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Candles could cause cancer

By Helen Abramson on Thursday 20 August 2009

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Candles - Health News - Marie Claire

Fumes from the most common form of candle wax - paraffin wax - can be harmful and even cause cancer, a study suggests.

Researchers from South Carolina State University found that in unventilated rooms, paraffin candles emit chemicals such as toluene, which can cause dizziness, and benzene, a carcinogen found in tobacco smoke.

According to reports in the Telegraph, these chemicals build up over time and can cause health problems such as asthma and allergies. In some cases they can add to the risk of life threatening diseases such as cancer.

Amid Hamidi, co-author of the study, said: ‘An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you. But lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an unventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems.’

Dr. Hamidi advised opening windows when burning paraffin candles to keep spaces well ventilated. The study included tests on beeswax and soy candles, which were found to be safer as they did not produce the harmful chemicals.

While the majority of candles on sale in the high street are made from paraffin wax, beeswax and soy candles are still available. John Lewis stock a range of soy candles, while for a wider selection of both beeswax and soy, try ordering from Bluecorn Naturals or BeEssence.

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Thursday 20 August 2009

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I am so glad that more people are publishing papers on this. You can preach until you can't talk to most and never get this across. Thank you

Comment by Dorothy Thigpen on August 21 07:20

Every week they find out something new that gives you cancer. Its got to the point where no one even cares anymore
Comment by Joe Smith on August 21 19:10