Heidi Norton
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, with many cultures burning incense for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. However, recent studies have found that burning incense can be harmful to children. Infants exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development, and incense smoke has also been linked to asthma and asthma-like symptoms in children. Burning incense releases particulate matter that is easily inhaled and can have negative health outcomes, especially for those with respiratory illnesses. This smoke contains toxic chemicals and increased levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are associated with a host of health problems, including respiratory diseases and even cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Risks | Burning incense is linked to poor air quality and increased levels of toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are associated with a host of health problems. |
| Cancer | Burning incense has been linked to cancer, with a 2021 study confirming the presence of carcinogens in the smoke. However, another study of 61,000 people in Singapore found that incense use is safe in normal amounts and the risk of cancer is very small, if at all. |
| Respiratory Issues | Incense smoke contains particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Studies have shown an association between incense burning and asthma or asthma-like symptoms in children. |
| Brain Health | Recent research has linked indoor incense burning to worse cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity, with exposure to toxic chemicals in incense smoke potentially leading to intellectual decline, accelerated cognitive aging, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia. |
| Virus Transmission | A 2020 study found that burning incense indoors can facilitate the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by releasing coarse and fine particles into the air. |
| Development | A study by National Taiwan University found that infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development, with a higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and asthma
Burning incense produces smoke that contains particulate matter, including volatile organic compounds, benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. While incense smoke has not been proven to cause asthma, it has been associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory allergies and triggering asthma attacks.
Particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Burning incense may trigger asthma symptoms, and research has associated it with childhood asthma and the development of respiratory allergies. The smoke contains various irritants, and studies suggest it can also trigger chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation is caused by the body's processing of particulate matter into metabolites, which also leads to oxidative stress.
A study evaluating children showed an association between incense burning and asthma or asthma-like symptoms. Infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development, according to a study by National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene. The infants took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as learning to walk with support, compared to children who were not exposed to smoke.
To reduce potential health risks, it is recommended that people limit their exposure to incense smoke, especially children and anyone with respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Some ways to reduce exposure include burning incense for shorter periods, choosing natural plant-based incense, improving indoor ventilation, or burning incense outdoors.
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Infants' development and incense
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, with many cultures burning incense for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. However, recent studies have suggested that burning incense can have adverse health effects, especially for infants and children.
A study by National Taiwan University's (NTU) Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. The study, which analysed the development of 15,310 children, found that 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 other children. The risk of developmental delays was higher for infants who were continuously exposed to incense smoke, with a 44% higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support, while infants who were only periodically exposed to incense smoke had a 26% higher risk.
The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), a nationwide representative birth cohort study, also found associations between household incense burning and delays in gross motor development milestones in children. The study assessed 15,310 children at six and eighteen months old and found that exposure to incense burning was associated with delays in achieving developmental milestones, particularly in gross motor developmental domains. The associations were more pronounced in persistent exposure groups, indicating a possible dose-response effect.
The effects of incense smoke on children's development are attributed to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals found in incense. Incense smoke is linked to poor air quality and increased levels of toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are associated with various health problems. These compounds include benzene, formaldehyde, and other VOCs that can be released into the air at levels higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Given the potential health risks, it is recommended that children and anyone with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or COPD, avoid places where incense is burned indoors. For those who wish to continue burning incense, it is advised to reduce exposure by limiting burning time, choosing natural plant-based incense, ensuring adequate ventilation, or burning incense outdoors.
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Incense and cancer
Burning incense is a common practice in many cultures and religions. However, recent studies have suggested that it may have negative health effects, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
A 2021 study confirmed the presence of carcinogens in incense smoke, which are known to increase the risk of cancer. These carcinogens include polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbonyls, and benzene. The same study also found that incense smoke contains particulate matter that can be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues and an increased risk of respiratory tract cancers.
