Lance Carson
Burning incense is a common household ritual in many cultures, but it is also a source of indoor air pollution. While some people believe that burning incense is safe for babies, others disagree. Some studies have found that incense smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals that can negatively impact a baby's health and development. For instance, a study of 15,310 children in Taiwan found that babies exposed to incense smoke had a higher risk of delays in achieving gross motor neurodevelopment milestones, such as walking with support. However, conflicting views and personal experiences suggest that occasional incense burning is probably fine, but continuous burning could be harmful, especially for infants with asthma or other respiratory issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense smoke and babies | A study found that babies exposed to incense smoke had a higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support. |
| Burning incense has been associated with a delay in gross motor neurodevelopment milestones. | |
| Incense smoke is an underestimated source of indoor air pollution. | |
| Burning incense may be better than chemical air fresheners. | |
| Essential oils and fresh flowers are suggested alternatives to incense burning. | |
| Incense burning is a common household ritual practice in Taiwan. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and babies' lung development
Incense burning is a common household practice, especially in Taiwan, and is often done for religious or spiritual purposes. However, recent studies have shown that it may have negative health effects, especially on infants and young children.
A study by National Taiwan University's Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene found that infants continuously exposed to incense smoke at home are more likely to show signs of slower development. The study, which analysed data from 15,310 children, found that babies exposed to incense smoke had a 44% higher risk of being slow to learn to walk with support, while those 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 smoke. These pollutants can cause neurodevelopmental delays, with infants taking one to two months longer, on average, to develop gross motor skills.
In addition to developmental delays, incense smoke has been linked to respiratory health issues. Studies in mice have shown that incense smoke can induce oxidative stress, disrupt tight junctions and bronchial epithelial barrier integrity, and increase airway hyperresponsiveness. These changes can lead to impaired lung function and asthma, with research associating incense smoke exposure with childhood asthma and respiratory allergies.
While the effects of incense smoke are smaller than those of second-hand and third-hand smoke, continuous exposure, especially to cheap incense, could be harmful to babies' lung development. To minimise the risks, it is recommended to limit burning incense to short periods during special occasions, ensure proper ventilation, and consider using alternatives like essential oils or a diffuser.
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Incense as an indoor air pollutant
Burning incense is a common household ritual, especially in Taiwan, and is often used for yoga, meditation, and spiritual purposes. While incense is believed to have benefits for mental health and air quality, it is also a significant source of indoor air pollution.
Incense smoke releases particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The amount of PM generated by burning incense can be up to 4.5 times that of cigarette smoke.
Several studies have found that incense smoke contains dangerous compounds, including benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, and furan, which are known or suspected to cause severe chronic health effects, including carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic effects. These compounds can be up to 10 times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, leading to an increased risk of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular mortality, and accelerated cognitive aging.
In addition, a study in Taiwan found that continuous exposure to incense smoke was associated with a 44% higher risk of delayed gross motor neurodevelopment in infants, such as walking with support. Occasional exposure to incense smoke during festivals and holidays also showed a 26% higher risk.
To reduce the risk of indoor air pollution from incense, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows during and after burning incense. Using high-quality, non-toxic, natural, and plant-based incense can also help mitigate the potential dangers of indoor incense burning.
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Incense burning during pregnancy
Incense burning is a popular practice in many Asian and Arabic countries. However, it is also a source of indoor air pollution, with incense smoke containing harmful components similar to those in cigarette smoke.
Burning incense during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of hypertensive disorders and higher blood pressure levels in the mother. One study found that pregnant women who frequently smelled incense burning in late pregnancy had a higher risk of hypertensive disorders and a 1.6mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure compared to those who did not burn incense.
Additionally, exposure to incense smoke during pregnancy may be linked to lower birth weight and smaller head circumference in babies, particularly in boys. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study found that boys exposed to incense in utero had an average of 18 grams lower birth weight and 0.95mm smaller head circumference, while girls had an average of 0.71mm smaller head circumference.
Some studies have also suggested a potential association between incense burning during pregnancy and delays in gross motor neurodevelopment in infants. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study found that babies exposed to incense smoke had a higher risk of delays in milestones such as walking with support and walking steadily.
