Seamus Hammond
Burning incense has been a traditional practice in many cultures and religions for centuries, with a recent resurgence in popularity, especially among young people. While incense is often marketed as being good for your health, with benefits such as relaxation and mood enhancement, there is growing evidence that it may have negative effects on human health. The smoke from burning incense has been linked to poor air quality and increased levels of toxic chemicals, which can have various adverse effects on the body. As such, it is important for users to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions when burning incense, such as ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding close or prolonged exposure to the smoke.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health benefits | Relaxation, mood improvement, anxiety and stress alleviation, repelling insects, pleasant aroma |
| Health risks | Exposure to toxic chemicals, indoor air pollution, worsening brain health, intellectual decline, accelerated cognitive aging, increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia, increased transmission of viruses, asthma, cancer, hypertension, developmental delays, inflammation, eye irritation |
| Safety precautions | Regularly ventilating the area, not sitting too close to the smoke, not inhaling the smoke directly, keeping out of reach of children and pets |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and indoor air pollution
Burning incense is a popular practice across the world, with a long history in Eastern regions and religions, particularly in East Asia. Incense is burned for various reasons, including spiritual, hygienic, and aesthetic purposes. However, recent studies have highlighted the potential health risks associated with indoor incense burning, making it a significant contributor to indoor air pollution.
Incense smoke contains toxic chemicals and particulate matter that can be harmful to human health. Some of the toxic chemicals found in incense smoke include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and furan, which have been linked to adverse health effects. These compounds can be released into the air during the burning of incense, leading to poor indoor air quality and an increased risk of respiratory issues and other health problems.
One study in Vietnam found that indoor PM2.5 levels were significantly influenced by incense burning and exceeded recommended standards. The geometric mean of indoor PM2.5 concentration increased by up to 120% in homes that burned incense regularly. Another study evaluated the gaseous emissions of twelve incense products used indoors and identified several specific VOCs known or suspected to cause severe chronic health effects, including carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic compounds.
The adverse health effects associated with incense burning include respiratory problems such as asthma and increased risk of respiratory cancers. Additionally, incense smoke has been linked to developmental delays in infants, cognitive decline, and increased risk of heart disease. A 2020 study also found that burning incense indoors may facilitate the transmission of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, by releasing coarse and fine particles into the air.
While burning incense may have aesthetic and cultural appeal, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with indoor incense burning. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening windows during and after burning incense to reduce the concentration of contaminants in the air. Exploring alternative methods to improve indoor scents, such as essential oils, is also advisable.
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Incense and cognitive decline
Burning incense is a practice with deep cultural and spiritual roots. However, recent studies have indicated that the particulate matter released during incense burning may have negative health outcomes.
When incense is burnt, it releases pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These pollutants are associated with carcinogenicity, increased cardiovascular mortality, and respiratory conditions.
Several studies have investigated the impact of indoor incense burning on cognitive functions and brain health in older adults. While there is no published data showing a direct link between incense burning and cognitive decline, the studies suggest that incense burning is associated with poorer performance across multiple cognitive domains over a three-year period. The impact of incense burning on cognitive functions was not measured to be more rapid than other factors, and no significant structural brain changes were observed in participants who practised incense burning. However, a subtle impact on the brain was observed in functional connectivity, which is associated with various cognitive processes and neurological conditions.
In contrast, some studies have suggested that the aromatic compounds released by incense may have potential neuroprotective effects. These compounds are believed to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help mitigate cognitive decline associated with aging. The enhanced neuronal activity in these regions may facilitate memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Additionally, the practice of burning incense, when combined with other relaxation techniques, is thought to ease the mind and body, potentially leading to heightened cognitive function.
While the impact of incense burning on cognitive decline cannot be conclusively determined, it is essential to note that indoor incense burning should be practised with caution, especially among older adults with a high prevalence of vascular burden. Further longitudinal studies are required to establish the precise mechanisms underlying the relationship between incense burning and cognitive functions.
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Incense and asthma
Burning incense has been a traditional practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. While it is known for its aromatic fragrance, incense smoke contains harmful constituents and has the potential to cause adverse health effects.
