Burning candles indoors may seem harmless, but inadequate ventilation can lead to air pollution that significantly affects cognitive functions, including concentration and emotion recognition.
A study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that even brief exposure to polluted air can impair selective attention. “Our study provides strong evidence that even short-term exposure to polluted air can have an immediate negative impact on brain functions essential for daily activities,” stated Dr. Thomas Faherty of the University of Birmingham. Participants who spent an hour in a room with a recently extinguished candle performed worse on concentration tests four hours later compared to those in a clean-air environment.
The researchers assessed selective attention and emotional recognition using image-based tests, where participants identified gender or interpreted facial expressions. Those exposed to candle smoke had greater difficulty distinguishing emotions, particularly in ambiguous images, indicating potential disruptions in social interactions. This effect is believed to stem from fine pollution particles that trigger inflammation or enter the bloodstream through the lungs, subsequently affecting brain function.
Although no direct link was found between air pollution and working memory, the study underscores the importance of ventilation after extinguishing candles or avoiding their use in enclosed spaces.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
