Room fresheners, perfumes and other such products are a great way to keep your home smelling great. While you may have scrubbed the whole house down, adding a fresh layer of good smell. Wax melts became an urban household favorite as people love scented things in their homes, and wax melts have become popular because they don't use a flame. They seem safer than candles, but are they really? These little blocks of scented wax melt in a warmer, releasing a fragrance. Many think they're a cleaner way to make their house smell nice. However, recent studies a have raised the necessary question of how safe it is. It's important to understand what these studies found, and if we should be worried about using wax melts in our homes.Nusrat Jung, DSc, an assistant professor of civil engineering at Purdue University, became intrigued by wax melts during her supermarket visits. Her curiosity led to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, which revealed that wax melts may not be as clean as advertised. These products, which release scents through a heated "wax warmer," were found to produce more indoor air pollution than candles.How Scented Wax Melts Impact Indoor Air QualityWhen wax melts are heated, they release tiny particles and gases into the air. These are called VOCs and nanoparticles. Previous studies showed that scented products, like candles and cleaners, release these things. Jung's study looked specifically at wax melts.Researchers tested different scents and found that scented wax melts release more of these particles than candles. These particles can stay in the air and get into our lungs. The study also found that unscented wax melts don't release these harmful particles. This means the scents themselves are the problem. Scientists use special machines to measure these particles and see how much they affect the air we breathe.Potential Health Hazards of Indoor PollutionBreathing in tiny particles and gases can irritate our lungs and also cause health problems. Scientists are still learning about the long-term effects, but they know these particles can cause inflammation and other issues. Some studies suggest that these particles can even lead to heart and breathing problems. It's important to remember that not everyone reacts the same way. Some people are more sensitive than others, especially those with asthma or other breathing problems. The size and type of particles also matter. Some are more harmful than others. Scientists are working to understand exactly how these particles affect our health, so we can make better choices about the products we use.