Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used for thousands of years for relaxation, meditation, and religious purposes. However, burning incense releases various pollutants and particulate matter that can be harmful to health. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen oxide. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, irritation, and inflammation. Burning incense may also trigger asthma and has been associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory allergies, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. While incense is not officially deemed a major public health risk, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and take precautions when using it. Some people may also be allergic to certain types of incense, with symptoms such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, and watery eyes.
Can incense give you a sore throat?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sore throat | Burning incense can cause throat irritation, dryness, and congestion. |
| Allergies | Some people are allergic to certain types of incense, such as sage. |
| Air pollutants | Incense releases various air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen oxide, which can cause respiratory issues. |
| Respiratory issues | Burning incense may trigger asthma and other respiratory allergies due to the presence of irritants in the smoke. |
| Cancer | Recent studies suggest that incense smoke contains carcinogens, which could increase the risk of cancer. |
| Heart disease | There is a potential link between incense use and an increased risk of heart disease. |
| Brain health | Burning incense has been associated with issues in brain health in older adults. |
| Liquid incense | Liquid incense can be poisonous if ingested or inhaled and should be avoided. |
| Regulation | It is recommended to limit incense use, burn it outdoors, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce exposure to harmful particles. |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions to incense
Burning incense can trigger allergic reactions in some people. While incense has been used for thousands of years for hygienic, spiritual, and cultural purposes, recent research reveals potential health drawbacks. Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including volatile organic compounds, that can be toxic to the lungs and allergenic to the skin and eyes.
The particulate matter in incense smoke can contain carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. A 2021 study confirmed that some of these particulates are carcinogenic and associated with a higher risk of cancer, particularly upper respiratory tract carcinomas and lung carcinomas. Incense smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and may affect brain health in older adults.
In addition to the health risks posed by the particulate matter, the fragrance materials and herbal and wood powders in incense can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Allergic reactions to incense can manifest as a sore throat, a stuffy nose, watery eyes, or other symptoms. For example, one person reported that burning sage-scented incense caused a sore throat and a stuffy nose, while another person experienced eye irritation from the smoke of incense containing cloves.
The health risks associated with burning incense are significant for adults and children with allergies and asthma. In some cases, switching from traditional incense to electric incense devices or aromatic vapors can help alleviate symptoms for those who wish to continue the cultural practice of incense burning.
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Incense smoke and respiratory issues
Incense smoke contains a number of irritants, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen oxide, which can result in several irritative responses, including allergic reactions, in many parts of the body, such as the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
A series of clinical case reports have indicated that incense smoke can cause allergic contact dermatitis in various parts of the body. In one case, a 63-year-old man who had burned incense for about 15 years developed itchy depigmented macules on his left dorsum manus, left shoulder, and abdomen, and the perfume in the incense was identified as the culprit. In another case, a woman who had burned incense every day for approximately 5 years developed airborne pigmented contact dermatitis due to musk ambrette in the incense.
Several studies have also found a link between incense burning and respiratory issues. A cross-sectional population-based study of 36,541 adults from six big cities across China found that around 15.1% of the homes had burned incense, and incense burning was associated with weekly symptoms of throat (hoarse or dry throat), eyes (itching, burning, or irritation of the eyes), and skin (dry or flushed facial skin, scaling/itching skin in the scalp or ears, dermal symptoms in hands such as dry, itching, or red skin). Similarly, a study comparing temple workers to church workers found that temple workers, who are more likely to be exposed to incense burning, had a higher prevalence of acute adverse symptoms, including irritation of the eyes, nasal secretions, dryness or congestion, irritation or dryness of the throat, and nausea.
While the research is still ongoing, the existing evidence suggests that burning incense, especially in enclosed spaces, can release various pollutants and irritants that can have negative effects on respiratory health, especially for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, allergies, or lung issues.
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Incense and cancer risk
Burning incense is a practice with deep roots in many cultures and is used for various purposes, from hygiene to spirituality. However, recent studies have suggested that incense smoke may pose certain health risks.
Incense smoke contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small inhalable particulate matter. This particulate matter contains toxic and irritant compounds alongside its aromatic compounds. A study in 2021 confirmed that some of these particulates are carcinogens, meaning they could lead to the development of cancer.
