Anisha Riggs
Herbal incense, also known as synthetic marijuana, is a substance that is burned to release smoke with a sweet, pleasant smell. While it has been used for thousands of years for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes, recent research has revealed potential health drawbacks. Burning incense releases particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and toxic and irritant compounds, which can be easily inhaled and may have negative health outcomes. Studies have associated incense smoke with respiratory issues, including asthma, and an increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Synthetic cannabinoids, which are often sprayed onto the plant material, can have unpredictable and even fatal effects, with cases of life-threatening bleeding and overdoses reported.
Characteristics and effects of smoking herbal incense:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer risk | Burning incense has been associated with an increased risk of cancer due to the presence of carcinogens in the smoke. However, conflicting data exists, with some studies finding no link between incense smoke and cancer. |
| Respiratory issues | Smoke from herbal incense contains irritants and particulate matter, which can cause respiratory issues such as asthma, allergic reactions, and chronic inflammation. |
| Cardiovascular impact | The particulate matter in incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. |
| Neurological effects | Synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense can have a profound impact on the brain, causing unpredictable and potentially fatal effects. |
| Legal status | The DEA has classified certain synthetic cannabinoids found in herbal incense as Schedule 1 drugs, but the lack of regulation and constant change in chemical compositions make enforcement challenging. |
| Popularity | Herbal incense is marketed as a natural and safe alternative to marijuana, but it is often smoked for its mind-altering effects, especially in areas where marijuana is illegal. |
| Alternatives | Safer alternatives to herbal incense exist, and reducing exposure to incense smoke can lower the associated health risks. |
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What You'll Learn
Contains carcinogens and irritants
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, which includes carcinogens and irritants. These particulate matters are small, inhalable particles that can be harmful to human health.
The particulate matter in incense smoke can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Research has also associated incense smoke with an increased risk of heart disease. A study in 2021 confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke was carcinogenic, meaning it could cause cancer.
Additionally, incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of developing respiratory allergies due to the presence of various irritants. These irritants can also cause allergic reactions in different parts of the body, such as the eyes, nose, throat, or skin. For example, a case study reported that a 63-year-old man who had burned incense for about 15 years developed itchy depigmented macules on his left dorsum manus, left shoulder, and abdomen. The perfume in the incense was identified as the cause.
To reduce the potential health risks associated with incense smoke, it is recommended to limit incense use and exposure to the smoke. Opening windows during or after use can help reduce exposure to the particulate matter and irritants present in incense smoke.
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Can trigger asthma and allergies
Incense smoke contains a number of irritants, including particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds, and toxic and irritant compounds. These can cause irritative responses in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies.
Burning incense may trigger asthma and allergies, and research associates it with childhood asthma and the development of respiratory allergies. The smoke can also cause chronic inflammation in the body, as the particulate matter is processed into metabolites, leading to oxidative stress. In addition to asthma and allergies, incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Some individuals with asthma or allergies may find that commercial incense negatively impacts their ability to breathe, while others may be able to tolerate natural, fragrance-free incense or dried plant material like smudge sticks (e.g., sage or sweetgrass). It is important to note that even fragrance-free incense can contain particulate matter that can be inhaled and potentially cause negative health outcomes.
To reduce the risk of triggering asthma or allergies, it is recommended to limit incense use and exposure to the smoke. Opening windows during or after use can help reduce exposure. Additionally, smoke-free alternatives to incense are available, such as loose grain incense, which can be mixed with water and heated over a tealight burner to produce a scent without smoke.
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May cause dermatitis
Smoking herbal incense can cause dermatitis. Incense smoke contains irritants that can lead to irritative responses, including allergic reactions in various parts of the body, such as the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
A series of clinical case reports have indicated that incense smoke can cause allergic contact dermatitis in various parts of the body. For example, a 63-year-old man who had burned incense for about 15 years presented with itchy, depigmented macules on his left dorsum manus, left shoulder, and abdomen. The perfume in the incense was identified as the cause. In another case, a woman who had burned incense daily for approximately five years developed airborne pigmented contact dermatitis due to musk ambrette, a fragrance material used in incense.