It is important to note that the effects of incense burning may vary depending on cultural practices and the specific components of the incense used.
While the occasional use of incense may not cause significant harm, continuous exposure during pregnancy could potentially impact the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid burning incense frequently and to consult their healthcare providers for guidance on safe alternatives to create a relaxing environment.
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Asthma and incense smoke
Incense burning is a common household practice in many parts of the world, especially in Asian countries where Buddhism and Taoism are widely practised. However, the smoke produced by burning incense contains particulate matter, gases, and organic compounds that can have harmful effects on human health, especially for those with asthma.
Particulate matter, or PM, in incense smoke includes particles greater than 45 mg/g burned, which is a higher amount than that generated by cigarette smoke. These particles can remain in the air for hours and, when inhaled, can cause respiratory system dysfunction. The smaller the particulate matter, the greater the risk, as these particles can be inhaled more easily and travel deeper into the respiratory tract.
The gas products released by burning incense include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These gases can cause oxidative stress, which leads to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Incense smoke also contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Several studies have found a link between incense smoke exposure and adverse respiratory effects, including an increased risk of wheezing and asthma, impaired lung function, and elevated cord blood IgE levels, which are associated with allergic respiratory disease. In one study, exposure to incense smoke during pregnancy was linked to higher IgE levels in umbilical cord blood, which may impact the development of asthma in children.
While the impact of incense smoke on asthma has been observed, the underlying mechanisms are still being explored. It is suggested that the activation of inflammatory cells and the release of specific cytokines may play a crucial role in asthma pathogenesis.
Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions to reduce their exposure to incense smoke and to ventilate their homes if incense is burned indoors.
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Essential oils as an alternative to incense
Incense burning is a common household practice in some cultures and religions. However, studies have shown that household incense burning is associated with a delay in gross motor neurodevelopment milestones in infants. The effect on children's development is due to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and other heavy metals found in incense.
If you're looking for an alternative to burning incense, essential oils offer a safer option. Essential oils are naturally extracted plant aromas used medicinally to promote physical and emotional well-being. When used correctly, essential oils are generally safe for infants and babies. However, it is important to understand proper dilution ratios and application methods, as essential oils are highly potent and must be diluted with a carrier oil or cream when used on the skin.
- Dilution: For babies older than 3 months, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends a safe dilution ratio of 0.5 to 1 percent. Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil or cream, and never apply them directly to the skin.
- Application methods: Essential oils can be spritzed around a baby's room to create a calming scent before naps or bedtime. Avoid spritzing pillows or any surface that the baby might ingest from. Water-based vaporizers are also a safer, flame-free way to spread the scent throughout the room.
- Oil selection: Some essential oils known to be safe for babies include mandarin, chamomile, and tea tree oil. Mandarin has calming effects and is a great alternative for babies who are irritated by lavender. Chamomile has natural soothing effects and can help treat insomnia in babies and adults. Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and disinfectant. It can be added to an unscented oil to help with diaper rash and fungal infections, but it should be avoided on babies younger than 6 months old.
- Precautions: Before using essential oils, check the product labels to ensure you are using pure, authentic, and unadulterated essential oils. Avoid synthetic fragrances and essential oils premixed with alcohol, as these can be irritating to the skin. When trying a new essential oil, test a small amount for an hour to ensure no irritation occurs. Consult your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant or if your baby is taking any medications or has any medical conditions.
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the benefits of essential oils as an alternative to burning incense, creating a calming and healthy environment for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense around babies is not recommended. Studies have shown that incense smoke is an underestimated source of indoor air pollution and can be harmful to a baby's health and development.
Burning incense releases smoke and chemicals into the air, which can be harmful to a baby's developing lungs and cause issues such as asthma. In addition, studies have found that babies exposed to incense smoke had a higher risk of delays in gross motor neurodevelopment milestones, such as walking with support.
Yes, there are several alternatives to burning incense. Some people suggest using essential oils, fresh flowers, plants, or baking to add a pleasant scent to the air. Others recommend using an air purifier to get rid of unpleasant smells.
