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Surprising Hidden Health Hazards of the Holiday Season

Here's how to sidestep some staples of the season that can leave you feeling less than merry (20 Photos)

Brenda Kearns on Nov 14, 2011 at 8:12AM

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Surprising Hidden Health Hazards of the Holiday Season

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Holiday Hazard: Scented Candles

A row of softly-glowing scented candles can look -- and smell -- beautiful in a house decorated for the holidays. But some research suggests that the ingredients used in commercially-available decorative candles can emit a hefty amount of unhealthful chemicals, including lead and formaldehyde. “Exposure to those toxins can quickly make women feel achy, tired and out-of-sorts,” says Paula Baillie-Hamilton, M.D., environmental health researcher at the University of Stirling, and author of Toxic Overload.

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Do you have tips for keeping healthy during the holidays?