The prevalence of acute irritative symptoms was cross-sectionally investigated among a group of temple workers in Kao-Hsiung, Taiwan, compared to a group of church workers. The results suggested that incense burning can cause respiratory system dysfunction and increase the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer.
While incense smoke has been associated with adverse health effects, it is important to note that the correct use of incense to reduce risks has not yet been fully explored. Additionally, the largest study on incense use and cancer, which tracked the health of 61,000 people in Singapore, concluded that incense use is safe in normal amounts, and the risk of cancer is very small, if at all.
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Can lead to cardiovascular issues
Smoking herbal incense can lead to cardiovascular issues. The smoke released from burning incense contains particulate matter (PM) that you can easily inhale, which can have negative health outcomes. Particulate matter refers to all the dust, smoke, and haze particles suspended in the air. The burning process of incense produces significant quantities of PM.
In addition, incense smoke contains various toxic and irritant compounds alongside its aromatic compounds, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and, in turn, affect heart tissues. Research has also found that incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which is caused by the body's processing of particulate matter into metabolites, leading to oxidative stress.
Furthermore, incense smoke contains N-nitroso compounds, which have been shown to be potent nervous system carcinogens, particularly when there is transplacental exposure. A study by Preston-Martin et al. found that increased brain tumour risk was associated with maternal contact with nitrosamine-containing substances, such as burning incense.
While the largest study on the topic, which tracked the health of 61,000 people in Singapore, concluded that incense use is safe in normal amounts and the risk of cancer is very small, if at all, it is important to note that burning incense indoors increases the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer.
To reduce the potential health risks associated with incense smoke, it is recommended to limit incense use and exposure to the smoke, as well as to open windows during or after use.
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Has unpredictable and fatal effects
Smoking herbal incense, also known as synthetic marijuana, can have unpredictable and fatal effects on the user. This is because the chemicals used in the incense are often unknown and can include rat poison. Between 2011 and 2014, approximately 20 deaths were attributed to the use of synthetic marijuana, while none were reported from the use of natural marijuana. In 2018, over 100 people were treated at hospitals in the Washington, DC, area for overdoses of synthetic marijuana, and in 2016, 597 people were treated for overdoses by DC Fire.
The synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense can have a more profound impact on the brain than natural cannabinoids like THC. This is because the chemicals are designed to activate the same receptor in the brain that natural cannabinoids do, but to a much higher degree. Over 100 synthetic cannabinoids have been created, and they have not been extensively tested, so there is only preliminary information about the extent of the damage they can cause.
The chemicals used in herbal incense are often unknown and constantly changing, making it difficult to regulate and control. While some of the additives have been made illegal, there are so many variations of herbal incense that it is hard to legislate. For example, under Louisiana law, a specific synthetic THC combination is not illegal, and packages for mojo and other 'spice' products only state that they contain a group of natural herbs.
The availability of herbal incense is also a cause for concern, as it is easily accessible to minors. It is sold in herb shops, convenience stores, and even gas stations, with some shops only restricting sales to those over 18, while others have no age restrictions. This has led to warnings from law enforcement and police, who worry that children are using it to get high under their parents' noses.
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Frequently asked questions
Herbal incense is a substance that emits smoke and is typically burned for hygienic, spiritual, or health purposes. It is also known as synthetic marijuana, mojo, or spice.
Smoking herbal incense can have several negative health effects. It contains toxic and irritant compounds, including carcinogens, which can cause respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. It has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
Yes, smoking herbal incense can be dangerous. It contains unknown chemicals that can have unpredictable and even fatal effects. Between 2011 and 2014, approximately 20 deaths were attributed to the use of synthetic marijuana.
There are alternatives available that are not linked to increased health risks. These include other types of incense that are not intended to be smoked, such as those burned for aromatic or spiritual purposes.
