Seamus Hammond
Incense is a product composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. It is burned to produce a fragrant and aromatic scent. While incense is known to have calming effects and is used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, it has also been linked to adverse health effects, especially in children. Studies have found a connection between incense burning and respiratory issues in children, including an increased risk of asthma and slower development. As a result, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with incense before allowing children to purchase and use it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can kids buy incense? | Yes, incense for kids is available on Etsy. |
| Is incense safe for kids? | No, incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, and can cause respiratory issues and asthma in children. |
| What are the alternatives? | Smoke-free incense is available, which is safe for kids and pets and better for the environment. |
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What You'll Learn
- Incense is available for kids to buy on Etsy
- Burning incense at home can negatively impact children's development
- Infants exposed to incense smoke are more likely to show signs of slower development
- Burning incense can cause respiratory diseases, including asthma, in children
- Inhaling incense smoke is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers than cigarette smoke
Incense is available for kids to buy on Etsy
The "IncenseGallery" shop on Etsy, for example, offers traditional Korean incense in packs of 100, with 4 and 5-star reviews from customers who praise the product for its calming scent and slow burn. Another Etsy shop, "ShopAfroCosmetics", also offers incense for kids, with a range of 40 single handmade incense sticks in various colours and scents.
In addition to these, Etsy's "World Incense Store", run by a family of three, offers a wide range of incense products, including sage and smudging kits, alongside other metaphysical items such as crystals, gemstones, and minerals. The store promises quick order fulfilment, free shipping, and easy returns, with a customer-centric business philosophy.
Etsy's marketplace provides a platform for small businesses and connects buyers with unique, personalised goods from sellers around the world. With a range of incense options specifically for kids, Etsy offers a convenient way to purchase these products while supporting independent sellers.
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Burning incense at home can negatively impact children's development
Burning incense is a common practice in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East. While it is often used for religious or aromatic purposes, there are concerns about its impact on children's health and development.
Several studies have found a link between burning incense at home and negative effects on children's respiratory health. Research conducted in Hong Kong found an association between incense burning and reduced lung function in children, as well as an increased prevalence of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and wheezing. These findings suggest that incense smoke may contribute to indoor air pollution and have detrimental effects on children's respiratory systems.
In addition to respiratory health concerns, burning incense at home has also been linked to slower gross motor development in infants. A study from Taiwan found that infants exposed to incense smoke at home took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills, such as walking with support. The study also reported a higher risk of developmental delays in infants with periodic or continuous exposure to incense smoke.
The adverse effects of incense smoke on children's development may be attributed to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals released during the burning process. These toxic chemicals can have detrimental effects on cognitive functions, brain development, and overall health.
While burning incense may be a significant part of cultural or religious traditions, it is essential to be mindful of the potential risks associated with continuous exposure to incense smoke, especially for children. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to limit the burning of incense to short periods during special occasions and ensure proper ventilation to minimize the negative impact on children's development and overall well-being.
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Infants exposed to incense smoke are more likely to show signs of slower development
Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. It can be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning". The former requires a separate heat source, while the latter is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases fragrance.
While incense has been a common household ritual practice in some parts of the world, particularly in religious contexts, studies have emerged suggesting that infants exposed to incense smoke are more likely to show signs of slower development.
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 took, on average, one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills compared to other children. The study, which analysed data on 15,310 children, showed that babies who were continuously exposed to incense smoke had a 44% higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support, while those who were periodically exposed had a 26% higher risk.
The effects on children's development are attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals found in incense. Chen Pau-chung, the director of NTU's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, recommended burning incense only for short periods during holidays and festivals and maintaining good air ventilation.
Other studies, such as the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), have also found associations between prenatal exposure to incense burning and delayed gross motor development at 18 months, as well as possible links to ADHD or ADHD-like behaviours. The TBCS study involved 24,200 mother-infant pairs and assessed children's development through home interviews and structured questionnaires at six and eighteen months old.
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Burning incense can cause respiratory diseases, including asthma, in children
Burning incense has been a common practice in many cultures and religions for millennia. However, recent research has revealed potential health drawbacks, particularly concerning respiratory health.
Incense smoke contains various toxic and irritant compounds, including carcinogens, benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and lead. These substances can be easily inhaled, leading to possible negative health outcomes. While the effects of incense smoke on health are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke, it is still a risk factor for respiratory issues.
Several studies have found a link between incense burning and an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma. A Taiwanese study of middle-school children revealed that those regularly exposed to incense burning at home had a 36% higher risk of current asthma and a 64% higher risk of wheezing during exercise. Additionally, infants exposed to incense smoke at home showed signs of slower development, taking one to two months longer to develop gross motor skills.
The combination of genetic susceptibility and exposure to incense combustion byproducts may be a key factor in the development of asthma in children. The presence of irritants and allergens in incense smoke can trigger asthma symptoms and contribute to respiratory allergies.
It is important to note that the effects of incense burning may vary depending on the type of incense and the pattern of use. To mitigate potential health risks, experts recommend limiting burn time, improving ventilation, and considering alternatives such as electric or aromatic vapors.
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Inhaling incense smoke is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers than cigarette smoke
Incense is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. It can be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning". Direct-burning incense, which is either formed around a bamboo stick or moulded into a stick or cone shape, is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out.
Burning incense has been a common practice for thousands of years, with many cultures burning it for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. However, recent research has revealed that there could be some health drawbacks to its use.
A 2021 study confirmed that incense contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter, some of which is carcinogenic. This means that burning incense indoors increases the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer. Other studies have found that incense smoke contains lead and other heavy metals, and that burning per gram of incense leads to twice the emission rate of particulate matter compared to cigarettes.
While the largest study on the topic, which tracked the health of 61,000 people in Singapore, showed that incense use is safe in normal amounts and the risk of cancer is very small, if at all, other studies have found a positive association between incense use and lung cancer. For example, a hospital-based case-control study in Hong Kong found that exposure to incense burning during festivals was associated with a significantly higher risk of lung cancer among women, with an adjusted odd ratio of 2.95. Another case-control study among Hong Kong Chinese women observed an increased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) among those who burned incense daily at home, with an adjusted odd ratio of 2.49.
In conclusion, while the effects of incense smoke on health are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke, and incense is not officially deemed a major public health risk, its use may still be linked to a higher risk of certain cancers than cigarette smoke.
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Frequently asked questions
The age restriction for buying incense varies by country and region. In some places, children under the age of 18 may be allowed to purchase incense, while in others, the minimum age may be 21. It is important to check the local laws and regulations regarding the sale of incense to minors.
Yes, there are potential health risks associated with children using incense. Some studies have suggested a link between incense smoke exposure and an increased risk of respiratory problems, including asthma, in children. Additionally, incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants that can cause respiratory irritation and potentially lead to respiratory cancers. It is recommended to use incense in well-ventilated areas and to keep it out of the reach of children to minimize potential health risks.
There are smoke-free and natural alternatives to traditional incense that may be safer for children. For example, Arabic incense burned on a Dukhni signature burner is smoke-free, non-toxic, and safe for kids and pets. Handmade incense sticks made with natural ingredients are also available and can be purchased on sites like Etsy.
Yes, kids can make their own incense with adult supervision and guidance. Incense-making can be a fun and educational activity, allowing kids to explore different scents and learn about the cultural significance of incense. However, it is important to ensure that any materials used are non-toxic and safe for children to handle.
