Antonio Mcgowan
Incense burning is a common household practice, especially in Taiwan, and is loved for its calming effects and cultural significance. However, there are concerns about its safety, especially around babies, pets, and pregnant women. Burning incense produces fumes containing gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, and can also release wood particles and formaldehyde into the air. These emissions can cause respiratory issues and, according to a study by National Taiwan University, may negatively impact an infant's gross motor development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Burning incense around babies is not considered safe due to the fumes and gases it produces, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. |
| Health Risks | Incense smoke can cause respiratory issues and may be especially harmful to infants, leading to slower development and an increased risk of asthma attacks. |
| Fire Hazards | Incense sticks can generate hot ash, which may ignite nearby materials if not properly contained in a burner. |
| Cultural Significance | Incense is valued for its calming effects and plays a significant role in various cultural traditions, such as kodo in Japan. |
| Precautions | To minimize risks, it is recommended to use incense in well-ventilated spaces, limit exposure, and ensure good airflow. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and infant development
Incense burning is a common household ritual in many cultures, and its calming effects and cultural significance are valued by many. However, there are growing concerns about the safety of burning incense, especially around babies and infants.
The primary concern is the potential impact on respiratory health. Incense smoke contains various gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which can be harmful when inhaled. Studies have found a link between incense smoke exposure and delayed gross motor neurodevelopment in infants, with babies continuously exposed to incense smoke taking, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills like walking with support. The risk of developmental delays was found to be higher for babies with continuous exposure to incense smoke, but even periodic exposure during special occasions was associated with a higher risk.
In addition to the health risks, burning incense also poses fire hazards, especially if not placed securely in a proper holder. The hot ash generated by incense sticks can potentially ignite nearby materials if not contained properly.
While some people choose to avoid burning incense around babies altogether, others opt for mindful practices to minimise risks. This includes limiting incense burning to short periods, ensuring good air ventilation, and choosing high-quality, natural incense. With proper precautions, some people feel comfortable incorporating incense into their everyday routines, even with infants in the home.
In summary, while incense can offer aromatic and cultural benefits, it is essential to prioritise the health and safety of infants. The available research and expert recommendations suggest that limiting exposure and ensuring good airflow are critical to creating a safe and fragrant environment for babies and young children.
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Incense as an indoor air pollutant
Burning incense around babies is not recommended, as it can be harmful to their health and development. A study by National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development, taking one to two months longer on average to develop gross motor skills.
Incense burning is a significant source of indoor air pollution, with incense smoke containing numerous pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These pollutants can have detrimental effects on respiratory health and cognitive function.
The type of incense product also influences the level of pollution. Studies have shown that incense cones are more likely to be higher polluters than incense sticks, with benzene and formaldehyde present in concerning levels above the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, acetaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, and furan are compounds found in incense that warrant attention due to their potential health risks.
The quality of incense is another critical factor. Burning low-quality incense, especially indoors or in small spaces, can be harmful due to the release of toxic particles. It is recommended to use high-quality, non-toxic, and natural incense to minimize potential health risks.
To mitigate the impact of incense smoke, it is essential to increase ventilation by opening windows during and after burning incense. This simple measure can effectively reduce the concentration of contaminants in the indoor air. However, caution is advised in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, high ozone levels, and high particulate matter levels, as these conditions may lead to higher exposure to secondary pollutants.
While incense burning may offer benefits such as a pleasant aroma, stress relief, and improved moods, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like infants and older adults.
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Incense fumes and asthma
Burning incense around babies is not recommended. A study by the National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. The study, which analysed data from 15,310 children, found that babies who were continuously exposed to incense smoke took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support, compared to children who were not exposed to smoke.
Now, turning to the topic of incense fumes and asthma, it is important to note that burning incense can indeed pose health risks for individuals with asthma. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains irritants that can trigger asthma and lead to respiratory issues. Research has also linked incense smoke exposure to childhood asthma and the development of respiratory allergies.
Several studies have examined the health impacts of incense burning. One study, presented by Gomeo Lam, investigated the case of an 87-year-old woman with a history of asthma and COPD who experienced unexplained shortness of breath. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the patient was burning incense daily as part of a cultural practice. The authors recommended discontinuing the use of traditional incense and suggested using electric incense devices or aromatic vapours instead, which resulted in an improvement in the patient's symptoms.
