Candles and children

Lighting a candle at home to celebrate a birthday, get in the mood for Christmas or even to save a bit on your next power bill is a nice thing to do. Children are often drawn to the magic of the flame and enjoy the sense that something special is happening. Apart from the usual hazards of an open flame near children there have been reports over the last few years that candles literally create a special atmosphere at home - a toxic one.

Some compare the fumes created by burning paraffin candles to those of second hand smoking. Just how dangerous candle smoke is to humans remains unclear, but many common types of candles release toxins such as benzene and toluene when they are lit. It is believed that the soot from paraffin candles can also cause respiratory problems or could negatively affect people who already have asthma, lung, or heart problems.