Measurement and evaluation of gaseous and particulate emissions from burning scented and unscented candles

•The emissions of 24 specifically manufactured candle types were examined in a test chamber.•The emission profiles of the scented and unscented candles differed significantly.•Emission rates and indoor exposure scenarios were calculated from the measured data.•In most scenarios the calculated concentrations were significantly below established safe levels.•As expected, the NO2 produced from atmospheric nitrogen was of particular relevance.