Another study by Wong et al. in 2020 found that indoor incense burning impacted cognitive functions and brain functional connectivity in older adults. Additionally, a study by Yamamoto et al. in 2021 demonstrated that incense smoke-induced oxidative stress can disrupt bronchial epithelial barrier integrity and induce airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse lungs.
It is worth noting that the effects of incense smoke exposure are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke. However, the practice of burning incense can still contribute to indoor air pollution and may be a fire hazard. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain good ventilation when burning incense and to consider the potential health risks, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies.
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Incense and fire safety
Fire Safety:
Incense, while creating a calming ambiance, can also pose fire hazards if not handled properly. To ensure fire safety when burning incense sticks, follow these precautions:
- Always use a sturdy, fireproof holder: Place incense sticks securely in a proper holder designed to contain burning incense. This prevents the risk of the stick falling over and igniting nearby materials.
- Use heat-resistant holders for cones: Backflow incense cones, also known as waterfalls, generate concentrated heat. Always use heat-resistant holders specifically designed for this purpose.
- Burn incense on a stable surface: Ensure the incense is burned on a flat, stable surface to avoid accidental knocking over. Keep the incense away from flammable materials, such as curtains, paper, or fabrics.
- Never leave burning incense unattended: Just like with candles, never leave a room with incense still burning. Stay vigilant and practice attentive usage to prevent fire hazards.
Health and Safety:
In addition to fire safety, it is crucial to consider the potential health risks associated with incense smoke, especially for babies and young children:
- Limit exposure: While incense can be enjoyed, it is essential to limit the exposure of babies and young children to incense smoke. Avoid burning incense continuously in their presence.
- Ensure good ventilation: When burning incense, maintain proper air ventilation by opening windows or using fans to direct smoke away from babies and young children.
- Be mindful of family medical history: If there is a history of asthma or respiratory issues in the family, be extremely cautious. Incense smoke can trigger asthma attacks and cause respiratory discomfort.
- Choose high-quality incense: Opt for high-quality, natural incense products. Some lower-quality incense may contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can be released into the air during the burning process.
- Be mindful of developmental impacts: Studies suggest a potential association between incense smoke exposure and delays in gross motor neurodevelopmental milestones in infants. Occasional and persistent incense burning have both been linked to higher risks.
In summary, incense can be enjoyed safely with proper precautions. Always follow fire safety guidelines and be mindful of the potential health risks, especially for babies and young children. Limit their exposure, ensure good ventilation, and opt for high-quality, natural incense products.
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Incense alternatives
Burning incense around babies is not recommended. A study by National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. The study found that babies who were continuously exposed to incense smoke had a 44% higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support, while those who were periodically exposed had a 26% higher risk.
If you are looking for alternatives to burning incense, there are several options to consider:
- Essential oil diffusers: Using a diffuser with essential oils is a healthy way to fill your space with fragrance without the smoke and toxins associated with incense. Sandalwood and frankincense are common ingredients in meditation incense and are available as essential oils.
- Oil burners: Oil burners are another alternative to incense burning. Place a small cup or saucer over a mild heat source, and add essential oils mixed with a little water.
- Homemade deodorizer: A simple, healthy alternative is to mix a few drops of essential oil with baking soda. After a while, the scent will be released into the air and can last for weeks.
- Aromatic sachets: Placing sachets filled with aromatics in drawers or cupboards can help to keep your space smelling fresh.
- Baking: Baking food in the oven, such as cinnamon apples, can fill your home with pleasant aromas.
- Non-toxic incense: If you prefer the experience of burning incense, there are non-toxic alternatives available that use natural ingredients and do not produce smoke or ash.
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Frequently asked questions
No, incense sticks are not safe to burn around babies. Burning incense produces fumes containing gases like carbon monoxide, dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Infants exposed to incense smoke are more likely to show signs of slower development.
Infants exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. They take on average one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support.
Burning incense around babies is not recommended. However, if it is essential, some precautions can be taken to minimise the risks, such as limiting exposure, ensuring good airflow, and using high-quality, natural incense in well-ventilated spaces. Additionally, using a proper burner and heat-resistant holders can prevent fire hazards. Some people also suggest using an air purifier or fan to reduce the impact of smoke.
