Anisha Riggs
Burning incense is a common household practice, especially for religious or cultural reasons. However, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with incense smoke inhalation, especially for vulnerable individuals such as babies. While incense burning may offer calming scents and a peaceful ambiance, it also releases fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can have negative impacts on respiratory health. Studies have found associations between incense exposure and delayed motor development in infants, as well as potential links to poorer birth outcomes such as lower birth weight and head circumference. To minimize risks, it is recommended to limit exposure, ensure good airflow, and choose high-quality, natural incense.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense burning and birth weight | A study found that incense burning during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight and head circumference. |
| Incense burning and infant development | The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study found that infants exposed to incense smoke took longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support. |
| Incense and indoor air quality | Incense burning releases fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can affect indoor air quality and respiratory health, especially for those with asthma or allergies. |
| Health risks | Burning incense produces fumes containing gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, etc., which can potentially impact respiratory health. |
| Safe practices | Using high-quality, natural incense in well-ventilated spaces and limiting exposure can help minimize potential health risks. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and delayed motor development
Burning incense is a common household ritual, especially in the Asia-Pacific region and Taiwan. While it may make your home smell like a calming spa, it is not necessarily a good idea due to the associated health risks.
A 2009 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic and found a link between incense use and a higher cancer risk, especially for lung and upper respiratory cancers. Another study found that pregnant women exposed to incense smoke during pregnancy had a higher risk of hypertensive disorders and higher blood pressure levels.
Several studies, including the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), have found a link between incense burning and delayed gross motor development in infants. The TBCS reported that maternal exposure to burning incense during pregnancy was associated with delayed gross motor development at 18 months. The effects were more pronounced in persistent mother-infant pairs, indicating a possible dose-response effect. The TBCS also found that infants who were continuously exposed to incense smoke had a 44% higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support, compared to infants who were not exposed.
The MOCEH study found that prenatal exposure to air pollution, including incense smoke, resulted in delayed neurodevelopment at 24 months. The effects of incense smoke on health are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke, but it is still a risk factor for children's health.
Given the health risks of indoor incense burning, children and anyone with respiratory illnesses should avoid places where incense is burned indoors. If you wish to burn incense, it is recommended to reduce your exposure by limiting the burning time, choosing natural plant-based incense, using adequate ventilation or an air purifier, or burning incense outdoors.
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Incense and allergies
Incense burning is a common practice in many cultures and religions. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with it, especially for infants and young children.
Firstly, incense smoke contains harmful substances such as carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and other volatile compounds, which can have negative effects on respiratory health. In particular, infants who are exposed to incense smoke continuously have a 44% higher risk of a delay in developing gross motor skills, such as walking, compared to infants who are not exposed. Periodic exposure during special occasions can also increase this risk by 26%.
Additionally, the smoke from incense can cause respiratory issues, dermatological sensitivity, and allergic reactions in people of all ages, especially those with pre-existing allergies or asthma. The particulate matter generated per gram of incense burned is 4.5 times higher than that of cigarettes, and the smoke can linger in the environment for months, posing similar risks to secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke.
Moreover, incense burning during pregnancy has been linked to negative birth outcomes, including lower birth weight and smaller head circumference. These poor infant health indicators at birth have been associated with long-term adverse effects, such as latent health issues, lower educational attainment, and unfavourable labour market outcomes.
To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to avoid burning incense around infants and young children. If incense burning is a significant cultural or religious practice that cannot be avoided, it should be limited to short periods during special occasions, with improved ventilation by keeping windows open. Electric or aromatic vapours and simulated visuals can also be recommended as alternatives to traditional incense burning.
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Incense and dermatitis
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These fumes are released when incense is burned and can be easily inhaled, potentially causing negative health outcomes.
One of the main health concerns associated with incense burning is respiratory issues, including airway disease and asthma. The particulate matter in incense smoke can cause respiratory system dysfunction and has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory allergies and chronic inflammation in the body.
