Marie Hammer, home environment specialist at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, checks the burning and maintenance instructions on the underside of one of her holiday pillar candles, Wednesday 12/22. Hammer said candles provide a special holiday ambiance, but they may pose problems consumers are not aware of. High soot production from certain candles can cause respiratory health problems as well as the soiling of walls, appliances and furniture. (AP Photo: Eric Zamora, University of Florida/IFAS) Back to Print News Release Index