Are your favourite festive candles damaging your health?

It's that one time of year when we go all out with the decor, but is one popular item causing more harm than good?

As much as we love our homes smelling like gingerbread cookies or pine trees, festive scented candles are damaging your health.

According to researchers, they may be worse for your health than cigarettes.

A study has found that candles may increase your risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

But how are scented candles damaging our health?

Researchers at UCC and the University of Galway explained that scented candles produce toxic gases that can damage your health.

They can damage the air quality in your home, especially if they're lit in small and underventilated rooms.

Researcher Asit Kumar Mishra explained further:

"Use of scented candles or smoking, when combined with blocked wall vents and closed windows, worsens exposure to indoor air pollutants for householders.

"While using scented candles peak fine particle concentrations could increase to 15 times the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization."

"Particulate matter can cause short-term health effects like coughing and sneezing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

"Long-term exposure can increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis."

You won't have to bin your cinnamon-scented candles just yet. The team urged people to light candles in larger spaces with open windows.

The study was published in the journal Indoor Environments.

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