Several studies have specifically examined the association between incense use and respiratory tract carcinomas. One such study, involving 61,320 cancer-free Singapore Chinese individuals aged 45-74, found a significant association between incense use and an increased risk of upper respiratory tract cancers, excluding nasopharyngeal carcinomas. During the follow-up period, 325 upper respiratory tract cancers and 821 lung cancers were documented. The study also noted that the duration and intensity of incense use were correlated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas in the entire respiratory tract.
Another study by National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home showed signs of slower development. The infants took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support.
While these studies indicate a correlation between incense burning and adverse health effects, it is important to note that the specific mechanisms and causative relationships require further investigation. The health risks associated with incense burning are related to the overall amount of exposure, and the type of incense used.
To reduce potential health risks, it is recommended to limit the duration of incense burning, choose natural plant-based incense, ensure adequate ventilation, or opt for healthier alternatives like essential oils.
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Incense and brain health
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, used for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. However, recent studies have suggested that it may have adverse effects on brain health.
A study published in the *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health* found that burning incense results in the release of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, into the air. These compounds are associated with a host of health problems. While the study did not directly link incense burning to cognitive and brain health issues, it did find that the levels of these pollutants exceeded the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Another study of 515 older adults found that those exposed to indoor incense burning on a weekly basis experienced worse cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity after three years. The study suggested that the toxic chemicals in incense smoke may be associated with intellectual decline, accelerated cognitive aging, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia. However, it is important to note that the study only showed a correlation between incense burning and brain health issues, and further research is needed to establish a direct causal relationship.
Additionally, a study by National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. These infants 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 incense smoke.
While the precise mechanisms underlying the relationship between incense burning and brain changes are not yet fully understood, it is recommended that those with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or COPD, and children avoid places where incense is burned indoors. If you choose to burn incense, it is advised to reduce your exposure by limiting the burning time, choosing natural plant-based incense, ensuring adequate ventilation, or burning incense outdoors.
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Incense and air quality
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, used for hygienic, spiritual, and aesthetic purposes. However, recent studies have suggested that burning incense may negatively impact air quality and subsequently, human health.
The smoke released from burning incense contains particulate matter, which can be easily inhaled and may lead to adverse health outcomes. This includes toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and formaldehyde, which have been associated with a range of health issues. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that burning incense produced levels of these chemicals that exceeded the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, mosquito repellent incense has been found to release formaldehyde, with 10-20% of its air pollutants composed of this substance. Incense cones have also been found to be more polluting than incense sticks.
The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which have been linked to respiratory diseases, particularly in children. A study evaluating children's health showed an association between incense burning and asthma or asthma-like symptoms. Infants exposed to incense smoke at home are also more likely to show signs of slower development, according to a study by National Taiwan University. The study found that infants took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, and had a higher risk of being slow to learn to walk.
Furthermore, incense smoke has been associated with worse cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity, particularly in older adults. Some of the toxic chemicals in incense smoke have been linked to intellectual decline, accelerated cognitive aging, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia. Burning incense indoors has also been found to facilitate the transmission of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, by releasing coarse and fine particles into the air.
While the precise mechanisms behind these health effects are still being investigated, the current research suggests that burning incense may negatively impact air quality and human health, especially in children and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to limit exposure by reducing the amount of time incense is burned, choosing natural plant-based incense, ensuring adequate ventilation, or burning incense outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, incense smoke is bad for children. Infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. A study by National Taiwan University found that infants exposed to incense smoke took one to two months longer, on average, to develop gross motor skills.
The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals in incense smoke can cause slower development in children.
Burning incense releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, which are associated with a host of health problems. Burning incense has also been linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases like asthma, and in some cases, cancer.
People who wish to enjoy the calming effects of burning incense can reduce their exposure by limiting the amount of time they burn incense, choosing natural plant-based incense, using adequate indoor air ventilation or an air purifier, or burning incense outdoors. A healthier alternative to incense is essential oils.
The effects of incense smoke on health are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke.
