It’s a good idea to open the window after the candles are blown out; combustion particles contain carcinogenic compounds. I’m not saying you’re going to get sick if you burn candles, but why not avoid it when we know some of those compounds are not good for you?
Levy: Everybody’s lifestyle is different. It’s a question of: what do you need to do versus what do you like to do? What things could you eliminate without great harm? If you don’t have a need to burn incense in an indoor space, you don’t need to do it, but if it’s something that’s important for your lifestyle or traditions, do it for a shorter amount of time and make sure you have ventilation and filtration running.
Ferrari: What are manageable changes concerned readers could make to their homes?
Bekö: What’s really important, and not appreciated enough, is ventilation. Opening windows regularly, even in the winter months, at least several times a day for five to ten minutes is beneficial. It might be drafty, but it’s a balance between comfort and health.
Filters should be regularly changed and maintained, and ventilation ducts and systems should also be maintained properly to avoid pollution buildup.