What You Can Do

+ Much of what is being sold as "aromatherapy," which should contain natural essential oils, uses artificial fragrances instead. Ask stores for ingredient lists. A better way to scent the air is to use a diffuser with essential or botanical oils.

+ Candles made from pure beeswax burn cleaner than those made from paraffin wax, a petroleum product, and smell naturally of honey.

+ Choose candles with braided instead of stiff wicks, which may contain wire.

+ If the wick doesn't burn at the same rate as the wax, it'll get longer and the candle will produce more soot. Trim the wick to 1/4-inch before lighting each time.

+ Keep lit candles out of drafts, and don't burn candles in jars or ceramic containers. Tapers and freestanding votives are best.

+ If anyone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory illness, forgo candles, incense and diffusers altogether.