Seamus Hammond
Incense has been burned alongside cannabis for thousands of years, with evidence of this practice in ancient Africa, Mesopotamia, China, and Greece. One of the main reasons that stoners burn incense today is to mask the smell of weed. However, burning incense emits smoke, which can contain respiratory irritants and bronchial constrictors, and has been associated with adverse respiratory effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | To mask the smell of weed |
| Health impact | Inhaling incense smoke can cause respiratory problems, throat irritation, nose irritation, allergic reactions, and skin issues |
| Health impact examples | A 63-year-old man developed itchy skin issues after burning incense for 15 years. A woman who burned incense daily for 5 years developed airborne pigmented contact dermatitis. |
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What You'll Learn
To mask the smell of weed
Incense is often burned to mask the smell of weed. The best types of incense for this purpose are those with rich and highly aromatic scents that linger. Incense is usually made from an aromatic material, often plant-based, and a combustible binding material. When burned, it produces a fragrant smoke that can help to cover the scent of weed.
To effectively mask the smell of weed with incense, it is recommended to use stronger, more potent varieties. Mellow aromas that dissipate quickly are less likely to be effective. Some specific types of incense that are commonly used to mask the smell of weed include nag champa, which has a base of sandalwood and a sweet plumeria scent from the champa flower, and patchouli, which has a deep, spicy-sweet, and mossy scent.
Dragon's blood is another type of incense that is said to be effective in masking the smell of weed. It is a natural plant resin extracted from tropical trees, with a sweet and soft yet rich scent that blends amber, patchouli, frankincense, and jasmine. This incense is known for creating a calming atmosphere while also covering the smell of weed.
When using incense for this purpose, it is important to place the incense holders on a fire-resistant surface and never leave them unattended. It is also recommended to burn the same type of incense in different rooms to avoid conflicting scents.
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Incense smoke can cause allergic reactions
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, including volatile organic compounds, musk ketones, musk xylenes, musk ambrette, aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and diethylphthalate (DEP). These compounds are toxic to the lungs and can cause allergic reactions in the skin and eyes.
Several epidemiological studies have confirmed the negative health effects of incense smoke. A 1966 study by Sturton et al. reported a high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Hong Kong patients who burned incense. Similarly, Hayakawa et al. reported a case of a 63-year-old patient who had practised an incense ceremony for 15 years and developed itchy, depigmented macules on his skin. The perfume and airborne particles from the burning incense were identified as the cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
In a cross-sectional population-based study of 36,541 adults from six major Chinese cities, incense burning was associated with weekly symptoms of eye and throat irritation and skin issues such as dry or flushed facial skin, scaling or itching of the scalp or ears, and dermal symptoms in the hands. Another Taiwanese birth cohort study identified regular incense burning as the most critical risk factor among housing characteristics affecting health.
The adverse health effects of incense smoke are comparable to those of cigarette smoking. Incense burning produces more significant amounts of particulate matter than cigarettes, with an average of 45 mg/g burned compared to 10 mg/g burned for cigarettes. The gas products released from burning incense include harmful substances such as CO, CO2, NO2, and SO2.
The toxic constituents of incense smoke can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, contributing to respiratory diseases and potentially carcinogenesis. Studies have associated incense burning with an increased risk of respiratory allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
To reduce potential health risks, it is advisable to limit incense use and exposure to its smoke. Opening windows during or after burning incense can help reduce exposure to these harmful compounds.
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Burning incense may lead to respiratory problems
Incense has been burned for thousands of years, and it is still a popular practice worldwide. However, recent research has revealed some health drawbacks associated with burning incense, and it has been linked to respiratory problems.
The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which have been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and even lung cancer. Studies have also found an association between incense smoke exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and other cancers.
Furthermore, incense burning may contribute to indoor air pollution and increase the levels of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The smoke released contains organic compounds in the gaseous phase, including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, which have detrimental effects on human health.
While incense burning is not officially deemed a major public health risk comparable to smoking tobacco, it is important to be aware of the potential respiratory and other health risks associated with its use. Reducing incense use and exposure to its smoke, as well as ensuring proper ventilation during and after burning, can help lower these risks.
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Burning incense is associated with an increased risk of bronchitis and bronchiolitis
Incense burning has been a common practice in many parts of the world, especially in the East, for various purposes since ancient times. It is burned for hygienic, spiritual, aromatherapy, and meditation purposes. Incense smoke contains various irritants and toxic compounds alongside its aromatic compounds. These toxic compounds include particulate matter that can be easily inhaled and can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis.
A community-based study in Saudi Arabia found that regular use of incense at home was associated with an elevated likelihood of impaired lung function. Similarly, a study among Chinese individuals with diabetes found that participants exposed to indoor incense burning had 130% higher odds of impaired lung function compared to those not exposed.
Another study found that incense burning was associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases and symptoms such as asthma, cough, and wheeze. However, a cross-sectional investigation among primary school children in Hong Kong found no significant relationship between incense burning and respiratory problems, suggesting that the concentration and duration of exposure may play a role in the development of respiratory issues.
The smoke released from burning incense has a sweet, pleasant smell. However, it can also contain particulate matter that can be inhaled and potentially lead to negative health outcomes. While the precise mechanisms behind the relationship between incense burning and brain changes are not yet fully understood, recent studies have indicated a potential link between incense burning and respiratory diseases.
In conclusion, burning incense is associated with an increased risk of bronchitis and bronchiolitis, as well as other respiratory ailments. The smoke released from burning incense contains toxic compounds that can be easily inhaled and can lead to respiratory issues. While incense burning has been a common practice for various purposes, it is important to be cautious of the potential health risks associated with it.
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Incense has been used alongside cannabis for thousands of years
Burning incense alongside cannabis may be an attempt to mask the smell of weed, although often unsuccessfully. Adding ground-up weed to incense is possible, but it must be properly dried and used in small amounts to ensure even burning.
The smoke emitted from burning incense can contain irritants that affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. For example, a man who burned incense for 15 years developed itchy, depigmented macules on his left dorsum manus, left shoulder, and abdomen. Similarly, a woman who burned incense daily for 5 years experienced airborne pigmented contact dermatitis due to musk ambrette in the incense.
The practice of burning incense has been associated with increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. In a study of over 4000 school children in Hong Kong, incense burning was linked to adverse effects on lung function and development. Additionally, exposure to incense burning was correlated with increased risks of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and wheezing in boys.
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Frequently asked questions
To mask the smell of weed.
No, not really. While incense has been used to mask the smell of weed, it doesn't do so successfully.
Yes, burning incense produces smoke which can be harmful when inhaled and can result in respiratory problems. It can also cause allergic reactions and irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin.
Incense burning has been associated with an increased risk of throat irritation, nose irritation, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and wheezing. It is also a significant producer of particulate matter (PM) due to it being a slow and incomplete combustion process.
Burning incense with cannabis has a long history, dating back thousands of years and spanning several ancient cultures including Africa, Mesopotamia, China and Greece.
