Katrina Rosales
Burning incense is a common household practice, especially in Taiwan and India, and often has cultural and religious significance. However, it is important to consider the potential health risks of incense smoke, especially when there are infants present. While some people argue that the effects of incense smoke are minimal compared to second-hand and third-hand smoke, others maintain that any smoke inhalation is harmful to babies and can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Studies have also suggested a link between incense exposure and delayed gross motor neurodevelopment in infants, with babies exposed to incense smoke showing a higher risk of being slow to learn to walk. Therefore, it is advisable to limit infants' exposure to incense smoke, especially given the potential presence of volatile organic compounds and gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Burning incense around babies is not considered safe, as it can cause smoke inhalation, allergies, and asthma reactions. |
| Health Risks | Incense smoke contains dangerous substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals. It can also increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). |
| Neurodevelopmental Impact | Studies suggest that exposure to incense smoke is associated with delays in gross motor neurodevelopmental milestones in infants. |
| Cultural Considerations | Incense burning is a common household practice in some cultures, especially during religious ceremonies or special occasions. |
| Alternatives | Instead of burning incense, consider using a humidifier or air purifier to improve air quality and fragrance in the home. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and infant neurodevelopment
The consensus is that incense smoke is not good for babies and infants. While some parents and grandparents may argue that burning incense "does nothing to a baby", the scientific evidence suggests otherwise.
Burning incense produces fumes containing gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The inhalation of smoke, regardless of its source, can be harmful to a baby's health. Smoke from incense has been linked to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Several studies, including the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), have examined the association between household incense burning and infant neurodevelopment. The TBCS assessed children at six and eighteen months old through home interviews and structured questionnaires. The results suggested a correlation between incense burning exposure and delays in gross motor neurodevelopmental milestones.
The TBCS also found that maternal exposure to burning incense during pregnancy was associated with delayed gross motor development at 18 months. Similarly, the MOCEH study reported that prenatal exposure to air pollution, including incense smoke, resulted in delayed neurodevelopment at 24 months. These findings highlight the potential risks of incense smoke on infant neurodevelopment, even when the exposure occurs in utero.
Furthermore, a study focusing on Chinese children found that household incense burning was associated with poorer executive function, especially in children with smoking parents and those from low-income households. This suggests that the effects of incense smoke on neurodevelopment may be more pronounced when combined with other factors, such as parental smoking.
In conclusion, the available evidence indicates that incense smoke can have negative impacts on infant neurodevelopment. To ensure the health and well-being of babies and infants, it is advisable to limit their exposure to incense smoke and other sources of indoor air pollution.
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Incense smoke and SIDS
Burning incense around a baby is not advisable, as the smoke can be harmful to their health.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter (PM), gas products, and many organic compounds. The gas products from burning incense include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These fumes can cause respiratory system dysfunction and allergic contact dermatitis in both children and adults.
In addition, a study in Taiwan found an association between household incense burning and delayed gross motor neurodevelopment in infants. While more research is needed to establish a causal relationship, the potential risk to the baby's health is evident.
Furthermore, incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of elevated cord blood IgE levels, which may indicate an allergic response. It has also been associated with neoplasm, or abnormal tissue growth, and the extracts of particulate matter from incense smoke have been found to be mutagenic.
The potential health risks of incense smoke are not limited to respiratory issues. A study examining the chemical composition of incense smoke found neurotoxins like aluminum, lead, and mercury, which can cause potential risks such as oxidative stress and systemic toxicity.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid burning incense around babies and infants to minimize their exposure to these harmful substances and potential health risks.
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Incense ingredients and allergies
Burning incense around babies is not advisable, as it can cause allergies and asthma reactions. The ingredients in incense vary, but they typically include natural materials such as sage, resins, oils, and wood, as well as added fragrances, adhesives, and bamboo sticks. These ingredients release particulate matter, gases, and volatile organic compounds when burned, which can be harmful to human health.
A typical composition of stick incense consists of 21% herbal and wood powder, 35% fragrance material, 11% adhesive powder, and 33% bamboo stick. The particulate matter in incense smoke has been found to contain carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory diseases and allergies. Studies have also linked incense use to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly upper respiratory tract and lung carcinomas.
In addition to the potential health risks, burning incense around babies can also cause delayed gross motor neurodevelopment. A study in Taiwan found an association between household incense burning and delays in children's neurodevelopmental milestones.
While incense burning is a cultural practice in many parts of the world, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks, especially when infants are present. To reduce these risks, it is advisable to limit exposure to incense smoke, ensure proper ventilation, and explore alternative methods of scenting indoor spaces.
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Incense smoke and indoor air pollution
Burning incense around a baby is not advisable. While some people argue that it is a cultural practice and that the smoke inhalation from incense is minimal, it is still smoke that can be harmful to a baby's lungs.
Incense smoke has been identified as a major source of indoor air pollution, and the amount of particulate matter (PM) generated by incense can be up to 4.5 times that of cigarettes. The smoke is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, respiratory conditions, and even cancer.
A 2021 study found that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic. This means it could cause cancer. There is also an established association between higher cancer risk and incense use. Additionally, incense smoke has been linked to adverse cognitive and brain health effects, such as delays in cognitive performance and a decrease in brain connectivity.
Indoor air pollution from incense burning can also have severe chronic health effects. A study of twelve incense products used indoors identified several gaseous emissions known or suspected to cause chronic health issues. Some of the compounds found in these emissions include benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, furan, and styrene. These compounds were found to be above the guideline values established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
To reduce exposure to indoor air pollution from incense, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows during and after burning. This will help dilute the concentration of contaminants in the area. However, it is important to note that simply increasing ventilation may not be sufficient to eliminate all risks associated with incense smoke, especially in extreme conditions such as high temperatures, high ozone levels, and high levels of particulate matter.
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Incense burning as a cultural practice
Burning incense around a baby is generally not recommended due to potential health risks. While some people argue that the practice is safe and a part of their cultural traditions, others express concerns about the potential impact on the baby's respiratory health and neurodevelopment.
Incense burning has been a cultural and religious practice in various parts of the world for centuries. It is widely used in meditations, celebrations, and spiritual or ancestral worship. The forms and types of incense vary across different cultures and traditions. For example, in Japan, incense appreciation includes art, culture, history, and ceremonies, such as the tea ceremony and kōdō, the art of incense appreciation. In China, incense is burned during festivals and processions to honour ancestors and household gods, while in India, it is common for Indians to light incense daily in their homes as a cultural practice.
The materials used for incense also differ based on cultural and traditional practices. Incense can be made from aromatic plant materials, resins, aromatic wood and bark, seeds, roots, flowers, or a combination of these ingredients. For instance, Japanese incense typically uses agarwood and sandalwood, while the traditional incense of Nepal, Tibet, and other East Asian countries is made from bark-based powders.
The practice of burning incense holds significant cultural and religious value in many societies. In ancient Egypt, incense was prominent in religious rituals, mortuary rites, and as an offering to the gods. Similarly, Hindus and Buddhists use incense for rituals and offerings, while Christians incorporate it into eucharistic ceremonies.
While incense burning has deep cultural roots, it is important to consider the potential health implications, especially when infants are involved. Studies have suggested a link between household incense burning and delayed gross motor neurodevelopment in infants. Additionally, the fumes produced by burning incense contain various gases and compounds, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can lead to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to light incense around a baby. Burning incense produces fumes containing gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Smoke from incense can increase the baby’s chances of SIDS and can also cause allergies and asthma reactions.
A study from Taiwan found that babies 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 the smoke can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals.
Yes, instead of lighting incense, you can use an air purifier or a humidifier to get rid of any unpleasant smells.
