Anisha Riggs
Incense sticks, also known as joss sticks, are a potential source of indoor air pollution. While some studies have found that burning incense can increase the risk of certain cancers, including mouth, throat, and lung cancers, other studies have found no associations. The American Lung Association (ALA) has listed incense as a risk factor for respiratory disorders, but maintains that it is not as big a risk as smoking. The debate is further complicated by factors such as the type of incense, the amount burned, and the ventilation of the space.
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke contains carcinogens
The American Lung Association (ALA) has listed incense as a risk factor for all respiratory disorders. This is because incense smoke contains known carcinogens such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbonyls, and benzene, which have been shown to cause mutations to DNA in human cells. Levels of the PAH benzopyrene, thought to cause lung cancer in smokers, were found to be much higher in badly ventilated spaces where incense was burned compared to homes where residents smoked tobacco.
The potential health risks of incense use extend beyond Chinese populations, as incense is burned daily in temples and homes in many non-Chinese Asian communities, including those in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The importance of clarifying the role of incense smoke as a carcinogen is emphasised due to its high prevalence of use and the often involuntary nature of exposure.
While burning incense in normal amounts is generally considered safe, it is recommended to ensure proper ventilation when using incense to minimise the potential health risks associated with exposure to the smoke.
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Incense smoke may increase the risk of certain cancers
Incense smoke may increase the risk of developing certain cancers, according to some studies. However, other studies have found no link between incense and cancer. The American Lung Association (ALA) has listed incense as a risk factor for all respiratory disorders. Burning incense produces smoke, which can be a significant source of indoor air pollution. In addition to the smoke, incense combustion releases chemicals such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbonyls, and benzene, which are known carcinogens.
A 12-year study published in The Guardian in 2017 found a link between regularly burning joss sticks and an increased risk of specific mouth, throat, and lung cancers. The study supported previous research indicating that incense smoke contains cancer-causing compounds such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which can cause DNA mutations in human cells. Another study found that incense burning in Dutch churches produced airborne particulate levels 20 times higher than those recorded next to a busy road.
The potential health risks of incense burning are not limited to cancer. According to Sundeep Salvi, director of the Chest Research Foundation in Pune, incense smoke is harmful to the lungs and can cause respiratory difficulties. Dr. Salvi's research revealed that incense sticks emit toxic substances such as lead, iron, and manganese. Additionally, the frequency of incense use was found to be inversely related to the level of education in a study of Singapore Chinese individuals.
While the evidence suggests a potential link between incense and cancer, it is important to note that the studies have certain limitations. For example, a study on temples in Japan found high concentrations of potential carcinogens, but the number of incense sticks burned simultaneously (hundreds to thousands) may not be representative of typical home use. Furthermore, factors such as distance from incense, burning frequency, and specific ingredients used were not always disclosed or controlled for in these studies.
In conclusion, while some studies suggest that incense smoke may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly of the respiratory tract, more comprehensive and controlled research is needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, it is advisable to take precautions when using incense, such as ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding direct inhalation of the smoke.
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Burning incense is safe in normal amounts
There is a lot of misinformation online about the health effects of burning incense. While some studies have found that incense smoke can contain carcinogens, others have found no link between incense and cancer. It's important to note that the amount of incense burned and the level of exposure can play a significant role in its health effects.
In one study, burning incense in a poorly ventilated temple produced high concentrations of potentially harmful substances, but this may not be representative of typical home use. Another study found that burning incense was associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, but it is important to note that the risk was still lower than that of smoking.
It is generally accepted that burning incense in normal amounts is safe. However, it is always a good idea to ensure that the area is well-ventilated when burning incense to minimise any potential risks. Keeping windows open and avoiding direct inhalation of smoke can help reduce exposure to any harmful substances that may be present.
Additionally, the type of incense being burned can also make a difference. Some types of incense may contain natural ingredients that are less likely to be harmful, while others may have added chemicals or pesticides that could be potentially toxic. Checking the ingredients and choosing natural, high-quality incense can be a way to minimise potential risks.
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Long-term exposure to incense smoke and cancer risk
Burning incense is a common practice in many cultures, often associated with religious ceremonies, spiritual practices, or creating a pleasant aroma. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to incense smoke, particularly the risk of developing cancer.
