Candles 'can damage air quality'

The impact paraffin candles have on air quality could increase the risk of cancer, according to scientists.

Researchers at the South Carolina State University found that people could believe they have an allergy or respiratory infection when their health problems are actually being caused by fumes from paraffin wax, which is commonly used to make the objects.

Amid Hamidi, the co-author of the study alongside Ruhullah Massoudi, said the emissions are unlikely to affect those who burn paraffin candles on an occasional basis.

"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," he stated.

More expensive candles made from beeswax and soy do not produce potentially harmful amount of toxic chemicals, it was revealed.

The news comes after research published by the World Health Organization reported that those who live in damp or mouldy buildings have up to 75 per cent more chance of suffering respiratory problems and asthma.

Written by Claire Manning