Article sourced from Daily Telegraph, Sydney 20th August, 2009.
By Kate Sikora.
CANDLELIT DINNERS CAN KILL, PARAFFIN WAX GIVES OFF EMISSIONS SIMILAR TO CANCER-CAUSING CARCINOGENS.
Emma Leonard and Anton De Martino enjoy a candle lit diner at home in Balmain. Researcher say that candles cause indoor air pollution,
Source, The Daily Telegraph.
NOW men really do have an excuse for not being romantic - candlit dinners can kill and scientists say that can lead to health risks in a very cosy room.
Research has revealed that burning candles give off emissions similar to cancer-causing carcinogens.
When levels build up in poorly ventilated - or "cosy" - rooms, people who are exposed to candles can develop serious respiratory problems.
However, much like many other elements to a romantic dinner, from red meat to pickles, there are alternatives.
Instead of doucing the romance, scientists said that less fatal bees wax and soy candles could be used.
Air quality export Dr Deville Bofinger said paraffin was a type of fuel, "When you burn paraffin wax you have to think of it as pure fuel. It's a hydrobarbon" he said.
Before throwing out the candles, researchers said there was nothing wrong with lighting the "occassional" paraffin candle.
Despite the risks, there will be no stopping the romantic dinners at Emma Leonard and Anton De Martina's Balmain home.
"I don't think there will be an end to the romance but I think we will use the bees wax candles now." Ms Leonard said.