Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used by people for thousands of years, but there are concerns about the harm it can cause. Burning incense produces smoke, which contains toxic compounds that can have negative health effects and cause indoor air pollution. These compounds include particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and carbon monoxide, which can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. While the impact of incense on human health has been studied, it is less clear how it affects hedgehogs. Given that hedgehogs have a strong sense of smell and can be sensitive to new scents, it is important to consider whether incense smoke could be harmful to them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense smoke | Contains toxic compounds which can cause negative health effects and indoor air pollution |
| Incense type | Incense sticks, cones and coils are the most harmful as they burn directly and contain added ingredients and synthetics |
| Incense ingredients | Incense often contains synthetic fillers and combustibles with little organic plant matter, which can be toxic when burned regularly |
| Health effects | Linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, triggering asthma, and causing chronic inflammation in the body |
| Alternatives | Use incense on an oil warmer with a tea light candle to heat the incense, or explore other alternatives to incense |
| Toxic oils for hedgehogs | Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Tea tree, Thieves, and Thyme |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and respiratory issues
While hedgehogs have sensitive noses and can behave strangely when introduced to new scents, the impact of incense smoke on their respiratory health is not clear. However, studies on the effect of incense smoke on human and animal respiratory health can provide some insights.
Incense smoke has been linked to respiratory issues in humans and animals. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are associated with respiratory tract irritation and cardiovascular problems. PAHs are released when burning tobacco, wood, and gasoline, and their presence in indoor air can have negative health effects.
Burning incense can also emit carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other irritants, which can contribute to respiratory issues and increase the risk of developing respiratory allergies and asthma. The smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, as the particulate matter is processed into metabolites, causing oxidative stress.
The type, origin, and method of burning incense can influence its potential harm. Mass-produced incense sticks, cones, and coils that burn directly are more likely to contain synthetic fillers and combustible materials, increasing the risk of toxic by-products. On the other hand, 100% plant-based, mechanically extracted incense burned indirectly may be safer and is increasingly used in clinical settings.
To minimize potential respiratory risks for hedgehogs, it is recommended to avoid burning candles or incense in the same room. Even with proper ventilation and distance, the redistributed air can carry fragrances or smells that may affect hedgehogs. It is best to opt for alternatives or use fragrance-free products to ensure the well-being of these small animals.
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Toxic compounds in incense
While hedgehog owners have reported that their pets behave strangely when exposed to new or strong scents, there is no evidence directly linking incense to hedgehog poisoning. However, incense smoke contains toxic compounds that can adversely affect human health, and it is reasonable to assume that these could also be harmful to hedgehogs.
The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Research has also associated incense smoke with childhood asthma and the development of respiratory allergies. In addition, incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body due to the particulate matter being processed into metabolites, resulting in oxidative stress.
A 2020 study found that incense burning is linked to worse cognitive performance and decreased brain connectivity in older adults. This may be due to the toxic chemicals in the smoke, which are associated with intellectual decline, accelerated cognitive ageing, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia.
Incense smoke is also associated with poor air quality and increased levels of toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, musk ketones, musk xylenes, musk ambrette, aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and diethylphthalate (DEP). These compounds are toxic to the lungs and allergenic to the skin and eyes.
Another gas product found in incense smoke is carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas formed during the incomplete combustion of organic substances. Inhalation of CO can lead to headaches, dizziness, weakness, and nausea, while high concentrations can be fatal.
Overall, while there is no direct evidence of incense being harmful to hedgehogs, the presence of these toxic compounds in incense smoke suggests potential health risks for these animals.
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Essential oils toxic to hedgehogs
While hedgehogs have a very good sense of smell, and strong scents may irritate them, there are some essential oils that are considered toxic to hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs have very sensitive noses and respiratory systems, so scented products should not be used around them or in the same room. This includes heavily scented cleaning products, perfumes, candles, essential oils, and incense. If you use scented products in other parts of your house, the air returns suck existing air from your house, warm or cool it, and then redistribute it, along with any fragrances.
Essential oils can contain a lot of active ingredients, and it is hard to know what will be toxic to a hedgehog. Tea tree oil is toxic to hedgehogs and is a common oil that people use. Other essential oils that are toxic to hedgehogs include Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, and Thyme. These are often contained in blends, so it is important to carefully check the ingredients of any blends you use.
