NY Times interviews RIFM’s Nikaeta Sadekar, PhD
11.9.21
This morning, The New York Times published a story on the science supporting the safety of scented candles, featuring an interview with RIFM’s Respiratory Toxicology lead, Nikaeta Sadekar, PhD. (The author also interviewed the Monell Center’s Pamela Dalton, PhD, for the article.)
The article highlights how the science supporting fragrance safety is making a difference in consumers’ lives and why focusing on risk- rather than hazard-based assessment is critical to truly understanding safe use.
The article begins by cataloging some of the negative headlines and press targeting fragranced candles. But rather than regurgitate, the Times digs into the science itself, concluding:
But while scented candles do produce various vapors and particles that can be unsafe to inhale at high doses, research suggests that with typical use, the dose you get is far below what is considered harmful to your health. And according to experts, there is no reason to think that occasional candle-burning will be dangerous.
Read the full article here. And congratulations to Dr. Sadekar!