In addition to respiratory problems, incense burning has also been associated with dermatological issues, specifically allergic contact dermatitis. This condition is characterised by itchy, depigmented macules on the skin. A 48-hour closed-patch test revealed that the perfume and airborne particles from burning incense can cause this type of dermatitis, accompanied by depigmentation.
The effects of incense smoke exposure on infants have been studied, with findings suggesting that continuous exposure to incense smoke may negatively impact their development. Infants exposed to incense smoke took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support, compared to infants who were not exposed.
While the health risks associated with incense burning are concerning, it is important to note that the impact may vary depending on the type of incense and the duration and frequency of exposure. Additionally, maintaining good ventilation during and after burning incense can help reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants and, consequently, the potential health risks.
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Incense and SIDS
Incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. Studies have also found links to an increased risk of heart disease and cognitive issues. The particulate matter in incense smoke can be easily inhaled and can have negative health outcomes.
Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of incense smoke due to their developing lungs and immune systems. A 2020 study found that babies exposed to incense smoke took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support, than those who were not exposed. The study, which analysed data on 15,310 children, also found that continuous exposure to incense smoke increased the risk of developmental delays by 44%, while periodic exposure during holidays and festivals increased the risk by 26%.
In addition, there is a potential link between incense smoke exposure and an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Smoke of any kind is not good for infants' lungs and can increase the risk of SIDS. As such, it is generally recommended to avoid burning incense or other scented products near babies and to maintain good ventilation if incense is burned in the home.
While some people may argue that incense smoke is not harmful to babies, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to infant health. Setting boundaries with family members or caregivers who wish to burn incense around your baby is important, and alternative methods of scenting or cleansing the air, such as using a humidifier, can be suggested.
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Incense and asthma
Incense burning is a common practice in many households, often for religious worship, odour-masking, or pleasure. However, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with incense smoke exposure, especially for infants and children.
Several studies have investigated the impact of incense burning on infant health and development. One study from Taiwan found that babies continuously exposed to incense smoke had a 44% higher risk of experiencing delays in developing gross motor skills, such as walking with support, compared to unexposed infants. Even periodic exposure to incense smoke during holidays and festivals was associated with a 26% higher risk of developmental delays. These findings highlight the potential negative consequences of incense smoke exposure on infants' motor skill development.
In terms of respiratory health, incense burning has been identified as a significant source of indoor air pollution. The smoke from incense contains fine and ultrafine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, other gaseous compounds, and heavy metals. Exposure to incense smoke has been linked to increased respiratory symptoms in children, particularly those with a family history of asthma or allergies. A study from Oman found that Arabian incense worsened wheezing in 38% of asthmatic individuals, indicating that incense smoke can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.
Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact of incense smoke on lung function. A study from Taiwan evaluated the lung functions of adolescents aged 14-16 years who participated in an asthma-screening program. The findings suggested that daily exposure to incense smoke at home is a risk factor associated with a decline in lung function. Adolescents exposed to incense smoke on a frequent basis may need to reduce their exposure to mitigate potential respiratory health risks.
While the effects of incense smoke on health are generally considered smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke, it is still important to exercise caution. To minimize the potential risks associated with incense burning, it is recommended to burn incense only for short periods, ensure good air ventilation by opening windows, and maintain a healthy indoor humidity level.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense releases smoke, fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Prolonged exposure to these particles, especially in enclosed spaces, may lead to respiratory irritation. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the exposure of babies to incense smoke.
A 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, compared to babies who were not exposed to smoke. The study also found that babies who were periodically exposed to incense smoke during holidays and festivals had a 26% higher risk of being slow to learn to walk.
Yes, there are a few alternatives to burning incense around a baby. One option is to choose high-quality, natural incense and use it in well-ventilated spaces to limit exposure. Another option is to use incense burners that are designed to safely contain burning incense, such as sticks, cones, or coils. Additionally, maintaining good air ventilation and burning incense only for short periods can help reduce the potential health risks associated with incense smoke.
