News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding Brooklyn
Taking Action
Sunny
68°
Local
Crime
Weather
Power & Politics
Rebuilding Brooklyn
Taking Action

Doctors: Burning candles are among hidden air-quality dangers at home

Doctors say breathing unclean air is linked to asthma, a higher number of emergency room visits for breathing and heart problems, and increased hospital stays for illness, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Rose Shannon

Sep 15, 2026, 6:55 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

As people begin to break out their fall decor, doctors are warning that candles are among the hidden air-quality dangers inside a home.

Dr. Meave MacMurdo, a pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says burning candles and other tasks done at home, including cooking and vacuuming can add to a home's poor air quality.

MacMurdo says smoke, vapors, mold and chemicals used in certain paints, furnishings and cleaners can also impact air quality.

Doctors say breathing unclean air is linked to asthma, a higher number of emergency room visits for breathing and heart problems, and increased hospital stays for illness, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

People can minimize indoor pollution by turning on the vent hood when cooking, avoid burning candles and reduce the amount of smoke coming from wood-burning fireplace.

People should also consider purchasing an air purifier.

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices