Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used for thousands of years for religious, spiritual, and hygienic purposes. However, some people dislike incense due to its strong scent, which can trigger headaches, nausea, and sensory issues. Others associate incense with attempts to cover up unpleasant smells, such as cigarette smoke or stale apartment odours. From a health perspective, studies suggest that incense smoke can pose risks, including potential links to asthma, cancer, and heart disease. Additionally, the act of burning incense may be concerning to some, as it involves an open flame and can leave lingering fragrances that may be unpleasant to subsequent occupants of a space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense is a smoke-emitting substance | Inhaling smoke can be harmful to health |
| Contains natural and unnatural ingredients | Natural: sage, resins, oils, wood |
| Unnatural: added to enhance fragrance, burning ability, and hold incense together | |
| Linked to health issues | Studies suggest incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body |
| Linked to increased risk of asthma, cancer, and heart disease | |
| May cause issues with brain health in older adults | |
| Strong scent | Can be overpowering and unpleasant for some |
| Used for fragrance | To create a comfortable atmosphere and cover up unpleasant smells |
| Fire hazard | Requires a flame source |
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What You'll Learn
It triggers allergies and causes headaches
Burning incense is a popular practice worldwide, with many different cultures burning incense for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. However, recent research has revealed that there could be some health drawbacks to burning incense.
Burning incense has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, asthma, and cancer. In particular, the smoke released from burning incense contains particulate matter that is easily inhaled and can trigger chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation is caused by the body processing particulate matter into metabolites, which also causes oxidative stress.
The particulate matter generated from burning incense has been found to be 45 mg per gram burned, which is significantly higher than the 10 mg per gram burned for cigarettes. This particulate matter includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Exposure to these compounds can cause a range of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, reduced work capacity, aggravation of existing cardiovascular diseases, effects on pulmonary function, respiratory illnesses, and lung irritation.
In addition to the health risks posed by the particulate matter and VOCs in incense smoke, burning incense can also trigger allergies and cause headaches. A case study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston warned that burning incense can pose significant health risks to adults and children with allergies and asthma. The patient in the case study, an 87-year-old woman with a history of asthma and COPD, experienced shortness of breath and other symptoms that improved after switching from burning incense to using electric incense devices.
Overall, while burning incense is a popular practice with a variety of cultural and spiritual uses, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with incense smoke, including the risk of triggering allergies and causing headaches.
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It's a fire hazard
Burning incense is a fire hazard and should not be left unattended. While it may seem obvious, it is easy to forget that incense is still burning because there is no conspicuous flame. The burning incense and the resulting ash both present fire hazards. Brushing up against or touching burning incense can start a fire, cause burns, ruin clothing, or discolour furniture.
Incense should always be used with an appropriate incense holder or burner. When using a simple holder, use a ceramic dish or plate underneath to catch the ash produced. Multiple sticks require extra vigilance, as a common cause of fire is one stick accidentally lighting another, which then falls outside the holder with its tip still lit. Ensure that ash from one stick does not fall onto another.
Incense should always be burned on a heat-resistant surface. Be especially careful with incense sticks, as they can easily topple over and start a fire. It is good to use an incense holder or stand to keep them upright.
Even after use, incense can still pose a fire risk. Once you are sure the incense is fully extinguished, you can dispose of it in the trash. Don't forget to check the holder as well! If it is made of flammable materials, make sure it has cooled down before tossing it in the bin.
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Lingering scent may be unpleasant to some
Incense is a polarising scent, with some people loving it and others hating it. For those who dislike incense, the lingering scent can be a major turn-off. Once the smoke has cleared, the scent of incense can stick around for a long time, and it can be challenging to get rid of. This can be especially unpleasant for people who are sensitive to strong smells or have sensory issues.
Some people find the scent of incense overwhelming and overpowering, triggering headaches and nausea. The scent of incense can be described as "horrid" and "strong", and it is often seen as an unwanted pollution of the air. For people who are sensitive to smells, the lingering scent of incense can be particularly offensive and uncomfortable.
The lingering scent of incense can also be a problem for hosts on platforms like Airbnb. Guests who burn incense can leave a strong scent that is difficult to remove, impacting the experience of future guests who may not enjoy the smell. This can lead to negative reviews and impact a host's business.
To mitigate the lingering scent of incense, some people use air fresheners or special filters to try to remove the smell from the air. However, this can be challenging, and the scent may keep coming back. For people who dislike incense, it is important to set boundaries and communicate their preferences clearly to avoid unpleasant experiences.
Overall, the lingering scent of incense can be a significant factor in why some people dislike it. The strong and pervasive nature of the scent can trigger negative physical reactions and impact the enjoyment of spaces where it is burned. For those who are sensitive to smells, it is essential to be mindful of the potential for incense to linger and take steps to avoid or minimise its presence.
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It contains unnatural ingredients
Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is composed of aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. Incense is usually made of mostly natural materials, such as sage, resins, oils, wood, and other plant-based ingredients. However, in recent times, incense makers have started adding more materials to enhance their fragrance, ability to burn, and ability to hold incense blend materials together.
These additional ingredients may include synthetic compounds that can be harmful to health. Studies have shown that incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body and has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and cancer. A 2021 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic and could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma.
The use of synthetic ingredients in incense is a concern for those who value natural and organic products. These synthetic additives can release chemicals into the air, and there have been studies highlighting the harmful effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants released during incense burning. The symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headaches, allergic skin reactions, dyspnea, nausea, fatigue, and more.
When purchasing incense, it is essential to be mindful of the ingredients and opt for natural or organic options to avoid exposure to potentially harmful synthetic compounds. Natural incense is typically hand-dipped and contains all-natural ingredients meant to bring about a sense of peace and calm when burnt. It is also important to note that the benefits of using incense made with pure ingredients versus synthetic additives may not outweigh the risks associated with unnatural products.
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It's linked to an increased risk of heart disease
Incense is a smoke-emitting substance that is burned for hygienic, spiritual, and health purposes. It is made from natural and unnatural ingredients, such as wood, resins, powders, and oils. However, recent research has revealed potential health drawbacks to burning incense.
Burning incense releases volatile organic compounds and particulate matter that are harmful to health. The particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Furthermore, studies suggest that incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which can affect heart tissues, deposit harmful substances, and contribute to overall inflammation.
In a study of 63,257 Singaporean Chinese aged 45-74, researchers found that 77% were current incense users, with most using incense daily for over 20 years. By tracking cardiovascular deaths through the national death registry, the researchers predicted that 8% of the deaths due to coronary heart disease and 12% of the deaths due to stroke could be attributed to chronic exposure to incense smoke.
While the association between incense smoke and cardiovascular disease was weaker in cigarette smokers, the study's authors emphasized that their intention was not to discourage religious incense burning but to educate users on the possible health effects and encourage ways to reduce exposure.
In conclusion, burning incense is linked to an increased risk of heart disease through the release of harmful particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. While further research is needed, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with incense use and take steps to reduce exposure if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense is very strongly scented, and some people are sensitive to its smell. It can also cause headaches and nausea.
Studies suggest that incense smoke can trigger chronic inflammation in the body and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, asthma, and cancer.
Incense has been used for thousands of years for religious, spiritual, and hygienic purposes. It is also used to keep bugs away and to mask other unpleasant smells.
Some people prefer to use candles, diffusers, or plug-in air fresheners instead of incense due to its strong scent and potential health risks.
