Katrina Rosales
Incense has been used for centuries to create a fragrant atmosphere for meditation, relaxation, and spiritual practices. While burning incense can be a soothing experience, there are times when you may want to stop an incense stick from burning before it is completely consumed. There are several methods to do this, including dipping the tip of the incense stick into a bowl of ash, using a small wire coil, or breaking off the burning end of the stick and extinguishing it in water. It is also important to note that incense sticks are highly flammable, so precautions must be taken to avoid potential hazards when burning them.
Characteristics of incense burning
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning time | 20-40 minutes |
| Burning surface | Heat-resistant surface |
| Burning precautions | Keep away from flammable objects |
| Extinguishing methods | Twisting motion, dipping in water, smothering, using airtight containers, etc. |
| Relighting | Possible with natural incense |
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What You'll Learn
Incense burning safety precautions
Incense burning poses a fire hazard and can also be a health risk. Here are some safety precautions to follow when burning incense:
Fire Hazards
- Always use a proper incense holder or burner to keep the incense steady and upright.
- Place the incense burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic dish or plate, to catch any falling ash.
- Keep the incense burner away from flammable objects, such as curtains, towels, or clothes, and out of the reach of children and pets.
- Never leave burning incense unattended.
Health Risks
- Burn incense in a well-ventilated area, keeping a window slightly open to ensure a source of fresh air.
- Do not intentionally breathe in the incense smoke, as it contains toxic and irritant compounds that can be harmful to your health.
- Avoid burning incense around individuals with underlying health conditions, especially respiratory issues or allergies, as the smoke can trigger asthma or allergic reactions.
- Consult a medical professional before using incense if you have any health concerns.
Extinguishing Incense
- To extinguish incense, gently blow out the flame after a few seconds and ensure that a small glowing ember remains.
- If you need to put out the incense before it is completely burned, avoid using water as it can affect the quality of the incense. Instead, try using a small wire coil or aluminium foil to lower the temperature and prevent further combustion.
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How to extinguish incense without ruining it
Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials and can easily start a fire if they are left burning unattended. Therefore, it is important to extinguish them properly. Here are some ways to extinguish incense without ruining it for future use:
Using a small wire coil or aluminium foil:
Wrap a small wire coil around the incense stick at the point where you want it to stop burning. This will dissipate the heat and lower the temperature, preventing further combustion. Alternatively, you can fold a piece of aluminium foil into a strip and bend it over the glowing tip of the incense stick. This will have a similar effect, causing the incense to extinguish itself.
Breaking or cutting the incense stick:
If you are using Japanese incense, such as Shoyeido or Baieido, you can snap the stick in half or break off a portion, as these types of incense do not have a core. This method may make it more difficult to hold or burn the incense afterward, so be sure to handle it carefully.
Using an airtight container:
Place the burning incense stick in an airtight container with very little space inside. The lack of oxygen will cause the incense to extinguish.
Using sand:
Place the lit incense stick in a ceramic pot filled with sand. The incense will be extinguished in a few seconds, and you can simply remove it and relight it when you are ready to use it again.
Blowing or fanning:
If you are lighting the incense stick manually, you can blow or fan out the flame after it has burned for a few seconds. Check the tip of the incense stick. If you see a small glowing ember and a small amount of smoke, the incense has been correctly lit.
Remember to always burn incense in a well-ventilated area to avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals and potential health risks.
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Incense holder safety
Incense holders or burners should be designed to safely hold burning incense. When using a simple holder, it is recommended to use a ceramic dish or plate under the holder to catch the ash produced. The holder should be placed on a stable and fireproof surface, away from flammable objects and out of the flow of traffic. Avoid placing the burner on a tablecloth or any other combustible material.
Mica plates, which are often used to hold burning charcoal cylinders, can get quite hot and cause burns if mishandled. Similarly, wooden holders can also be dangerous if they are not made from heat-resistant wood or treated properly to resist fire. When shopping for an incense holder, look for one made of heat-resistant materials. Holders made from crystal, metal, or ceramic usually don't get as hot and are safer to use.
