An early panic for Christmas!

Church air is, potentially, worse than the air by major roads. According to Dutch researchers, levels of particulates after a heavy session of incense and candle burning are very high, in part because churches are so badly ventilated.

Will new rules come in preventing the smoking of incense in public places? 'It's all to protect the clergy, a poor-paid workforce who are often exposed to such levels in their jobs.' 'Church services often include many children and they need to be protected, too.' 'By banning the burning of candles and incense, we'll help many major religions kick the habit once and for all. In surveys, many creeds want to give up due to health reasons and the high cost of church candles, but then Christmas comes around and they fall off the wagon. This may be just the helping hand they need....'

BBC NEWS | Health | Church air is 'threat to health'