Softwood products, such as cedar shavings, should also be avoided, as they produce oils that can be toxic to hedgehogs.
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Incense ingredients and synthetics
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma. Incense is generally composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The specific ingredients used in incense vary by region and manufacturer.
The basic ingredients of incense sticks are the bamboo stick, the paste (generally made of charcoal dust and joss/jiggit/gum/tabu powder – an adhesive made from the bark of litsea glutinosa and other trees), and the perfume ingredients. The perfume ingredients may be a masala (spice mix) powder of ground ingredients into which the stick would be rolled, or a perfume liquid sometimes consisting of synthetic ingredients into which the stick would be dipped.
Incense can be separated into two main types: "indirect-burning" and "direct-burning". Indirect-burning incense (or "non-combustible incense") is not capable of burning on its own, and requires a separate heat source. Direct-burning incense (or "combustible incense") is lit directly by a flame and then fanned or blown out, leaving a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a smoky fragrance.
The aromatic materials used for making incense are typically plant-based and can include a variety of resins, barks, seeds, roots, and flowers. Some specific examples of aromatic ingredients include aloeswood, red sandalwood powder, frankincense, myrrh, opoponax, and dragon's blood. Natural resins, gums, and herbs have been burned as incense since ancient times for their spiritual, medicinal/healing, fragrancing, and odour-masking properties. More recently, essential oils have been incorporated into the mix to create natural incense.
Commercially available incense cones and blanks generally contain synthetic fragrance oils, while all-natural cones and blanks are also available.
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Incense alternatives
While incense burning is often associated with spiritual fulfilment and New Age vitality, the truth is that it can be harmful to hedgehogs. Benzene, a carcinogen released into the air when incense is burned, can cause headaches and queasiness in the short term and even leukemia and lung cancer in the long term. In addition to the health risks posed to humans, the smoke from incense is also not great for small animals. If you are a hedgehog owner, it is best to avoid burning incense in the same room as your pet.
- Essential oil diffusers: Using an essential oil diffuser is a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy without the smoke and toxins associated with incense. Choose high-quality oils from ethical companies to ensure the purity and safety of the product. Sandalwood and frankincense are common ingredients in meditation incense and can be used in a diffuser to create a similar aroma.
- Non-toxic incense: If you enjoy the ritual of burning incense, consider switching to non-toxic alternatives. Soul Space, for example, offers a non-burning aroma release that fills your space with a delicate, lasting aroma without the smoke and ash of traditional incense.
- Oil burners: Oil burners are a healthy alternative to incense burning. Place a small cup or saucer over a mild heat source, and add essential oils mixed with a little water to release a pleasant fragrance into the air.
- Homemade deodorizers: For a long-term solution, try making your own homemade deodorizer by combining baking soda and essential oils. The oils will slowly drip into the soda, releasing their scent over a long period of time. This method creates a milder fragrance that can last for weeks.
- Baking: Baking food in the oven is a simple way to fill your home with delightful scents. Cinnamon apples, for example, release a sweet, spicy aroma that can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Just be careful not to burn the food, as this can create an unpleasant, charred smell.
- Aromatic sachets: The Japanese often use little sachets filled with aromatics in their drawers and kimono sleeves. Shoyeido offers aromatic powders that can be used in sachets or directly on the skin as body powder.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense smoke may be harmful to hedgehogs. It is recommended to avoid burning incense or candles around hedgehogs, as their sense of smell is very strong and new scents can make them nervous or hyperactive. If you must use incense or candles, opt for natural, plant-based products and burn them in a well-ventilated area away from the hedgehog's habitat.
Burning incense can release toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues in animals. Incense smoke also contains particulate matter, which can irritate the respiratory tract and potentially lead to respiratory diseases.
Yes, wax warmers or oil warmers are recommended as safer alternatives to burning incense or candles. These methods allow you to enjoy fragrances without producing hazardous smoke.
If a hedgehog is exposed to harmful incense smoke, they may exhibit nervous behaviour, hyperactivity, or respiratory issues such as coughing or difficulty breathing. In severe cases, incense smoke can also trigger an asthma attack.
To minimise the risk, avoid burning incense directly in the presence of hedgehogs. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows during and after burning incense. Choose natural incense made from plant-based ingredients, avoiding synthetic fillers and fragrances.
