Anisha Riggs
Incense burning is a popular practice in many parts of the world, often associated with religious ceremonies and mindfulness practices. While incense is made from natural materials such as sage, resins, oils, and wood, it also contains unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. This particulate matter can contain harmful pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, and irritants, which have been linked to various health issues. Studies have found associations between incense use and health issues such as respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. While some research suggests that incense use is safe in normal amounts, the potential health risks associated with burning incense are a cause for concern, and alternatives are available for those who wish to avoid these risks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Herbal and wood powder, fragrance material, adhesive powder, bamboo stick |
| Burning temperature | 200–300°C |
| Emissions | Particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylenes, aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Health effects | Respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, dermatological problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive issues, inflammation, oxidative stress |
| Environmental impact | Air pollution, indoor air quality issues |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke contains carcinogens and toxic compounds
Incense is a popular product used all over the world, with a long history of use in sacred rituals and daily life in many parts of Asia. While it has been associated with many benefits, studies have also suggested that incense smoke contains carcinogens and toxic compounds that can have negative health effects.
The smoke released from burning incense contains particulate matter, which includes small, inhalable particles that can have harmful effects on the respiratory system. These particles can be easily inhaled and have been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergies. Research has also associated incense smoke with an increased risk of respiratory tract carcinomas and lung cancer.
In addition to particulate matter, incense smoke contains volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are released through the incomplete combustion of organic materials in incense and have been identified as carcinogens. Studies have found that incense burning generates significantly higher levels of these compounds compared to control environments, posing a potential health hazard to those exposed.
The toxic compounds in incense smoke can also contribute to overall inflammation in the body and have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Furthermore, a 2020 study found that long-term exposure to incense smoke may negatively impact brain health in older adults, causing delays in cognitive performance and a decrease in brain connectivity.
While the presence of carcinogens and toxic compounds in incense smoke has been established, it is important to note that the specific health effects may vary depending on the type of incense and the duration of exposure. Further research is also needed to fully understand the impact of incense smoke on human health.
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Respiratory issues and allergies
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds that can cause air pollution and respiratory issues. The particulate matter in incense smoke is small and inhalable, and may contain carcinogens and irritants. These pollutants can cause respiratory system dysfunction and allergic contact dermatitis. They can also trigger asthma and chronic inflammation in the body.
Studies have found that incense smoke is associated with an increased risk of respiratory allergies and asthma, particularly in children. It can also cause coughing fits and force individuals with respiratory problems to seek fresh air. In some cases, allergic reactions to incense can be severe, with people experiencing anaphylactic reactions.
The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes. These organic compounds are toxic to the lungs and allergenic to the skin and eyes. The smoke also contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to cancer, particularly of the upper respiratory tract and lungs.
While the largest study on the topic found that incense use is safe in normal amounts and the risk of cancer is very small, it is still advisable to reduce exposure time in places with heavy incense smoke and to ventilate rooms when burning incense. Loose grain incense, which can be mixed with water and heated over a tealight burner, is a smoke-free alternative.
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Cardiovascular issues
Incense smoke has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. It may affect heart tissues, deposit harmful substances in the body, and contribute to overall inflammation.
A 2014 study of over 63,000 Singaporean Chinese adults aged 45-74 found that long-term incense use was associated with a 12% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, including a 19% increased risk of stroke and a 10% increased risk of coronary heart disease. The study took place over 18 years, from 1993 to 2011, and tracked the number of cardiovascular deaths in the study population through a nationwide death registry.
Another study in 2021 found that incense emissions contain volatile organic compounds and particulate matter similar to those in cigarette smoke. Long-term exposure to incense smoke has been shown to increase blood vessel inflammation and affect blood flow in rats. In vitro studies have also indicated adverse impacts on human coronary and lung cells.
While the precise mechanisms behind the relationship between incense burning and cardiovascular issues require further investigation, the current body of research suggests that incense use may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.
It is important to note that the impact of incense smoke on cardiovascular health may be mitigated by reducing or limiting exposure. Opening windows during and after use can help lower the concentration of harmful compounds in the air. Additionally, exploring alternative products to incense may be a viable option for those concerned about the potential health risks.
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Dermatological problems
Incense smoke has been associated with a range of dermatological issues. A 2005 study by Ho et al. found that working in a temple increases the risk of developing acute irritative respiratory symptoms, including nose and throat irritation.
In addition, Hayakawa et al. reported a case of a 63-year-old patient who had practised an incense ceremony for about 15 years and developed itchy, depigmented macules on their dorsum manus, left shoulder, and abdomen.
The combustion of incense also produces air pollutants that can contribute to oxidative stress, which has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including lung cancer. These pollutants can also cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular complications, and neuropsychological disturbances.
Furthermore, incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels and has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis. The smoke contains various irritants and toxic compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The choice of incense brand can significantly impact the nature of the combustion products, and therefore, users should be cautious and investigate the composition of the incense they are using. It is also advisable to ventilate the room when burning incense to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants.
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Fire hazards
Incense burning carries a fire risk, although many people consider this risk to be minimal. The fire risk is present mainly during the lighting of the incense, and when the incense is still burning or smouldering.
Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials and can easily topple over and start a fire, especially if left unattended. It is therefore important to always use an incense holder or stand to keep them upright. The holder should be placed on a heat-resistant, non-flammable surface, such as a plate, to catch any hot ash and prevent it from burning or marking wooden surfaces.
Incense should not be placed directly onto flammable surfaces such as wood or fabric. If you use incense sticks with charcoal, this poses a potential fire risk, and extra care should be taken. Never burn incense near flammable materials such as dry papers, or dried moss or soil in plant pots.
It is also important to properly extinguish incense sticks after use, as the embers could still be burning and could start a fire if disposed of in the trash. Blowing out the incense is not recommended as this can disperse burning embers. Instead, it is safer to bend the stick until it snaps in half.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is a product made from natural and unnatural ingredients that is burned to emit a pleasant smell. It is a popular practice all over the world and is used in sacred rituals and for religious purposes.
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds that can cause air pollution and have harmful effects on health. These include respiratory issues such as asthma, and an increased risk of heart disease and cancer.
Yes, those with allergies and asthma, children, and older adults over the age of 65 may be more vulnerable to the negative health impacts of incense.
Yes, some alternatives to traditional incense are available that are not linked to increased health risks. However, it is important to note that the research on the health effects of incense is still ongoing.
To reduce potential health risks, it is recommended to limit exposure time to incense smoke, especially in enclosed spaces like temples, and to ventilate the area when burning incense.
