The traditional candle
could become the latest weapon against
harmful bacteria.
Researchers from the
University of Southampton have found that
adding essential oils, like eucalyptus,
orange and thyme to candles can destroy
bugs.
Dr Lindsey Gaunt and
Sabrina Higgins said adding these oils to
plug-in devices had a similar effect.
The researchers told a
conference in Tokyo that adding oils to
candles could be as effective as scrubbing
with disinfectants.
'Kills bugs'
Their tests found that
some oils can destroy bacteria like
Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureas
on surfaces.
Thousands of people are
infected with Escherichia Coli each year. It
is a leading cause of food-borne illness.
While most people recover
after a few days, it can lead to kidney
failure and death for others.
It is sometimes found in
undercooked meat, raw milk and in
sewage-contaminated water.
Staphylococcus aureas are
commonly carried on the skin. However, they
can cause infections if the skin is broken.
These range from boils and pimples to
pneumonia.
The superbug MRSA is
Staphylococcus aureas, which is resistant to
a type of penicillin normally used to kill
it.
The researchers said
further tests were needed to see if adding
essential oils to candles could fight the
superbug.
"We have only tested
against standard laboratory strains of
bacteria," said Dr Gaunt. "We haven't looked
at MRSA."
The researchers believe
that the oils react with ions in the wick
and with oxygen to take on anti-bacterial
properties.
They said adding these
essential oils to candles could help people
to kill bacteria lurking in their homes.
"I don't think there would
be any harm in doing that," Dr Gaunt told
BBC News Online.
"But I wouldn't advise
people to stop using other methods to keep
their homes clean and candles won't get rid
of dirt or grease."
Susan Ager, who runs an
aromatherapy school in Essex, backed the
findings.
"It proves what we've been
saying for a very long time," she told BBC
News Online.
"These essential oils used
correctly have great benefits - not just to
be used on the body but around the house for
hygiene."
BBC NEWS
