Candle caution.

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There may be more than romance in the air when dining by candlelight. Some candles give off harmful pollutants, as well as a warm glow.

Most candles are made from a wax called paraffin. "Because paraffin is a residue from refining petroleum, it contains impurities," says Ruhullah Massoudi, a chemistry professor at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg. When Massoudi tested paraffin candles in a special chamber, he found they emitted chemicals like toluene and benzene. Toluene can affect the nervous system, and benzene has been linked to cancer.

While burning a candle occasionally is fine, says Massoudi, people should avoid burning lots of candles in an unventilated space or they should buy vegetable-based candles like those made from soy. Massoudi found that such candles are toxin free.

SPARKING CONCERN: According to scientists, burning some types of Candles may be bad for your health.