Is Incense Bad for You?
For centuries, people all over the world have burned incense in religious rituals, during meditation, and for aromatherapy. Incense is especially common in many Asian countries.
But is incense bad for you? Burning incense releases pollutants into the air. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems and may even increase the risk of cancer.
However, burning incense doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re harming your health. By taking certain precautions, you can minimize the risks. For example, it’s important to only burn incense in moderation, ensure proper ventilation, and choose natural incense made without synthetic fragrances or additives.
When used safely, incense can be relaxing and may even improve your mood, promoting positive energy in the home.
This article explores the ingredients in incense, the potential health risks, the differences between natural and synthetic incense, and some safety guidelines to help you make informed decisions about burning incense in your home. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether incense is bad for you.
Incense 101
Incense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, aromatherapy, and as a way to freshen up a room. But what exactly is incense, and how is it made?
What is incense made from?
Traditionally, incense is made from aromatic organic materials like:
- woods
- resins
- seeds
- herbs
These fragrant materials are mixed with binders, such as Nanmu powder or Halmaddi, to hold the incense together. The binders ensure that the incense burns evenly.
However, modern incense often contains artificial fragrances and petrochemical-based chemicals. The rise of synthetic ingredients has led to concerns about the potential health implications of burning incense.
Different ways of burning incense
Incense comes in different forms, including: cones, sticks, and coils.
- sticks
- cones
- coils
You can burn incense in two main ways: direct burning and indirect burning. With direct burning, you light the incense directly and let it smolder. With indirect burning, you need a heat source, like charcoal, to heat the incense and release its fragrance.
Pollutants Released from Burning Incense
When you burn incense, it releases pollutants into the air that can be harmful to your health. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most concerning:
Particulate Matter (PM)
Particulate matter, or PM, refers to tiny particles suspended in the air. These particles come in different sizes, and the smaller they are, the deeper they can travel into your lungs. You might see these sizes referred to as PM10, PM2.5, or even ultrafine particles.
Burning incense releases a lot of particulate matter. One study found that incense burning produces more than 45 milligrams of particulates per gram burned, compared to just 10 milligrams per gram for cigarettes. That’s a significant difference!
Inhaling particulate matter can cause a range of respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.
Gaseous Emissions
Burning incense also releases several harmful gases into the air, including:
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. It prevents your body from getting the oxygen it needs. Even low levels of CO inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Incense burning contributes to CO in the air.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): These gases are respiratory irritants. They can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Incense smoke contains both SO2 and NO2.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are gases emitted from a variety of sources, including paints, cleaning products, and, you guessed it, burning incense.
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): PAHs are carcinogenic compounds, meaning they can cause cancer. They are found in incense smoke. Studies have shown that the concentrations of PAHs can be very high in temples and other places where incense is burned frequently.
- Diethylphthalate (DEP): DEP is another pollutant released from burning incense. Studies have found that DEP emissions from various types of incense can be high in concentration.
How does incense smoke affect your health? What the research says
Burning incense can be a feast for the senses, but how does it affect your health? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, so let’s take a look at what the research says.
Respiratory Issues
Some studies have linked incense use to respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. For example, one study found that temple workers, who are exposed to incense smoke regularly, had higher odds ratios for acute irritation symptoms.
On the other hand, a 2016 study in Hong Kong found no link between incense use and respiratory symptoms. So, what gives?
It’s important to remember that everyone is different. If you already have asthma or another respiratory condition, you might be more sensitive to the negative effects of incense smoke.
Cardiovascular Effects
There’s a potential link between long-term exposure to incense smoke and cardiovascular problems. Air pollution, in general, is known to have a negative impact on heart health. More research is needed to understand the specific effects of incense smoke on the cardiovascular system.
Neurological Effects
There isn’t much research on how incense smoke affects the nervous system. However, some of the pollutants in incense smoke could potentially have neurological effects.
Cancer Risk
Studies on temples and temple workers often show negative health impacts, including potential links to cancer. A 2008 study in Singapore found an increased risk of respiratory cancer for incense users, but the link wasn’t statistically strong.
