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15 July 2011 10:05
Some cheap scented candles produce smoke laced with toxins, according to research
Using scented candles in poorly ventilated rooms can increase the risk of exposure to toxins causing asthma, eczema and skin complaints, according to research.
The study, conducted by researchers from South Carolina University, revealed that cheaper varieties of scented candles release smoke with an alarming range of volatile compounds that can be hazardous to health.
Travellers who carry candles with them to refresh tired hotel rooms might want to consider taking out a good medical travel insurance policy in case they suffer any ill effects.
US researchers conducted an experiment by burning a range of candles in the laboratory, collected the substances given off by them and tested it.
The team, led by Dr Amid Hamidi, found that candles made of paraffin wax, the most common type, released potentially harmful amounts of chemicals such as toluene and benzene.
More expensive varieties of candles made of beeswax and soy are considered to be safe for use.
However, most of those on sale in Britain are of cheaper variety made of paraffin wax, a byproduct of the petroleum industry.
16 August 2018
Holidaymakers in the UK will be hit by more train price hikes from next year, after the Government announced ticket prices will increase by 3.2% in January.
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15 August 2018
A simple blood test could help GPs detect a rare form of bone marrow cancer much earlier, a new study suggests.
14 August 2018
Passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport last month faced queues of over two and a half hours at passport control, new figures have revealed.
11 August 2018
Hundreds of Ryanair flights will not take off as planned on Friday due to pilot strikes in five countries.
10 August 2018
Fad diets that cut out carbs while increasing fat consumption could lead to an increased risk of diabetes, according to new research.
09 August 2018
HIV testing has become even more accessible after a self-testing kit was made available from a High Street retailer.
08 August 2018
Women patients are more likely to survive a heart attack if they are treated by a female doctor, a new US study has revealed.
07 August 2018
The head of British Airways has branded two-hour queues facing travellers at Heathrow's passport control as a "border farce."
04 August 2018
Simple factors such as gender and body mass can help doctors to personalise care for patients with type 2 diabetes and avoid harmful side effects, according to a study.
03 August 2018
Gatwick Express must no longer claim it runs "non-stop to Victoria station in half an hour" and "in just 30 minutes" unless it can achieve the time in most cases, a watchdog has ruled.
02 August 2018
A charity is calling for greater access to respite support after it emerged that 72% of Britain's 700,000 young carers feel lonely and isolated during the summer holidays.
01 August 2018
A plan to build new rail links with Heathrow Airport and connect Windsor's two train stations have been submitted to the Government.