Candles in a room separate from bird?

by Melissa

I have a 5 year old Congo African Grey. I know that (in addition to most household cleaning products and teflon) burning scented candles in the same room with birds can potentially kill them. I only use vinegar to clean and no teflon in my house, but about once or twice a week I light a scented Yankee Candle in my kitchen or bedroom for about 5 or 10 minutes. The bird is never ever in the room when I have been using candles, and he is across the house with his door shut. Is this safe or should I toss my candles?