Seamus Hammond
Incense burning is a common practice in many countries, especially in places of worship and homes. However, it has been recognised as a potential source of indoor air pollution, with adverse health effects. This raises the question: do incense sticks give off carbon monoxide? Several studies have been conducted to investigate the emission of carbon monoxide from burning incense sticks, and the results indicate that incense smoke contains significant levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and other pollutants. These pollutants can have harmful effects on human health, similar to those caused by passive smoking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense smoke | Contains particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), formaldehyde (HCHO), and carbonyls |
| Incense burning | Releases pollutants and contributes to indoor air pollution |
| Incense composition | Herbal and wood powder, fragrance material, staining matter, adhesive powder, and bamboo stick |
| Incense combustion | Releases carbon monoxide (CO) through the incomplete combustion of organic compounds |
| Incense health effects | Exposure can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, lung tissue damage, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and potentially contribute to cancer and premature death |
| Incense emission factors | Determined through experiments using test chambers, pollutant sensors, and exhaust ducts to measure particulate matter and carbon monoxide concentrations |
| Incense pollution impact | Comparable to passive smoking, with potential adverse health effects depending on exposure duration and intensity |
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What You'll Learn
Incense sticks emit carbon monoxide
A study investigating carbon monoxide emissions from five different types of commonly available joss sticks found that all five brands emitted significant amounts of carbon monoxide. Each joss stick produced as much as 557mg of carbon monoxide, far exceeding the 60mg of carbon monoxide produced by a typical cigarette. Burning just two joss sticks in a well-sealed room would breach the World Health Organisation's one-hour guideline level for carbon monoxide within an hour.
The health risks associated with carbon monoxide exposure are well-known. Low doses of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, and nausea, while higher doses can be fatal. In addition to carbon monoxide, the particulate matter and volatile organic compounds released during incense burning can also have adverse effects on human health. Exposure to particulate matter can aggravate chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, alter host defences, damage lung tissue, and potentially contribute to cancer.
The indoor burning of incense sticks, a common practice in some countries and cultural settings, can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose health risks to those exposed. The potential health hazards of incense stick burning highlight the importance of proper ventilation and awareness of the risks associated with indoor incense use.
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Health risks of carbon monoxide exposure
Incense burning, particularly indoors, has been identified as a potential source of air pollution and a contributor to adverse health effects. A study investigating carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from five different types of commonly available incense sticks found that all brands emitted significant amounts of CO, with each stick producing up to 557mg of CO, far exceeding the amount produced by a typical cigarette.
The health risks associated with carbon monoxide exposure are serious and can be life-threatening. CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is released when certain fuels, such as wood, gasoline, coal, natural gas, or kerosene, are burned. When inhaled, CO fumes prevent the body from utilizing oxygen effectively, which can lead to harm in the brain, heart, and other organs. Prolonged exposure to high levels of CO can even result in death or brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
Individuals with existing health conditions, such as heart and lung disease, are at an increased risk of harm from CO exposure. Additionally, infants, children, pregnant individuals, and older adults are also more susceptible to the adverse effects of CO. The risk of CO poisoning is generally higher in the winter, as more people use heating sources that can emit CO, such as unvented space heaters.
To mitigate the risks associated with CO exposure, it is crucial to ensure proper ventilation when burning incense or using fuel-powered devices. Regular maintenance and inspections of heating systems and fireplaces are also recommended. In the event of suspected CO poisoning, immediate action should be taken to leave the affected area, seek fresh air, and turn off the source of CO if it can be done safely. Emergency medical services should be contacted promptly, and CPR may be necessary if someone has stopped breathing.
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Incense as indoor air pollution
Incense burning is a religious ritual practised in many cultures and is especially popular among older adults. However, incense smoke has been associated with indoor air pollution and adverse health effects.
A study funded by the Department of Health found that burning just two lemon grass-scented joss sticks in a well-sealed room would breach the World Health Organisation's (WHO) one-hour guideline levels for carbon monoxide (CO) concentration. All five brands of joss sticks tested emitted significant amounts of CO, with each stick producing as much as 557mg of CO, compared to 60mg CO from a typical cigarette.
In addition to CO, pollutants released from burning incense include particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), formaldehyde (HCHO), volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, styrene, naphthalene, furfural, and more. The amount of PM generated by incense can be up to 4.5 times that of cigarettes, and incense smoke has been associated with carcinogenicity, increased cardiovascular mortality, respiratory conditions, and dermatological problems.
Indoor incense burning has also been linked to functional changes in the brain that may reduce cognitive resilience and increase vulnerability to future cognitive decline. It is associated with poorer cognitive performance, decreased brain connectivity, and an increased risk for Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia.
To reduce the risk of exposure to indoor air pollution from incense, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows during and after burning incense.
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Incense and respiratory dysfunction
Incense smoke contains particulate matter of varying sizes, gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The particulate matter generated per gram of incense burned is 45 mg, which is significantly higher than the 10 mg generated by cigarettes.
The smoke released by incense has a pleasant smell, but it can also be easily inhaled and have negative health outcomes. Burning incense has been linked to respiratory issues, with a case study finding that daily incense burning contributed to shortness of breath and worsened respiratory dysfunction in a patient with asthma and COPD. In addition, incense smoke contains various irritants and carcinogens, which have been associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract carcinomas and lung carcinomas.
Recent clinical studies have suggested that the inhalation of incense smoke may result in impaired lung function and asthma. Exposure to incense smoke has been shown to increase airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammatory macrophage recruitment to BALF, as well as reduce the expression of multiple epithelial tight junction (TJ)- and adherens junction-associated mRNAs and proteins in the lungs. These changes can lead to a disruption of the epithelial barrier function in the lungs, causing damage and inducing airway hyperresponsiveness.
Health practitioners recommend alternatives to traditional incense burning, such as electric incense devices or improved ventilation, to reduce the health risks associated with incense smoke exposure.
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Incense and cancer risk
Incense smoke has been associated with an increased risk of specific types of cancer. A 2021 study confirmed that incense contains carcinogens, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Burning incense has also been linked to childhood asthma and the development of respiratory allergies.
The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which can cause upper respiratory tract carcinomas and lung carcinomas. Long-term incense users have been found to have a 1.8 times greater risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas in the entire respiratory tract. The Singapore Chinese Health Study (1993-2005) also found that daily users with more than 40 years of incense exposure had a 70% increase in the risk of non-NPC upper respiratory tract carcinoma.
However, it is important to note that the results from studies investigating the link between incense use and lung cancer have been inconsistent. Some studies have reported an increased risk of lung cancer associated with daily incense use, while others have found no associations.
The health risks associated with incense burning are dependent on exposure duration and intensity. To reduce potential health risks, it is recommended to limit incense use and exposure to its smoke. Opening windows during or after use can help reduce exposure.
While burning incense has been a common practice for thousands of years, with many reported benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential health dangers. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the associations between incense burning and health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, incense sticks do give off carbon monoxide (CO). They also release other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), formaldehyde (HCHO), and carbonyls.
A study found that all five brands of commonly available joss sticks emit significant amounts of CO, with each stick producing up to 557mg of CO. This is much higher than the 60mg of CO produced by a typical cigarette.
Burning incense sticks indoors contributes to air pollution and can be harmful to human health. Pollutants emitted from burning incense can affect the body in a similar way to passive smoking. Exposure to the pollutants released by burning incense can cause respiratory dysfunction and aggravate chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It can also alter host defenses, damage lung tissue, and potentially contribute to cancer.
To reduce potential health risks, it is recommended to burn incense sticks in well-ventilated areas and to limit exposure duration and intensity.
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