GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Effects of Short-term Candle Burning on Lung Function and Exhaled eNO in a Typical Home Environment among Residents

Authors: Dorothy Seybold, Dalton Crunkelton, Elena Ortez, Megan Nicol, Kenya Watson, Atin Adhikari Ph.D.
Background and Objectives: Some chronic respiratory conditions may be exacerbated by particulate matter emitted from burning candles. This study assesses candle usage on lung function and exhaled nitric oxide levels (eNO) in asthmatics and non-asthmatics.
Methods: We measured eNO, FVC, and FEV1% before and after typical candle-burning exposure for 60 minutes, using a NIOX Vero eNO monitor and a spirometer. Particulate matter (PM) in the 0.3-10 µm size range was monitored in parallel.
Results: Preliminary results indicate different trends for asthmatic and non-asthmatic study participants: Before candle burning: 1) Asthmatics – eNO: 10.5±1.12ppb; FVC: 3.73±0.55L; FEV1: 66.3±13.4L; 1) Non-Asthmatics – eNO: 10.3±6.2ppb; FVC:4.20±1.0L; FEV1: 38.3±10.4L After candle burning: 1) Asthmatics – eNO:9.0±1.9ppb; FVC:3.21±0.5L; FEV1:57.6±13.9L; 1) Non-Asthmatics – eNO: 8.8±3.8ppb; FVC:3.5±1.0L; FEV1:37.2±12.7L. Total mean(±SD) PM concentrations ranged from 6,431,449±8,023179 to 7,652,650±10,118,427/m3.
Conclusions: Short-term exposure to burning candles may negatively impact lung function, triggering inflammation in the respiratory tracts differently in asthmatics compared to non-asthmatics.