Some scientists are waging a public relations campaign to convince the public that enjoying a candle-lit dinner with a loved-one can be hazardous to the couple's health. They insist that candles may cause cancer since paraffin wax candles produce evocative ambience, which are recognized as human carcinogens.

Candle-lit dinners are also an unrecognized source of indoor air pollution. Yet al Gore and Ralph Nader have not issued any public statements on this pertinent ecological issue.

On Wednesday, the American Chemical Association announced that "emission-products of petroleum-based candles in nonventilated enclosed areas" are potentially dangerous to your health.

Ruhullah Massoudi, a chemistry profesor at South Carolina State University who analyzed the airborne products of burning candles, said, "an occassional 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 un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems."

According to the Washington Times, "he also suggested that some people who suffer from indoor allergies or respiratory irritations might in fact be reacting to air pollutants from burning candles. Candles made from beswax or soy, though more pricey, are "apparently are healthier," Mr. Massoudi adds. He presented his findings during the society's annual meeting in Washington."

Nowadays, the eco-conscious can lay claim to a new source of guilt. Hence, the gren police can target these so-called pollutants. Hypochondriacs can balk at romantic dinners under the guise of protecting their health. Perhaps, the study could also have profound repurcussions on politicians engaging in romantic trysts and journalists intending to woo sources.

General manager Philip Gates of charlie Palmer Steak, a romantic and sophisticated restaurant within a block of the U.S. Capitol, said, "well, this is interesting. But I counter that science with more science. Candles also produce negative ions, and negative ions are associated with a sense of well-being and happiness. Negative ions, positive vibes."

To read the entire article from the Washington times, link here:

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