Several studies have found a link between incense burning and respiratory issues, particularly in children and adolescents. Exposure to incense smoke has been associated with increased respiratory symptoms, including cough, phlegm, and asthma or asthma-like symptoms. One study reported that the frequent burning of Chinese incense is associated with asthma in adolescents, and another study found that children exposed to incense burning, especially in damp houses, are at a higher risk of developing asthma or allergies.
The smoke released from burning incense contains fine and ultrafine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), other gaseous compounds, and heavy metals. These compounds can lead to poor air quality and increased levels of toxic chemicals, which can have detrimental effects on respiratory health. The indoor burning of incense has also been linked to higher concentrations of NO2, a gaseous air pollutant, which can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.
The potential health risks associated with incense burning are important to consider, especially for individuals with asthma. While the fragrance of incense can be enjoyable, it is recommended to avoid direct inhalation of the smoke. Some alternative options for asthmatics include switching to essential oils or choosing incense made from pure pressed raw or powdered ingredients, which tend to produce less smoke and have a reduced risk of adverse health effects.
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Incense and cancer
Burning incense has been a traditional practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. However, there is growing evidence of its negative effects on human health and well-being.
Incense smoke contains toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are associated with a host of health problems. A 2009 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic, and found an association between higher cancer risk, especially for squamous cell lung cancer and upper respiratory cancers, and incense use. Another study found a link between household incense burning and developmental delays in infants. Furthermore, incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body and lungs, worsen brain health, and increase the risk of asthma, hypertension, and other respiratory issues.
However, it is important to note that the results from studies investigating the association between incense use and 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 duration and intensity of incense use seem to be factors, with long-term and frequent use posing greater risks.
Given the potential health risks associated with burning incense, it is recommended to opt for healthier alternatives, such as essential oils, to create a pleasant fragrance in your home. Additionally, when seeking information about cancer, it is important to refer to credible scientific resources and avoid misinformation spread on social media or non-accredited websites.
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Incense and hypertension
Incense burning is a common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, and has been carried out since ancient times. However, recent studies have revealed some surprising health risks linked to burning incense indoors.
One of the adverse health effects associated with incense burning is an increased risk of hypertension and high blood pressure. A community-based survey in Guangdong, China, found that compared to non-users, the odds ratio (OR) of hypertension was 1.24 for users and 1.37 for daily users, indicating a clear dose-response relationship. The study also showed that the estimated increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher for daily users than for occasional users. These findings suggest that long-term exposure to incense burning may contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.
Another study, focusing on pregnant women, found a similar association between incense burning and hypertension. The research indicated that pregnant women exposed to burning incense during pregnancy had a higher risk of hypertensive disorders and higher blood pressure levels. This effect was also observed in a large Chinese birth cohort study among the pregnant population. The increased vulnerability to incense smoke among pregnant women could be due to hormonal changes and the body's heightened sensitivity during pregnancy.
The toxic chemicals released from burning incense are believed to be the primary cause of these adverse health effects. These chemicals include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and formaldehyde, which have been linked to indoor air pollution and poor air quality. The release of coarse and fine particles into the air can also facilitate the transmission of viruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Additionally, the particulate matter in incense smoke has been confirmed to be carcinogenic, increasing the risk of specific types of cancers, including lung and upper respiratory cancers.
While the fragrance of incense can be enjoyable, it is important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with burning incense indoors. The key to minimizing these risks is proper ventilation and moderation in the frequency of incense burning. It is also recommended to opt for incense types that produce less smoke, such as pure pressed raw or powdered ingredients commonly found in Tibetan and Japanese incense sticks.
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Frequently asked questions
No, burning incense is not good for your health. A growing body of evidence has shown the negative effects of incense use on human well-being. The toxicities of incense smoke come directly from its harmful constituents and deposition capacity in the body. However, when used in moderation and with common sense, high-quality natural incense poses minimal health risks.
Burning incense releases toxic chemicals that have been associated with intellectual decline, accelerated cognitive ageing, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia. It can also cause inflammation, asthma, and cancer.
Some alternatives to burning incense include scented candles, air freshener sprays, diffuser sticks, and essential oils.
To burn incense safely, ensure that the area is well-ventilated and avoid sitting too close to the smoke. Keep lit and unlit incense out of the reach of children and pets, and never leave the house with incense burning.
