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.

根据科学家的说法，加入石蜡的蜡烛（燃烧释放）的烟雾可增加患癌症的风险。

南加州大学的研究者发现，人们一旦因石蜡（它通常可被用来制作别的物品）的烟雾而感到身体不适时，就确信有了（身体）变态反应或感染了呼吸系统疾病。

Ruhullah Massoudi 的合作者Amid Hamidi说，在某种场合下，石蜡释放的烟雾不会影响点蜡的人。

他申明："但如果常年累月地点蜡或频繁地在不通风的浴室的浴盆旁点蜡会出现问题。"

据透露，用蜂蜡或大豆做的价格昂贵的蜡不会产生大量有毒化学物质。

据世界卫生组织出版的研究报告，生活在潮湿、霉变的住所的人75%以上会得呼吸系统疾病或哮喘。