However, other studies haven’t found a direct link between moderate incense use and cancer. It’s important to remember that there haven’t been many large-scale studies that conclusively link moderate incense use to a significant cancer risk.
It’s also important to distinguish between long-term, high-exposure scenarios (like those experienced by temple workers) and moderate household use.
Other potential health issues
Incense smoke can also cause allergies and skin problems. Some studies have found elevated levels of IgE antibodies (which are associated with allergies) in the cord blood of babies whose mothers were exposed to incense smoke during pregnancy.
Synthetic vs. Natural Incense
Incense isn’t just incense. What’s inside matters when it comes to your health.
The problem with synthetic incense
Synthetic incense often uses artificial fragrances and chemical additives to create a desired scent. Some of these ingredients haven’t been studied thoroughly, but we do know that some can be harmful. The artificial scents and additives in synthetic incense mean that burning it could expose you to chemicals that irritate your airways or even cause allergic reactions.
The appeal of natural incense
Natural incense uses plant-based ingredients and essential oils to get its aroma. For many people, natural incense is a safer and more appealing way to scent a room.
What’s coming out of your incense?
The type of incense you burn affects the type and amount of emissions you’re exposed to. Synthetic incense tends to produce more harmful pollutants than natural incense. Natural incense may have a lower emission profile.
How to identify high-quality natural incense
If you want to buy natural incense, look for transparent ingredient lists. If you see “fragrance” or “parfum” on the list, that’s a sign that the incense contains artificial fragrance. If you have any concerns about the ingredients in your incense, talk to your doctor.
How to burn incense safely
If you enjoy burning incense, here are some things you can do to reduce the risks:
- Ventilate. Burning incense in a well-ventilated space is always best. Open windows and use fans to keep the air moving.
- Moderate. Try not to burn incense all day, every day. A few hours here and there might be okay, but avoid burning it constantly, especially in small spaces.
- Distance. Don’t hold incense right up to your face. Keep it at a reasonable distance.
- Purify. An air purifier can help remove some of the pollutants that incense releases.
- Choose wisely. Look for incense made with natural ingredients. Avoid anything with synthetic fragrances or additives, as these are more likely to release harmful chemicals.
- Protect vulnerable groups. If you have asthma, COPD, or any other respiratory condition, be extra careful when burning incense. The same goes for people with allergies. Also, keep incense away from pets, as they can be sensitive to the smoke and fragrances.
By taking these precautions, you can still enjoy the aroma of incense while minimizing the potential harm to your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is incense bad for you to inhale?
Inhaling incense smoke can be harmful, especially with frequent or prolonged exposure. Incense smoke contains particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other potentially toxic substances. These can irritate the respiratory system, trigger asthma, and potentially contribute to other health problems. It’s important to burn incense in well-ventilated areas and limit exposure.
Is incense worse for you than candles?
The health impacts of incense versus candles are complex and depend on the specific products being used. Both release pollutants when burned. Some studies suggest incense may release higher levels of certain pollutants, like particulate matter, compared to some candles. However, the type of wax, fragrance, and burning conditions all influence the amount and type of pollutants released by both incense and candles. Poorly ventilated rooms will exacerbate the problem for both.
Is burning incense sticks bad for you?
Burning incense sticks can pose health risks due to the release of pollutants into the air. The extent of the risk depends on factors such as the type of incense, the frequency of burning, and the ventilation of the space. Regularly burning incense sticks in enclosed spaces may increase the risk of respiratory problems. Using incense sparingly and in well-ventilated areas can help minimize potential health effects.
In conclusion
Burning incense releases pollutants that can be harmful, especially if you’re exposed to them for a long time. Breathing in these pollutants may increase your risk of certain health conditions. However, you may not experience these effects if you only burn incense occasionally.
If you enjoy burning incense, there are ways to minimize the risks. Ventilation is key. Open a window or door to allow fresh air to circulate. Burn incense in moderation, and choose incense made from natural ingredients rather than synthetic fragrances.
Ultimately, the decision to burn incense is a personal one. Weigh the potential risks and benefits before lighting up.
It’s also worth noting that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of incense smoke. As scientists continue to study this topic, we may learn more about the best ways to enjoy incense safely.