Anisha Riggs
Burning incense is a common practice in many parts of the world, especially in Asian countries where Buddhism and Taoism are the mainstream religions. Incense is also burned for hygienic and spiritual purposes. However, recent studies have shown that incense smoke contains particulate matter, including volatile organic compounds, that can be harmful to health. While the exact composition of incense sticks is often a commercial secret, most incense is made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs, and spices. Some of these natural and unnatural ingredients are known irritants and carcinogens, which could lead to respiratory diseases and even cancer. As such, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with burning incense, especially in enclosed spaces or when exposed for prolonged periods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | The safety of Chinese incense depends on the type of incense, the amount burned, and the space in which it is burned. |
| Cancer Risk | Burning incense has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly upper respiratory tract cancer and lung cancer. However, one study suggests that the risk of cancer from incense use is very small when burned in normal amounts. |
| Respiratory Issues | Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including irritants and carcinogens, which can cause respiratory issues such as asthma and allergic contact dermatitis. It can also trigger chronic inflammation in the body and affect the nasal mucous membranes and oral passages. |
| Cardiovascular Issues | There is mixed evidence regarding the link between incense burning and cardiovascular issues. Some studies suggest an association between incense use and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, while others found no epidemiologic link. |
| Ingredients | Chinese incense often draws from the traditional "five spices" of Chinese cuisine and healing and meditation practices. However, many Chinese incenses may have questionable provenance or be cheaply made without regard for consumer safety. |
| Air Pollution | Incense burning contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution and can increase levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer. |
| Recommendations | It is recommended to burn incense in moderation, in well-ventilated spaces, and to choose natural, premium incenses to minimize potential health risks. |
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What You'll Learn
- Chinese incense often contains toxic ingredients and carcinogens
- Burning incense increases the risk of respiratory diseases
- Incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels
- Chinese incense is made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs and spices
- Burning incense indoors increases the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Chinese incense often contains toxic ingredients and carcinogens
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance, and like anything else that emits smoke, it can be accidentally inhaled when used. While incense is burned for hygienic and spiritual purposes in many cultures, recent research has revealed some health drawbacks.
Chinese incense is often fashioned on the 'five spices' of Chinese cuisine and draws from the country's developed traditions of healing and meditation. However, many Chinese incenses are also cheaply made in large quantities without regard for the consumer, and some even contain herbs intended to heal the lungs. The physical characteristics of these incenses, such as the length and diameter of the bamboo stick, are very similar across different types of incense. While the exact content of incense sticks is a commercial secret, most are made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs, and spices.
The smoke from burning incense contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds. On average, burning incense produces more particulates than burning cigarettes. The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, and SO2, while the organic compounds include benzene, toluene, xylenes, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have been linked to cancer, and aldehydes are known to irritate the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, causing a burning sensation, bronchial constriction, choking, and coughing.
In addition to these harmful compounds, some Chinese incense may contain toxic ingredients and carcinogens. A study by Lin and Tang found that Chinese incense smoke predominantly contained acrolein, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, especially in particulates with sizes of 3.3–4.7 μm and 2.1–3.3 μm. Formaldehyde is a potent sensory irritant and a probable human carcinogen.
While the health effects of incense burning are still being studied, it is advisable to reduce exposure time in places with heavy incense smoke and to ventilate rooms when burning incense.
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Burning incense increases the risk of respiratory diseases
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, but it may have negative health outcomes. Incense smoke contains particulate matter, which can be easily inhaled and may lead to respiratory diseases. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which are known to increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma. Research has also associated incense use with childhood asthma and the development of respiratory allergies.
Long-term incense use increases the risk of developing cancers of the respiratory tract, according to a 2008 study published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The study also found that incense use seemed to increase the risk of upper respiratory tract squamous cell carcinoma in smokers and non-smokers, indicating an independent effect of incense smoke.
The physical characteristics of incense sticks, such as length and diameter, can contribute to the amount of smoke produced. Additionally, the ingredients used in incense, such as fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs, and spices, can affect the smoke's composition and potential health impact. Some incense sticks may contain synthetic ingredients, including carcinogens, which can be harmful to respiratory health.
To reduce potential health risks, it is advisable to limit exposure to incense smoke, especially in enclosed spaces like temples or homes. Exploring alternatives to incense or opting for incense with fewer risks can also help mitigate potential respiratory health issues associated with burning incense.
While the occasional use of incense may not pose a significant health risk, regular and long-term exposure to incense smoke, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, can increase the chances of developing respiratory diseases and other health issues. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions when using incense.
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Incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance, and like anything else that emits smoke, it can be accidentally inhaled when used. Incense smoke contains particulate matter (PM), gas products, and many organic compounds. The particulate matter produced by burning incense is greater than that of cigarettes, with incense producing more than 45 mg/g burned compared to 10 mg/g burned for cigarettes. The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The presence of toxic VOCs and undetectable PM in incense smoke heightens vulnerability to sensitive inflammatory responses, particularly in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Inhaling incense smoke pollutants can cause respiratory system dysfunction and airway inflammation and remodeling. Incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels, which may be stimulated by lead exposure from incense burning.
