burn them in a ventilated room to minimize the amount of smoke you breathe in.’

It also says,

‘ Burning scented candles can release volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde that may increase your cancer risk. Even though scented candles release these compounds, it isn’t clear if they impact your health.’

www.healthline.com/health/are-candles-bad-for-you

Until there’s clear data showing that scented candles don’t impact your health, I personally would rather avoid them (even if I liked them, which I don’t). I prefer to err on the side of caution.

Thanks skye17

I love candles, scented or unscented. I don't have a favourite brand. DH bought me a small Yankee candle four Christmases ago and it's still going strong as I only light it occasionally. Some jar candles that I've been given are so lovely that I don't light them just sniff at them now and then! My DS gave me a beautiful hand carved candle which it would be sacrilege to burn. I also like hand rolled beeswax candles, such a delicious scent. The only problem I have with candles is keeping them clean, they attract dust like a magnet.

Waste of money and useless.

I love candles and night lights but only unscented. Any perfumed ones trigger migraine and nausea so going to other peoples homes, restaurants etc can be tricky. Dare I say I have battery candles and night lights, with timers. They are amazing, though obviously have the inevitable detrimental effect on the environment. I use them sparsely and love them even “ unlit” Cant imagine my home without candles, cushions and throws

My daughter makes candles. She uses only natural and pure ingredients . They are lovely . Biodegradable packaging too, all safety tested. So with hers you won’t get any nasties as you might with the artificial perfumes. Let me know if you want further details ☺️

Candle lover here as are both my DDs. I also find that lighting them at night seems to make the room feel warmer - sounds stupid, but just my thoughts. Prefer light scents and Price do special ones to eliminate kitchen and smoking fumes.

I love candles but they don’t like me! Especially Yankee candles. They give me a wheezy chest and make me cough. This also happens to my husband and daughter. So I only burn them in large areas and not for too long.

Tesco large candle in a jar knocked down to £3. From £8 sea salt lovely.
Shoreham in kent has the hop farm shop has the most amazing candles sandalwood, lavender etc, they are £8. But the room smells amazing.
Not keen on Yankee candles.

Love them all year but especially in winter have a least 2 on the go during the day. Yankee and TkMaxx especially the coffee/salted caramel/chocolate scents but around Christmas I always have the Christmas tree ones. In Summer I have floral/coconut.

Hope you're still enjoying your week off. Rafichagran
I like candles - But since I left one burning & went to work I steer away from them these days. I had to call my DD to come to work to collect my keys to go & put it out for me - then return back to me with my keys. She wasn't happy.
I had a friend who would light one on the landing in the morning when she got up so, for anyone stopping they were greeted by this beautiful glow as opposed to harsher lighting.

Won’t have them in the house since my son’s best friend, aged 16, died in a house fire caused by a piece of clothing falling on lit candles

Church candles are very good - they don't smell like the scented ones and they burn slowly and regularly so they don't gutter and drip wax. But they cost more.