Smelling of roses: Perfume with no hidden nasties

YOUR favourite fragrance may smell sweet, but it could be polluting your home.

Many perfumes and scented candles contain petroleumderived substances — paraffin wax is used to make candles, for example — and there are concerns about the fumes. One laboratory study found paraffin candles could give off chemicals linked to lung cancer and asthma, although only very extensive use could cause health issues.

The alternative? Go organic with fine fragrances that use natural ingredients. Brands such as Prosody London, which launched at Fortnum & Mason on Monday, use essential oils, beeswax and coconut wax, which burn more cleanly.

The Mocha Muscari Eau de Parfum (right, £175, prosody london.com) features musky notes of coffee, sandalwood and lavender.

Or try the Apricot Ardour candle (left, £75, prosody london.com), inspired by a sunbaked afternoon.