Katrina Rosales
Burning incense is a common household ritual, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, the European Union, and the United States. However, it is unclear whether it is safe to burn incense around newborns and infants. Some people believe that it is harmless, while others argue that it can cause respiratory issues and other health problems in babies due to the fumes and gases released during combustion. Studies have found associations between household incense burning and adverse effects on children's neurodevelopment and gross motor development, with continuous exposure to incense smoke increasing the risk of delays in milestones like walking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense burning fumes | Contain gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds |
| Incense burning effects | Respiratory tract issues, dermatitis, allergies, asthma, cardiovascular mortality, cancer |
| Incense burning in Taiwan | Common household ritual practice |
| Incense burning and infant development | Prenatal exposure to incense burning may increase the risk of hyperactive behaviors in children |
| Incense burning and infant motor development | Exposure to incense smoke may cause delays in motor development, especially in preterm infants |
| Incense burning and indoor air quality | Incense burning produces particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and other toxic chemical compounds |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke is bad for respiratory health
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, with a variety of uses, from spiritual to hygienic. However, the smoke released from burning incense contains harmful compounds that can negatively impact respiratory health.
Firstly, incense smoke contains particulate matter, which consists of small particles that can be easily inhaled. These particles can be carcinogenic, leading to an increased risk of respiratory tract and lung carcinomas. The smallest of these particles are called ultrafine particles, which have been linked to increased hospital admissions, morbidity, and mortality due to respiratory issues. The particulate matter can also trigger asthma and cause chronic inflammation in the body.
Secondly, incense smoke contains toxic and irritant compounds, including volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These compounds can have detrimental effects on human health. For instance, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a respiratory irritant and bronchial constrictor, which can lead to increased admissions, morbidity, and mortality regarding cardiopulmonary issues.
Furthermore, burning incense increases the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indoors, which have been linked to cancer. While the mere presence of PAHs does not indicate a risk, higher levels of exposure increase the risk of cancer.
In summary, incense smoke contains a variety of harmful compounds that can negatively impact respiratory health. These compounds can cause respiratory issues, trigger asthma, lead to chronic inflammation, and increase the risk of respiratory cancers. Therefore, it is advisable to limit exposure to incense smoke, especially for infants and newborns, to prevent potential health problems.
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Incense smoke may cause neurodevelopmental deceleration
Incense burning is a common household practice in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East. However, the smoke produced by burning incense contains various harmful substances, and there is evidence to suggest that it can have adverse effects on human health, particularly for infants and newborns.
Several studies have found a link between incense burning and neurodevelopmental delays in children. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), a large-scale investigation, discovered that exposure to burning incense during pregnancy was associated with delayed gross motor development at 18 months. This finding was supported by the MOCEH study, which reported that prenatal exposure to air pollution, including incense burning, resulted in delayed neurodevelopment at 24 months. These results indicate that incense smoke may contribute to neurodevelopmental deceleration in infants, with potential long-term consequences.
The specific mechanisms behind the association between incense smoke and neurodevelopmental issues are not yet fully understood. However, incense smoke contains numerous toxic chemicals, including particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances can have detrimental effects on the respiratory system, causing irritation and allergic reactions. Furthermore, incense smoke has been linked to increased oxidative stress and potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, which may contribute to the observed neurodevelopmental delays.
The potential dangers of incense smoke exposure are particularly concerning for newborns and infants, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. While further research is needed to fully understand the extent and mechanisms of incense smoke's impact on neurodevelopment, it is advisable to limit newborns' exposure to incense smoke as a precautionary measure. Creating well-ventilated spaces and using air purifiers can help mitigate the potential risks associated with incense burning.
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Incense smoke may cause delayed motor development
Burning incense releases fumes containing gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. A 2020 study also found that incense smoke can facilitate the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The bottom line is that smoke is not good for your lungs, especially a newborn baby's.
The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS) examined the associations between household incense burning exposure and infant neurodevelopmental milestone achievement. The study found that household incense burning exposure was associated with delayed gross motor milestone achievement among all preterm infants. The associations for delayed development were found in gross motor domain milestones among late preterm infants, while fine motor domain delay was found among other preterm infants.
The TBCS pilot study (n = 533) reported that air pollution was associated with neurodevelopment at 18 months. The TBCS (n = 15,310) reported that maternal exposure to burning incense during pregnancy was associated with delayed gross motor development at 18 months.
In conclusion, incense smoke may cause delayed motor development in newborns. It is advisable to limit exposure to incense smoke, especially for infants, as it can cause harmful health effects.
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Incense smoke contains dangerous substances
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, with a long history of use in various cultures and religions. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with incense smoke, which contains several dangerous substances.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds. The particulate matter in incense smoke is small and inhalable, which can have negative health outcomes. A 2021 study found that some of these particles were carcinogenic, suggesting a link between incense use and an increased risk of cancer. While incense is not deemed a major public health risk like tobacco smoking, it can still contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health dangers, especially with prolonged exposure.
The gas products released from burning incense include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These gases can affect the respiratory tract and cause respiratory system dysfunction. In addition, incense smoke contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are of particular concern as they have been detected in significant amounts in the indoor air of homes where incense is burned, and they can have harmful effects on health.
Furthermore, incense smoke has been associated with adverse health effects beyond respiratory issues. It has been linked to allergic reactions, allergic contact dermatitis, and increased risk of asthma. There is also emerging evidence suggesting potential effects on brain health, with one study indicating possible delays in cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity in older adults exposed to incense smoke over the long term.
While the precise mechanisms of these health effects are still being studied, the current body of evidence highlights the importance of limiting exposure to incense smoke, especially for vulnerable individuals such as newborns and infants. Keeping rooms well-ventilated and exploring alternative options can help reduce potential health risks associated with incense burning.
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Incense smoke is a risk factor for children's health
Burning incense produces fumes containing gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. The effects of incense smoke on health are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke, but it can still cause respiratory discomfort and even more severe respiratory tract symptoms in adults.
In addition, a study from Taiwan found that incense smoke is a risk factor for children's health. The study analyzed the development of children exposed to incense smoke at six and eighteen months old and found that babies who were continuously 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 effect on children's development is due to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals found in incense.
Furthermore, incense burning has been associated with neurodevelopmental deceleration and delayed motor development in infants. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study also found a significant joint effect between burning mosquito coils and incense during gestation for child hyperactive behaviors.
To prevent potential health problems, it is advisable to limit exposure to incense smoke, especially for children. Burning incense only for short periods, improving air ventilation, and using a dehumidifier to control indoor humidity can help mitigate the risks associated with incense burning.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to burn incense around newborns. Burning incense produces fumes containing gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. These fumes can cause respiratory issues and other conditions like dermatitis. Studies have also shown that incense smoke is a risk factor for developmental delays in infants.
If you want to burn incense, it is recommended to do so in a well-ventilated area or only for short periods during holidays and festivals. You can also try using an air purifier with a filter designed for smoke particulate to reduce the potential harm to newborns.
The potential risks of burning incense around newborns include respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma reactions. In addition, exposure to incense smoke has been linked to developmental delays, with a higher risk of infants being slow to learn to walk.