The link between incense smoke and cancer has been the subject of several studies, with some producing conflicting results. While some studies have suggested that burning incense can increase the risk of certain cancers, others have found no significant association. For example, a 12-year study published in The Guardian backed up previous research showing that incense smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which cause mutations to DNA in human cells. This study found an increased risk of mouth, throat, and lung cancers among regular incense burners. Similarly, a study from Taiwan found that burning incense in a poorly ventilated temple produced high concentrations of potentially harmful pollutants, including benzopyrene, a known lung cancer-causing agent.
On the other hand, a study from Denmark found no increased risk of lung cancer associated with incense burning, although it did suggest an elevated risk of cancers of the upper respiratory tract, such as nasal/sinus cancers and malignancies of the tongue, mouth, and throat. It's important to note that the American Lung Association (ALA) has listed incense as a risk factor for all respiratory disorders due to the presence of known carcinogens in the smoke.
The discrepancy in study results may be due to various factors, including the type of incense used, the amount burned, the frequency of exposure, and the ventilation of the space where it is burned. For example, a study in Singapore found that the placement of the altar, where incense was burned, affected the level of exposure, with incense burned only at night or intermittently during the day considered low exposure, while burning during the day or at all times was considered high exposure.
In conclusion, while the evidence is not entirely conclusive, long-term exposure to incense smoke may pose a cancer risk, particularly for those regularly exposed to high levels of incense burning in poorly ventilated areas. Further research is needed to clarify the role of incense smoke as a carcinogen and to determine safe usage guidelines. In the meantime, it is advisable to exercise caution and ensure adequate ventilation when burning incense to minimize potential health risks.
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Inconsistent results from studies on incense and cancer
There is a lot of misinformation around incense and cancer online. While some studies have found a link between incense and cancer, others have found no association.
A 12-year study published in The Guardian found that burning joss sticks increases the risk of certain mouth, throat, and lung cancers. The study also showed that incense smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which cause mutations to DNA in human cells. Another study found that the levels of airborne particulates from candles and incense burning in two Dutch churches were 20 times higher than next to a busy road. Similarly, earlier research from Taiwan showed that burning incense in a badly ventilated temple produced PAH concentrations 19 times higher than outside and slightly higher than at a local traffic intersection.
However, a different study from Denmark found no increased risk of lung cancer associated with incense burning. While this study did not find a link to lung cancer, the American Lung Association (ALA) has listed incense as a risk factor for all respiratory disorders. A spokesperson for the ALA stated that burning incense is still hazardous to the lungs as incense smoke contains known carcinogens, but it is not as big a risk as smoking.
Furthermore, a prospective cohort study found no association between incense use and an increased risk of lung carcinoma compared to never users. However, the study did find an association with an increased risk of carcinoma of the upper respiratory tract, excluding the nasopharynx. The study also found that the frequency of incense use was similar in men and women, but more frequent among Hokkien than Cantonese subjects.
Given the inconsistent results from studies on incense and cancer, it is important to consider the potential risks and take precautions when using incense. It is recommended to ensure proper ventilation and avoid direct inhalation of smoke.
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Frequently asked questions
Some studies have shown that burning incense can increase the risk of certain mouth, throat, and lung cancers. However, other studies have found no link between incense and cancer. While the results are inconsistent, it is generally accepted that incense smoke contains carcinogens, and long-term exposure may be hazardous.
Studies have found a link between burning incense and an increased risk of cancers of the upper respiratory tract, including the throat and mouth. One study also found an association with nasal/sinus cancers and malignancies of the tongue.
Incense smoke contains known carcinogens such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbonyls, benzene, lead, iron, and manganese. These chemicals can cause mutations to DNA in human cells, leading to an increased risk of cancer.
Some people believe that burning incense has benefits for manifestation, cleansing spaces, and overall wellbeing. However, it is important to weigh these benefits against the potential health risks associated with incense smoke exposure.
If you choose to burn incense, it is recommended to ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and avoiding direct inhalation of the smoke. Burning natural incense may also be a safer option, as some studies have criticized the ingredients used in other types of incense.