Several studies have found a correlation between incense use and an increased risk of upper respiratory tract carcinomas. A prospective cohort study observed 325 upper respiratory tract carcinomas and 821 lung carcinomas during follow-up. The study found that incense use was associated with a significantly higher risk of upper respiratory tract carcinomas, excluding nasopharyngeal carcinomas. The risk increased with longer-term and more frequent use, with daily users for over 40 years experiencing a 70% increase in risk. Another study found that long-term incense users had a relative risk of 1.8 for squamous cell carcinomas in the entire respiratory tract.
However, it is important to note that the studies on this topic have produced inconsistent results. Some studies have reported no association between incense use and lung cancer, while others have found an increased risk. Furthermore, these studies only show a correlation, not causation. While the particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens, it is not officially deemed a major public health risk comparable to smoking tobacco.
To reduce potential health risks, it is recommended to limit incense use and exposure to the smoke. Opening windows during or after use can help reduce exposure. Exploring alternative methods to freshen indoor spaces may also be considered if one is concerned about the potential risks associated with incense burning.
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Incense as a cause of indoor air pollution
Burning incense is considered a major source of indoor air pollution. The amount of particulate matter (PM) generated by incense can be up to 4.5 times that of cigarettes. Incense smoke contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. A study in 2021 confirmed that some of these particulates are carcinogenic, meaning they could cause cancer.
The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Burning incense may trigger asthma and is associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory allergies. Studies have also shown that incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation stems from the body processing particulate matter into metabolites, which also causes oxidative stress.
Indoor PM2.5 levels are strongly influenced by incense burning and often exceed standards. In a study of 32 homes in Hanoi, Vietnam, the daily average indoor PM2.5 concentration was 52.1 ± 33.9 μg/m3, while the corresponding outdoor concentration was 54.4 ± 37.6 μg/m3. In homes that burned incense, the mean concentration in a room during an incense-burning event was 201.3 ± 132.2 μg/m3, with a 1-minute peak of 825.5 μg/m3. This is significantly higher than the recommended guideline in Vietnam of 50 μg/m3.
In addition to the health risks associated with incense smoke, there are also potential dangers from the high levels of formaldehyde and acrolein detected in indoor environments where incense is burned. These levels have been found to exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline of 100 μg/m3 for formaldehyde. Other aldehydes such as acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, furfural, glyoxal, and methylglyoxal have also been identified in indoor environments with burning incense.
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Incense poisoning
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance that is burned to release an aromatic fragrance. It is used for hygienic, spiritual, and aromatherapy purposes. However, recent studies have revealed potential health drawbacks associated with incense burning.
The symptoms of incense poisoning may include:
- Burning and associated pain in the mouth and throat, which may affect the nose, ears, and eyes.
- Respiratory difficulties, especially if a substantial amount of incense fumes is inhaled in a poorly ventilated space.
- Bluish discolouration of the skin beneath the fingernails and on the lips.
- Other potential symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, severe anemia, edema of the lower legs, sore limbs, abdominal pain, and exertional dyspnea.
First Aid and Treatment
If incense poisoning is suspected, call the local emergency number (such as 911 in the United States) or the local poison control centre. The poison control centre can be reached by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222 in the United States). Provide them with information such as the compound taken, the quantity and time of ingestion, age, weight, and general health status of the affected individual. Do not make the person throw up unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional. If liquid incense comes into contact with the skin or eyes, flush the affected area with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If a person has swallowed liquid incense, give them water or milk right away, unless advised not to by a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, incense smoke can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, irritation, and inflammation, which can lead to a sore throat.
Burning incense releases carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen oxide, which can cause adverse health effects with prolonged or repeated exposure. Incense smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of asthma, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Incense contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. Some of these particles are carcinogenic and can lead to respiratory diseases. Liquid incense, in particular, can contain harmful ingredients such as nitrates, which are sometimes sold as cleaning products or air fresheners.
To reduce exposure to harmful gases and particles, it is recommended to limit the use of incense, choose safer alternatives, and burn incense outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Using an electric burner instead of charcoal can also help as charcoal releases carbon monoxide.
While burning incense could be harmful to anyone, people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues are particularly susceptible to the potential negative side effects. It is also recommended to keep incense away from babies, children, and pets as it could impact their growth and development.
