Anisha Riggs
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance that has been used for centuries in many cultures and religions for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. However, recent research has revealed that incense smoke contains various harmful chemical substances and air pollutants, including particulate matter, that can cause irritation in the lungs and respiratory system. This is why many people experience coughing, sneezing, or choking when exposed to incense smoke.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense smoke contains | Particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds |
| Particulate matter includes | Acrolein, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylenes, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) |
| Gas products include | CO, CO2, NO2, SO2 |
| Health effects | Respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, irritation, inflammation, and asthma |
| Other health effects | Memory loss, impaired learning abilities, headaches, nausea, dizziness, heart problems |
| Ways to reduce health risks | Use an electric burner instead of charcoal, burn incense outdoors or in a well-ventilated room with open windows |
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke contains respiratory irritants
Particulate matter is the most prominent pollutant in incense smoke, and it has been found to be produced in greater amounts by burning incense than by burning cigarettes. This fine particulate matter can make its way deep into your airways and has been linked to genetic changes that can lead to various kinds of cancer.
In addition to particulate matter, incense smoke contains gas products and organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, xylenes, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These organic compounds, particularly aldehydes, are known for their irritating properties and can cause a burning sensation, bronchial constriction, choking, and coughing.
The adverse effects of incense smoke on respiratory health have been observed in various studies. For example, a study in Taiwan found that temple workers had a higher prevalence of chronic cough symptoms compared to a control group from a non-incense burning church. Similarly, a survey of elementary school children in Taiwan found a significant association between incense burning and cough symptoms.
To reduce exposure to these respiratory irritants, it is recommended to burn incense outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces with open windows.
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Burning incense increases air pollutants
The gas products from burning incense include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Carbon monoxide exposure can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort, while prolonged exposure can cause neurological problems, memory loss, and impaired learning abilities. Nitrogen oxide can penetrate deeper into the lower airways, resulting in delayed-onset respiratory problems, and sulfur dioxide is an irritant that can cause coughing and respiratory distress.
In addition to these gases, incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Aldehydes are known for their irritating properties and can cause a burning sensation, bronchial constriction, choking, and coughing. Formaldehyde, a type of aldehyde, is classified as a probable human carcinogen.
Studies have found that burning incense indoors increases the concentration of these pollutants, with higher levels of air pollutants found in and around temples and shrines where incense burning is a daily practice. This increased exposure to air pollutants from incense burning has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and asthma symptoms.
Overall, the evidence suggests that burning incense increases air pollutants, which can have both immediate and long-term negative effects on human health, including respiratory issues and potential neurological and cardiovascular problems.
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Incense smoke can be more harmful than cigarette smoke
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds. Particulate matter is released when incense is burnt, and it is highly toxic to cells. It can change genetic material like DNA, which can lead to mutations and various kinds of cancer. Incense smoke contains respiratory irritants that cause discomfort and coughing. Some types of incense have been proven to be more toxic to the lungs than cigarette smoke due to higher amounts of particulate matter.
Burning incense indoors increases the concentration of carbon monoxide, which can cause neurological problems such as memory loss and impaired learning abilities. Even at low concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort. Multiple studies have found that women from cultures that regularly burn incense at home are more likely to develop COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a heart disease that normally occurs among smokers. Other studies suggest that incense smoke is as harmful, if not more harmful, than cigarette smoke.
Research has confirmed that those who use incense sticks at home regularly are 12% more likely to die of heart problems. A study of 4,164 elementary school children in Taiwan found that incense burning was significantly associated with cough symptoms. Another study of temple workers in Taiwan found that working in a temple increases the risk of developing acute irritative respiratory symptoms, including nose and throat irritation. A separate study on rats exposed to Arabian mix incense found significant ultrastructural changes in the lung tissues, including degenerative and necrotic changes in the alveolar lining cells.
The global consumption of incense is estimated to exceed 200 million tons per year, with Asia being the largest market. While incense is burned for various cultural and spiritual reasons, recent research reveals potential health drawbacks. Incense contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. A 2021 study confirmed that some of these particulates are carcinogenic and could lead to cancer. While incense is not officially deemed a major public health risk, reducing or limiting exposure to incense smoke is recommended to lower potential health risks.
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Prolonged incense burning may cause neurological problems
Incense burning is a common practice in many cultures and religions. However, while it is often associated with peaceful and spiritual effects, it can have adverse impacts on health. Burning incense produces a lot of air pollutants and harmful chemical substances, including particulate matter, which can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, irritation, and inflammation.
Prolonged incense burning may lead to neurological problems over time. Studies have shown that burning incense indoors increases carbon monoxide concentrations. Carbon monoxide exposure, even at low levels, can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort. Chronic exposure to incense sticks has been linked to potential neurological issues, including memory loss and impaired learning abilities.
In addition to carbon monoxide, incense smoke releases formaldehyde, a potent sensory irritant and probable human carcinogen. Formaldehyde can irritate the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, leading to a burning sensation, bronchial constriction, choking, and coughing. The combination of these harmful substances can have cumulative effects on the body, especially with prolonged exposure.
Furthermore, incense burning has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases and symptoms such as asthma, coughing, and wheezing. Temple workers, for example, have shown a higher prevalence of cough symptoms compared to non-incense burning environments. While more research is needed, the evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to incense smoke may contribute to respiratory issues and potentially lead to neurological problems.
To minimize the potential risks associated with incense burning, it is recommended to regulate usage, choose safer alternatives, and ensure proper ventilation when burning incense indoors.
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Incense smoke can cause asthma and other respiratory issues
Incense smoke contains particulate matter, which is an air pollutant and a respiratory irritant. These particles are small enough to make their way deep into your airways, causing irritation in the lungs and respiratory system dysfunction. In addition to particulate matter, incense smoke also contains formaldehyde, which is a potent sensory irritant and a probable human carcinogen. The combination of these two factors—particulate matter and formaldehyde—can cause coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues.
Several studies have found a link between incense burning and respiratory problems, including coughing. One study of elementary school children in Taiwan found that incense burning was significantly associated with cough symptoms. Another study of temple workers in Taiwan found that they had a higher prevalence of cough symptoms compared to a control group from a non-incense burning church. A third study of adults in Hong Kong, however, found no significant relationship between incense burning and respiratory problems, including chronic cough.
The effects of incense smoke on asthma have also been studied. Research suggests that the air pollutants and irritants produced by burning incense are among the primary causes of asthma. Frequent exposure to incense smoke can increase existing asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing. A Taiwanese cohort study found that short-term exposure to incense burning may not influence lung function or respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the small sample size and non-longitudinal study design may have influenced these results.
Overall, while the evidence is mixed and further research is needed, there is a growing body of research that suggests that incense smoke can cause respiratory issues, including coughing and asthma symptoms. To reduce the potential harm caused by incense smoke, it is recommended to limit your use to outdoors only or to burn incense in a well-ventilated room with open windows to reduce exposure to harmful particles and gases.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense smoke contains respiratory irritants that cause discomfort. Some incense smoke has been proven to be more toxic for the lungs than cigarette smoke due to higher amounts of particulate matter.
A typical composition of incense consists of herbal and wood powder, fragrance material, adhesive powder, and bamboo sticks. The smoke produced contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds.
Burning incense produces air pollutants and irritants, which are among the primary causes of asthma. Frequent exposure to incense smoke increases existing symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and coughing.
To avoid coughing when using incense, it is recommended to burn incense outdoors. If burning incense indoors, ensure the room is well-ventilated and keep a window open to reduce harmful particle emissions and disseminate harmful gases.
