Katrina Rosales
Incense burning is a common practice in many cultures and religions, but recent studies have raised concerns about its potential health risks. While the largest study on the topic found that incense use is safe in normal amounts, there is growing evidence that it may aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. This is due to the particulate matter, gases, and volatile organic compounds present in incense smoke, which can cause indoor air pollution and lead to respiratory symptoms and lung-cell inflammation. With specific reference to COPD, several studies have highlighted the potential contribution of incense burning to the development of this disease, particularly in non-smokers.
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants
Incense smoke contains a multitude of harmful constituents, including carcinogens and irritants. A 2021 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic, meaning it could cause cancer. Burning incense has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies, as well as heart disease.
The smoke released from burning incense contains small, inhalable particulate matter, which can have negative health outcomes. These particles can be easily inhaled and can lead to respiratory problems, especially for those with existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The particulate matter in incense smoke can also contain irritants, which can trigger asthma attacks and cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation.
Incense smoke has been found to contain various possible carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbonyls, and benzene. These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of respiratory tract cancers, although the evidence is not conclusive. Some studies have shown a correlation between incense use and cancer, but causation has not been established.
The smoke released from burning incense can also contribute to indoor air pollution, which is a significant health concern, especially in areas where incense burning is a common cultural practice, such as in the UAE and South-East Asia. Charcoal briquettes, often used to ignite and burn incense, can add significantly to harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
Overall, while the potential health risks of incense burning are still being studied, the evidence suggests that incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants that can have negative effects on respiratory health and potentially increase the risk of certain diseases.
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Incense smoke and COPD risk factors
Incense burning is a common cultural and religious practice in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries, as well as in 94% of households in the UAE. However, recent studies have suggested that incense smoke may be linked to several health risks, including COPD.
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a respiratory condition that affects the lungs and is often caused by smoking. While smoking is one of the most well-studied risk factors for COPD, non-smokers can also develop the illness due to exposure to environmental smoke.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gases, and volatile organic compounds that can be harmful when inhaled. These include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants can cause lung-cell inflammation and morphological changes in alveolar pneumocytes, leading to respiratory symptoms such as asthma and impaired lung function.
The potential health risks of incense burning are particularly concerning in areas where people spend a significant amount of time indoors, such as in the UAE. Charcoal briquettes, often used to ignite and burn incense, can also contribute to harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants. To reduce these risks, it is recommended to improve ventilation when burning incense and consider using alternatives to charcoal.
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Incense smoke and respiratory symptoms
Incense smoke contains particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. The smoke released contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. A 2021 study confirmed that some of this particulate matter is carcinogenic, meaning it could lead to cancer.
Several studies have associated incense smoke with a number of health problems, including respiratory symptoms such as asthma, cough, and wheezing. A cross-sectional health survey among temple workers in Taiwan showed that chronic respiratory symptoms, including cough, phlegm, and dyspnea, were more common among temple workers than church workers. Similarly, in a cross-sectional population-based study of 36,541 adults from six big cities in China, incense burning was associated with weekly symptoms of eye, throat, and skin irritation.
In addition to respiratory symptoms, incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and potential issues with brain health in older adults. A 2020 study found that burning incense may negatively impact brain health in adults over 65 years old. Furthermore, incense smoke can cause human lung-cell inflammation and changes in lung-cell structure.
While the use of incense has been associated with various respiratory symptoms and other health issues, it is important to note that the impact may depend on the type of incense burned, the amount, as well as the ventilation in the space. Further research is needed to fully understand the health risks associated with incense smoke exposure.
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Incense smoke and indoor air pollution
Incense burning is considered a major source of indoor air pollution. The amount of particulate matter (PM) generated by incense can be up to 4.5 times that of cigarettes. Incense smoke is associated with carcinogenicity, increased cardiovascular mortality, and respiratory conditions. It contains various irritants and has been linked to an increased risk of developing respiratory allergies and asthma.
A 2021 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic, meaning it could cause cancer. There is also an association between higher cancer risk and incense use. Incense smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and temples in Taiwan that burn incense are heavily polluted by incense smoke, with PAH concentrations inside the temples up to 27 times higher than outdoor levels.
Indoor incense burning has also been linked to adverse cognitive and brain health, with potential far-reaching public health implications for cultures that use incense in worshipping rituals. Incense smoke has been associated with accelerated cognitive aging, intellectual decline, 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. Charcoal briquettes, which are commonly used to ignite and burn incense, add significantly to the harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Therefore, it is suggested to use alternatives to charcoal, such as electric combustion devices.
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Incense smoke and cardiovascular disease
Incense smoke has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. A 2014 study of over 63,000 Singaporean Chinese adults found a link between chronic exposure to incense and a higher mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease. The study also found that current incense users may have a 12% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, including a 10% and 19% increased risk for coronary heart diseases and stroke, respectively, compared to former and never users.
The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory diseases and trigger asthma. The smoke released during the burning process can be inhaled and is considered comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking. Incense smoke has also been associated with an increased risk of cancer. A 2021 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke was carcinogenic.
The indoor burning of incense is a significant source of indoor air pollution, which is an international health concern. Charcoal is often used to ignite and burn incense, adding to harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants. Researchers have found that incense emits particles, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and oxides of nitrogen, resulting in a cellular inflammatory response.
To reduce exposure to incense smoke, it is recommended to improve ventilation by opening doors or windows during or after use. Electric combustion devices can also be used as an alternative to charcoal.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense releases pollutants, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and oxides of nitrogen, resulting in cellular inflammatory responses. These pollutants can cause human lung-cell inflammation and exacerbate cardiovascular disease. While there is no definitive evidence that incense aggravates COPD, it is classified as an environmental smoke exposure that may contribute to the development of COPD.
Burning incense has been associated with several health risks, including eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, respiratory symptoms, headaches, and changes in lung-cell structure. Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and increased risk of heart disease.
To reduce the potential health risks associated with burning incense, it is recommended to improve ventilation by opening doors or windows to increase airflow. Alternatively, electric combustion devices can be used instead of charcoal to ignite and burn incense.
