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Scented Candles in the Workplace |
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The results of recent indoor air quality surveys have shown that there is a dramatic increase in the use of scented candles in the workplace. These have been seen in congested office environments, industrial assembly floors, and even elementary school classrooms.
The burning of scented candles or oils has become a more common practice as retail stores and multi-level marketing programs have been developed as a way to sell these products. Often they are brought into a workspace to "improve" the odors found in the area. While they may improve overall odors by inserting cinnamon, vanilla, or citrus odors into the space, they really function by "masking" the initial odors and don't address the original problem. The process of burning candle wax and wicks to create an odor carries with it other more harmful consequences.
Besides the potential for fires, the smoke and soot released by these candles are causing custodial nightmares and heightened indoor air quality problems. The size of the particles released through this burning of candles can even be harmful to people with upper respiratory or other types of breathing problems.
Our guidance on scented candles is a simple one. Discourage their use in the workspace. They create a potential liability over which you have no control! |
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