It is important to always monitor burning incense and never leave it unattended. This is because incense is a fire hazard and can easily topple over and start a fire. It is recommended to keep incense away from children and pets.
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Reducing smoke and odour
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home, but it's important to use it safely. The smoke from burning incense contains hazardous chemicals, including benzene, toluene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, nausea, and even cancer. Here are some ways to reduce the smoke and odour when burning incense:
Use High-Quality Incense
Cheap incense is often made of lower-quality materials that can produce harmful smoke when burned. Look for incense made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and spices, which are less likely to produce harmful smoke. Some recommended brands include Mother's India, Shoyeido, Satya, Shunkohdo, and Fred Soll.
Improve Ventilation
Opening a window or turning on a fan can help disperse the smoke and reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals. Burning incense outdoors or next to an open window can also help diminish the smoke smell.
Use an Electric Burner
Consider using an electric burner instead of a traditional flame to heat your incense. This can help reduce the amount of smoke produced and allow you to enjoy the fragrance without the associated health risks.
Use an Oil Diffuser
If you enjoy the scent of incense but want to avoid the smoke altogether, try using an oil diffuser. This allows you to enjoy the fragrance without having to burn anything.
Use a Burner Case
If you're burning Indian-style incense, consider using a burner case with perforated holes. This can help block most of the smoke while still allowing the scent to spread.
Extinguish Properly
When you're finished burning incense, make sure to extinguish it properly to prevent embers from falling on flammable surfaces and starting a fire. Avoid blowing out incense like a candle, as this can disperse burning embers. Instead, snuff out the "cherry" at the end of the stick.
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Health risks and side effects
Burning incense is a popular practice across the world, with many cultures burning it for hygienic and spiritual purposes. However, recent research has revealed some health risks and side effects associated with the practice.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. The smoke released during the burning process contains toxic and irritant compounds alongside its aromatic compounds. These compounds include carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and other polycyclic aromatic volatile compounds (PAVCs) which are carcinogenic. Per gram burned, particulate matter generated from incense is 45 mg, which is significantly higher than the 10 mg generated from cigarettes.
The health risks and side effects associated with incense burning include respiratory problems, dermatological sensitivity, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Studies have also found a link between prenatal exposure to incense burning and early-onset hyperactive behaviors in preschoolers, as well as delayed gross motor milestone achievement in infants. In addition, a case-control study found a significant association between maternal exposure to incense during pregnancy and an increased risk of brain tumors in young patients.
Furthermore, incense burning may affect heart tissues, deposit harmful substances in the body, and contribute to overall inflammation. A 2020 study also found that burning incense may cause issues with brain health in adults over 65 years of age, including delays in cognitive performance and a decrease in brain connectivity. This could be due to the long-term air pollution caused by incense burning, resulting in smaller brain and prefrontal cortex volumes.
While the correct use of incense to reduce these risks has not yet been explored, it is important to be cautious and aware of the potential health dangers associated with burning incense.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to put out an incense stick. One way is to use the ash-dipping method, which involves inserting the burning tip of the incense stick into the incense ash and holding it there for 3-4 seconds until the ember is completely extinguished. Another way is to use your fingers to twist the tip of the burning incense stick until the flame is extinguished. You can also put out an incense stick by submerging it in water, but this will prevent it from burning properly the next time.
You can prevent an incense stick from burning completely by putting a small wire coil around the point at which you want it to stop burning. This will dissipate the heat and lower the coal temperature, preventing further combustion. You can also try folding a piece of aluminium foil a few times into a strip and then bending it over the glowing tip of the incense.
Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, so it is important to take precautions when burning them. Always burn incense on a heat-resistant surface and use an incense holder or stand to keep them upright. Never leave burning incense unattended and keep it away from flammable objects and substances such as alcohol, hairspray, and aerosols.
