While setting a charming dinner table with a sizzling steak in the pan and soft candlelight might sound like the start of a delightful evening, a recent study from Aarhus University's Department of Public Health cautions against inhaling an excessive amount of this cosy atmosphere.
Karin Rosenkilde Laursen, a postdoc at the department and one of the study's co-authors, has expressed concerns. She stated, "Our research has demonstrated that indoor air pollution stemming from cooking fumes and burning candles can result in adverse health effects, including irritation and inflammation, especially in young individuals with mild asthma. We have also identified potential signs of DNA damage and inflammation in their blood."
Whenever we switch on the oven, place a pan on the stove, or light candles, ultrafine particles and gases are generated, which we unwittingly breathe in. Previous studies have already highlighted the health risks associated with these particles and gases. What distinguishes this particular study is its focus on the impact on young individuals with mild asthma, aged between 18 and 25, as pointed out by Karin Rosenkilde Laursen:
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"Our study has shown that even very young individuals with mild asthma can experience discomfort and adverse effects if the room is not adequately ventilated during cooking or when candles are lit. It's important to note that young people are generally healthier and more resilient than older age groups, which makes it all the more concerning that we observed significant impacts on this youthful demographic."
However, Karin Rosenkilde Laursen emphasises that it's not only those diagnosed with asthma who should be concerned about indoor air quality:
"While our study primarily focused on young individuals with asthma, its findings have broader implications for everyone. With the approaching winter season, during which candles are often lit, and we tend to keep doors and windows closed while cooking, prioritising a healthier indoor environment can potentially help reduce the incidence of serious lung and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer."
