The Dangers Of Scented Candles

CBS2’s Diane Macedo reports.

Twitter: @cbsnewyork

[Calvin]

So basically this was caused not necessarily by the candle but the misuse of the candle. It's kinda like saying don't buy a car because it can go 120 MPH into a wall. If you don't drive at 120 that won't happen either. The only time I've had a candle produce a noticeable amount of soot is the cheap ones or if the wick is waaaay to long. My family has burnt candles for years and have never noticed this problem.

[fortytwo]

Hur hur hur, when you burn stuff, it doesn't just magically disappear into the air...of course it produces soot.

[mayramedina]

You should never burn a candle more that 3 hours (4 hours max depending on the candle). You should also trim your candle wick to 1/4 of an inch to prevent soot.

[markblanchard]

There's a warning label on the candle for a reason. The candle was probably ok. If she read the label, this probably wouldn't have been an issue...a properly made and properly used candle is perfectly safe.

[tam]

I stopped burning candles and my daughter stuffy nose went away permanently. She would always have one and no matter what we gave her for it, it never went away. Until I stopped burning candles. Some things are just not for everybody.

[BenjaminEsposti]

Painters out there know about people who burn lots of candles, because the ceiling and walls often get a light coat of soot/tar, like a cigarette smoker's house.

[flyboy]

You know, you could just, put it out after three hours?

[micheleosoria]

Never knew about a time limit and thought it was 1/4 inch for the wick. Thanks for sharing

[apollo]

One can not stop lighting scented candles. Or smell at the store.

[lpc]

I am infertile from eating scented candles

[lifestylebeautytodaykaymil]

You don't burn a candle pass 2-3 hours...

[hyperashitive]

I have been burning candles for 7-8 hours for many years and have never had or even heard of this problem. I would not think a candle could produce enough soot in the air to actually turn your nostrils black. I'm guessing the candle must have been very cheap and made with questionable ingredients and who knows what the wick is made out of. I also grew up in a household where candles were always burning everyday and this has never been an issue. If this happened in my situation I would throw away that candle and not burn it and get something that was better quality. I think this has more to do with the candle then the actual burn time because this NEVER happens when I burn my candles over the 4 hour period.

[crabcakes]

I like how they lit a candle when the wicks still not trimmed with the mushroom tops

[gotmama]

Use a wax warmer, like Scentsy instead, and even then, not for hours and hours.

[MoistCrumpet]

This is why you do your research before you start using candles. I very recently started using scented candles and before using my first one I actually checked the warning label and did some research on candle safety. I learned that you’re not supposed to burn candles for longer than four hours, and you can’t leave them unattended or fall asleep with them lit. I think doing your research before using something that can potentially become a fire hazard is common sense.

[haydenbrayton]

Thats what happens when you burn cheap paraffin candles. It should be soy or vegetable wax always. And it should be scented with 100% natural essential oils.

[witchofcertainty]

I am infertile from eating scented candles. The

[LexProntera]

Recently I came across a candle with 2 different scents.
It's a wonder of modern chemical engineering.
Kinda expensive tho.
From a certain distance it smells like orange and cinnamon.
If you get closer it smells like burnt mustache.

[BandhariWickette]

I thought this was gonna be about the guy that posted a bunch about eating scented candles. I found this video on my search for his content. I heard it's pretty wild.

[ovlogs]

Oh my, why 7 hours? Do not burn candles more than 3 hours. Always check candle labels/ candles care.