Candles now blamed for Earth's pollution

[El_Jibaro]

Candles now blamed for Earth's pollution

Candles are now being blamed for global pollution problems.

Burning candles can lead to high levels of pollutants, called particulates, released into the atmosphere.

Research by the US Environmental Protection Agency shows the pollution from a burning candle can exceed standards the agency sets for outdoor air quality.

"If I were someone who had a health problem like asthma, and I were looking for things to prevent aggravating my respiratory problems, candles and incense are two things I would seriously consider" getting rid of, says Michael Osborne of the EPA.

The National Candle Association's Valerie Cooper says the concerns are overstated because the highest level of particulates was seen only when the candles smoldered.

She said: "Their conclusions clearly say under normal conditions candles didn't produce significant amounts of particulates."

The association and EPA suggest trimming candle wicks to a quarter inch, ventilating the house and keeping lit candles out of drafts.

Story filed: 18:54 Thursday 14th June 2001

[Hombre-cuidad]

That is intresting that my brother had asmau and as a child when my grandmother put candles to commemerate her mother and husband deaths, she placed candles around the house and my brother always seemed to feel better in those times. It is too bad tha it causes pollution!