Lin et al. studied umbilical cord blood IgE (cIgE) in 334 mother and neonate pairs and found that incense burning was a risk factor for elevated cIgE levels. The concentrations of lead in PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 samples collected at a temple in Taiwan supported the hypothesis that lead from incense burning could be absorbed and transferred to fetal blood, modulating the fetal immune system and IgE production.
While the exact composition of incense sticks is often a commercial secret, incense is typically made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs, and spices. The physical characteristics of incense sticks, such as length and diameter, are similar across different types of incense. The combination of incense ingredients and the burning process can produce harmful pollutants, particularly when burned indoors without proper ventilation.
Recent research has revealed potential health drawbacks to burning incense, including respiratory issues, allergic contact dermatitis, and increased cancer risk. Studies have also associated incense smoke with an increased risk of heart disease and adverse effects on brain health in older adults. However, it is important to note that many studies use animal models or specific types of incense, and further research on humans is needed to fully understand the health impacts of incense burning.
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Chinese incense is made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs and spices
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance, and like anything else that emits smoke, it may be accidentally inhaled. Research has indicated that incense contains certain health drawbacks. It contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter, some of which is carcinogenic.
Chinese incense is made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, wood powders, herbs, and spices. The specific ingredients and blends depend on local plants. Chinese incense is also influenced by the country's long history of using incense in traditional medicine, cooking, and perfume.
The four most important ingredients in Chinese incense are Aloeswood, Sandalwood, Camphor, and Musk. Aloeswood, also known as agarwood, jinko/jinkoh, oud/oudh, or "sinking wood", is a fragrant wood formed when parts of the Aquilaria tree become infected and produce a dark resin. Sandalwood is a key ingredient in many incense blends and comes in two varieties: Laoshan and Australian. Camphor is a whitish-colored resin that occurs naturally in the wood and bark of the camphor laurel tree, which is native to southern China and prevalent in Borneo. Musk, the fourth key ingredient, is not detailed as prominently as the other three.
Other ingredients in Chinese incense include Lan & Hui flowers, Sichuan Peppers, and Cassia, which were popular before the 6th century. The best Chinese incense is said to be fashioned on the 'five spices' of Chinese cuisine and influenced by the country's traditions of healing and meditation. Some Chinese incense blends contain herbs intended to heal the lungs. However, it is important to note that hypersensitivity can develop with overuse.
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Burning incense indoors increases the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Burning incense has been a common practice in many cultures and religions. However, recent studies have raised concerns about its potential health hazards. One of the primary concerns is the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the smoke produced by burning incense indoors.
PAHs are a group of chemicals that are released into the air when organic materials, such as incense, are burned. These chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects, particularly when inhaled. The levels of PAHs can vary depending on the type of incense and the conditions under which it is burned.
Several studies have investigated the impact of incense smoke on indoor air quality and its potential to increase PAH levels. Lin and Tang, for example, examined the content of particulates in Chinese incense smoke. They found that acrolein, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde were predominantly adsorbed on particulates, especially those with sizes ranging from 2.1 to 4.7 μm. These aldehydes are known to have irritating properties and can affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Another study by Cohen et al. in 2013, Dalibalta et al. in 2015, and others, identified the emission of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-VOCs (SVOCs) from incomplete incense combustion. These compounds include benzene, 1,3-butadiene, furan, and PAHs. The particles emitted from burning incense are typically less than 1 μm in aerodynamic diameter and are dominated by hazardous substances, including PAHs, oxygenated PAHs, and azaarenes.
The health risks associated with exposure to PAHs in incense smoke have been a growing concern. Studies have linked PAH exposure to respiratory issues, allergic contact dermatitis, and even cancer. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants that can lead to respiratory diseases, trigger asthma, and cause chronic inflammation in the body.
To minimize the potential health risks associated with burning incense indoors, it is recommended to use authentic and high-quality incense, ensure proper ventilation, and limit exposure time.
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Frequently asked questions
No incense is considered 'healthy', and particulate matter from incense smoke has been deemed harmful to health. However, the best Chinese incense is fashioned on the 'five spices' of Chinese cuisine and draws from the country's developed traditions of healing and meditation. Some Chinese incense offerings are regarded as safer than others.
Burning incense produces smoke, particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds. Research has found that incense smoke can cause respiratory system dysfunction and has been linked to neoplasm. Studies have also found a correlation between incense burning and an increased risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
Pure pressed raw ingredients, such as those in most Tibetan sticks, tend to be safer. Sacred Sweetgrass and Sage are also considered relatively safe. However, these can produce large amounts of smoke when burned in bundles.
Burning incense in moderate amounts will have a negligible effect on health. It is recommended to burn a stick or two a day, in a large room with some ventilation, to significantly reduce the health risks.
A typical composition of stick incense consists of 21% herbal and wood powder, 35% fragrance material, 11% adhesive powder, and 33% bamboo stick. The herbal and wood powders used include Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Cinnamomum cassia Bl, and Nardostachys chinensis Bastal.
