The Dirty Truth About Scented Candles

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
Managing Editor and Producer: Sam Bowers
Editor and Designer: Caroline Weigum
Editor: Juan Carlos Zuniga
Written by Doctor Mike and Theresa Fisher

* Select photos/videos provided by Getty Images *

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[wsxc]

I can't stop now, I'm at 25 candles a day and can't possibly go any lower. When I'm working, I have to take a candle break every few hours. Sometimes I sneak off to the toilet for a cheeky candle.

[joshuaizly]

Food $200
Data $150
Rent $800
Candles $3, 600
Utility $150
someone who is good at the economy please help me budget this. my family is dying

[greekfountain]

People love creating non-existant problems to ignore the ones they should actually focus on

[ForkJam-mgme]

I remember the first time I tried a candle. It was junior year of high school, and I was the awkward kid trying desperately to fit in with the popular kids. They were a glittering group of kids who seemed to have everything figured out. I thought if I could just find a way to blend in, my life would be easier.

One day, after class, I noticed them huddled in a corner of the locker room. My heart pounded as I approached. "Hey, what are you guys doing?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Chad, the charismatic leader of the group, looked up and smirked. "You wanna try something that’ll totally chill you out?" he said, holding up a small, colorful tin.

"Uh, sure, " I replied, eager to be part of whatever they were doing. My nerves were practically buzzing.

He opened the tin, revealing a pristine vanilla-scented candle. "Just light it up and breathe it in, " he instructed, striking a match. The flame flickered to life, casting an almost hypnotic glow.

"Isn't that just a candle?" I asked, incredulous, hoping not to sound too naive.

"Shh, " Chad said, putting a finger to his lips. "It's Vanilla scented !!"

Before I knew it, I was taking deep breaths, inhaling the sweet, warm aroma. My awkwardness seemed to melt away. "Wow, " I murmured, "this is amazing."

From that day on, I was hooked. Candles became my secret escape. Lavender, cinnamon, sandalwood – you name it, I burned it. I started keeping a stash in my locker, hidden behind my textbooks. I'd sneak off to the restroom between classes for a quick light-up session. The teachers never suspected a thing, though they often remarked on how calming the hallways smelled.

Fast forward a few years, and my candle addiction had only intensified. I couldn't start my day without lighting up a fresh pillar of pine. My friends would joke, "Oh, here comes the human incense stick!" But they didn't understand. Candles had become my crutch.

Now, I burn through ten candles a day, minimum. My apartment looks like a shrine to every scent imaginable. There are times when I wonder if I might have a problem.

Once, I decided to quit. I packed away all my candles and went cold turkey. The first night was hell. I lay in the dark, tossing and turning, desperate for just a hint of bergamot. By morning, I was a wreck, and my place reeked of desperation and failed resolve. I caved and tore open a pack of emergency tea lights I kept hidden in the closet. The relief was instantaneous.

My family staged an intervention last Christmas. "We think you need help, " my mom said gently, handing me a brochure for Candle Addicts Anonymous. My brother added, "Dude, your car even smells like a Bed Bath & Beyond."

So here I am, attending weekly meetings and learning to live one day – and one scent – at a time. I still slip up occasionally, like last week when I found a hidden jasmine votive in my desk drawer. But I'm trying. I know the road to recovery is long and winding, much like the trails of smoke that still sometimes curl through my apartment.

This video saves my life, this helps me realise I don't need help 🥹. I'm normal

[AmyraCarter]

"Never leave a candle unattended."
Yeah, for reasons unrelated to soot. 🔥

[TheLobsterCopter]

Truth or scare sounds like a great series.

[andres-viuy]

As someone unqualified to make a statement: I am pretty sure more people die from a house fire started by being negligent with a candle than that people died from all of those compounds in them

[thajocoth]

The fact that we blow out candles when celebrating birthdays makes "freshly blown out candle" smell like "party" and gives it a very positive association (at least in my experience).

[ClayHouseCandles]

THANK YOU for making this video! I own a handmade candle business and it’s frustrating when people come into my booth telling me how toxic candles are.
Like, I would never sell you something knowing it’s toxic and without doing my due research….🤦🏽‍♀️

[VermilionCandles]

As an asthmatic candle maker, I approve of this video lol!

Most smaller candle companies today are phthalate free. I make sure all my oils are free of them and many other small businesses do as well. Great video ❤

[notacluebbq]

I always put "out" my jar candles by putting the lid back on and letting the candle burn up the remaining oxygen and extinguish itself to stop the sooty "fumes" from getting in to the room.

[clementwymiens]

I love how the answer is never a straight yes or no, it's always more complicated than that... and so well explained when Dr Mike is on mic! Thank you 🙌❤️

[Emily-hdsm]

"Cheese is more addictive than cocaine.' "Sugar is more addictive than cocaine." "X is worse than this completely uncomparable object Y." I love when people try this type of argument lol

[ladycrystalr-u.s.a]

I recently got myself a candle warming lamp for my bedside table.
No joke.
I get the scent without the fire hazard.
I just have to keep some extra bulbs around. It's really nice.

[nc]

I was scared when I saw the thumbnail. But I'm now happy to let the candle addiction carry on.
Thank you Dr Mike.

[fatbyKyle]

During the COVID lockdown I developed a really annoying course cough that lasted a few months, but knew it wasn't COVID due to testing. It actually started to worry me quite a bit. My mum eventually happened to come round when restrictions eased and then suggested it could be that the candle was triggering my asthma. I'd been spending most of my time in one small room working most days, and often had a scented candle on the go to try and help keep the room smelling fresh. As soon as I stopped using candles, the cough went away.

[coltonroark]

Doc Mike is the perfect person to make a series like this. He's educated, reputable, and he has good common sense and don't scare monger. He uses facts paird with nuance.

[aoifedeborha]

The fact that Bear popped up when Dr. Mike said “kids” and not “doggos” is so adorable 😊

[ddneq]

Used to burn incense all the time years ago till i started noticing the black residue on my walls and objects. Also started having sinus issues. Bought an air purifier and within days those filters were jet black. Didnt realize how much of that was just sitting in the air. Still have sinus issues to this day.

[bradydyson]

Kudos to Dr. Mike for calling out pseudoscience and health BS in a friendly, non-threatening way!