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Go Easy on the Candles

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2009 1:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Don't go overboard on the candles, researchers warn. The fumes of paraffin wax candles can contribute to cancer and asthma, though it would take years of heavy use to cause a problem, the BBC reports. “An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you,” says one scientist involved with the new study.

“But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems.” The trouble, scientists found, is that candles don’t give off enough heat to combust unhealthy chemicals. Beeswax or soy-made candles might be a better choice.

Candles can contribute to cancer and asthma, scientists found.
Candles can contribute to cancer and asthma, scientists found.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
JonmarkP
Aug 22, 2009 12:33 PM CDT
One more reason not to darken the door of a Roman Catholic church.
gabo
Aug 22, 2009 2:51 AM CDT
Remember, if it hadn't been for Edison, we'd all be watching TV by candlelight.
cognitivefilter
Aug 21, 2009 8:09 AM CDT
in this modern age, anything you use might give you cancer.

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