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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.
22 June 2018
The number of older people diagnosed with cancer is set to increase dramatically over the next 20 years, according to experts.
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21 June 2018
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19 June 2018
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12 June 2018
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09 June 2018
Scientists are trialling blood tests to find out the risk expecting mothers have of delivering prematurely.
08 June 2018
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned holiday-goers that some commonly-prescribed medicines are "controlled drugs" in certain countries.
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06 June 2018
As pollen counts hit their highest level this week, hay fever sufferers are likely to suffer.
05 June 2018
Care home demanded to make improvements amid "serious concerns"
30 May 2018
Academics have announced their plans to examine suicide risk in men, as well as the ways to reduce it.