Katrina Rosales
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance, often used to freshen the scent of indoor areas for spiritual or hygienic purposes. However, recent research has revealed potential health drawbacks associated with the use of incense, including an increased risk of heart disease, asthma, and cancer. In the context of the popular mobile game, Pokémon GO, players have also reported issues with using incense while travelling on the interstate. While some players have found success in catching Pokémon using incense at lower speeds, others have noted that at higher speeds, the Pokémon tend to flee, potentially due to the frequent app refreshes at higher movement speeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense use while driving | Not recommended |
| Incense use while a passenger in a car | Possible, but with a higher spawn rate and lower catch rate |
| Incense use while on the highway | Not recommended due to high speeds |
| Incense use in cities | Likely fine due to lower speeds |
| Incense and health | Recent research suggests potential health risks, including cancer, asthma, and heart disease |
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What You'll Learn
Incense use while driving
Driving and playing Pokémon Go do not mix well. While it may be tempting to use incense while on a long drive to increase the spawn rate of Pokémon, this is not advisable.
The problem seems to be related to the app's refresh rate, which is determined by the user's movement speed. When travelling at high speeds, the game frequently refreshes itself to adjust the GPS location, which can cause the Pokémon to disappear. This issue is not limited to just the driver of the vehicle, as it has been reported by both drivers and passengers.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using incense while driving, especially on the highway or interstate, as it will likely result in a frustrating experience.
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Incense use while a passenger
Using incense while driving on the interstate is not recommended, as it can be dangerous and may result in losing control of the vehicle. However, if you are a passenger in a car and wish to use incense, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, the speed of the vehicle will affect your ability to catch Pokémon. At speeds of 30-40 mph, incense can be very effective, with a higher spawn rate and no issues catching the Pokémon. However, as the speed increases to 60+ mph, you may start to lose Pokémon, as they will instantly flee once you reach higher speeds. It is also important to note that even at lower speeds, some Pokémon may still flee, so it is essential to be quick with your catching.
Additionally, the refresh rate of the game will also impact your ability to catch Pokémon. As you travel faster, the game will refresh itself more frequently to adjust the GPS location, which can cause the Pokémon to disappear before you have a chance to catch them. This results in an average spawn rate of around 30 seconds per spawn, determined by the app's refresh rate.
In conclusion, while it is possible to use incense as a passenger in a car, it is essential to be aware of the speed and refresh rate of the game, as these factors will impact your ability to catch Pokémon. It is recommended to stick to lower speeds and be quick with your catching to maximize your chances of success.
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Health risks of incense
Incense is widely used for religious and cultural practices, including meditations, celebrations, deodorization, and spiritual and ancestral worship. However, burning incense can have adverse health effects, especially for those with allergies and asthma.
The combustion of incense produces smoke, which releases harmful constituents such as carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and other volatile compounds. These emissions can lead to indoor and outdoor air pollution, comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking. The particulate matter generated per gram burned from incense is significantly higher than that of cigarettes, at 45 mg and 10 mg, respectively.
The health risks associated with incense burning include respiratory problems, dermatological sensitivity, allergic reactions, and headaches. There is also growing evidence of a correlation between incense smoke exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In a cross-sectional study of adults from six large Chinese cities, incense burning was associated with weekly symptoms of eye, throat, and skin irritation. Furthermore, working in temples, where incense burning is common, was linked to a higher chance of acquiring throat and nose irritation compared to working in churches.
To mitigate the potential health risks of incense burning, individuals can consider using electric incense devices, aromatic vapors, simulated visuals, or improving ventilation and limiting burn time. While burning incense in normal amounts is generally considered safe, it is essential to be mindful of the potential health implications, especially for those with existing respiratory conditions or allergies.
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Incense and respiratory issues
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, with people using it for thousands of years and experiencing its many benefits. However, studies suggest that incense smoke contains various irritants and can cause respiratory issues.
Research associates incense burning with childhood asthma and, in general, the development of respiratory allergies. Incense smoke can also trigger chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation stems from the body processing particulate matter into metabolites, which also causes oxidative stress. A 2020 study found that burning incense may also cause issues with brain health in community older adults older than 65 years. Other issues include delays in cognitive performance and a decrease in brain connectivity.
Furthermore, incense smoke released during the burning process can be inhaled and is considered comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking. There is growing evidence indicating an association between exposure to incense smoke and an increased risk of respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Incense smoke contains considerable concentrations of multiple organic compounds that are present in the gaseous phase and can be absorbed into particulate matter particles. Among the compounds, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have aroused researchers' concerns due to their high levels and detrimental effects on humans.
To reduce the risks associated with incense burning, it is recommended to improve ventilation by opening windows during or after use. Exploring alternatives to incense is also an option for those concerned about the potential health risks.
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Incense and cancer
Incense has been used for thousands of years, and many people enjoy its benefits for wellbeing and space cleansing. However, studies have suggested that burning incense may have negative health effects and could be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
The burning of incense produces large amounts of particulate matter, which contains a multitude of well-characterised carcinogens, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene. The smoke also contains toxic and irritant compounds alongside its aromatic compounds. These include nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds.
Several studies have found a correlation between incense use and an increased risk of upper respiratory tract cancers, including cancers of the nasal/sinus, tongue, mouth, and larynx. One large prospective cohort study of 61,320 Singapore Chinese individuals, who were cancer-free and aged 45-74 at the beginning of the study, found a significantly increased risk of upper respiratory tract cancers (325 cases) associated with incense use. However, there was no overall effect on lung cancer incidence (821 cases). Another study found that long-term incense use was associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the respiratory tract.
Some studies have also suggested a link between incense smoke exposure and lung cancer, particularly among smokers. One study found a synergistic effect between cigarette smoking and high cumulative incense exposure, with a five-fold increase in the odds ratio for lung cancer among smokers with high incense exposure compared to non-smokers who never used incense. However, other studies have found no association between incense use and lung cancer.
It is important to note that the results of these studies may not be applicable to all types of incense, as different kinds of incense contain different ingredients. The health effects of incense smoke exposure may also depend on the duration and intensity of use, with long-term and high-intensity use potentially being more harmful.
While the correct use of incense to reduce risks has not yet been established, it is recommended that people reduce or limit their use and exposure to incense smoke to lower their potential health risks. Opening windows during or after use can help reduce exposure. People can also explore alternative methods if they are concerned about the potential health risks of incense.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance that can be used to freshen the scent of indoor areas for spiritual or hygienic purposes. However, it is not recommended to use incense while on the highway or driving on the interstate. While incense may work at lower speeds, such as 30 mph, it becomes less effective at higher speeds, with Pokemon fleeing at speeds of 60+ mph.
At higher speeds, the game refreshes itself more frequently to adjust the GPS location, which affects the spawn rate of Pokemon. Additionally, there is a threshold for speed, above which incensed Pokemon become uncatchable as they are left behind where they spawned.
Yes, recent research suggests that incense contains overlooked health dangers. Studies have found that incense smoke contains particulate matter, including carcinogens, which can cause chronic inflammation in the body and increase the risk of asthma, cancer, and heart disease.
If you are looking for alternatives to using incense for hygienic or spiritual purposes, you may consider using Himalayan salt lamps, which are claimed to release negative ions and clean the air. However, the effectiveness of these lamps has been debated.
While it is not recommended to use incense while on the interstate, some users have reported trying it as passengers. At lower speeds, incense may work, but at higher speeds, Pokemon will flee, and the incense may become ineffective.
