Incense is a smoke-emitting substance. Like anything else that emits smoke, you may accidentally inhale it when using it. Recently, there have been some inquiries into how incense negatively affects health.
Different kinds of incense have different scents and materials, some made from wood, resins, or powders.
Incense can freshen the scent of indoor areas for spiritual purposes, health, and many other purposes.
This article examines whether burning incense can affect your health.
Many cultures burn incense for hygienic and even spiritual purposes. However, recent research reveals there could be some health drawbacks.
Cancer
Incense contains natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. A
There is also an association between higher cancer risk and incense use. Most of these cancers were upper respiratory tract carcinomas or lung carcinomas.
Many toxic and irritant compounds are present in the smoke alongside its aromatic compounds, which could also create other health effects. These compounds include:
- polyaromatic hydrocarbons
- benzene
- carbonyls
Asthma
Particulate matter in incense smoke contains carcinogens and irritants, which could lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Burning incense may trigger asthma.
Inflammation
Studies suggest incense smoke can also trigger chronic inflammation in the body.
One
This inflammation stems from the body processing particulate matter into metabolites, which also causes oxidative stress. However, further research is necessary on humans.
Heart health
Like asthma and cancer, incense smoke has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Research on rats found that incense burning
Cognitive function
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This could stem from long-term air pollution caused by burning incense, resulting in smaller brain and prefrontal cortex volumes.
However, the precise mechanisms that cause the relationships between incense burning and brain changes need further investigation.
Recent research suggests that incense contains overlooked health dangers. However, consumers should also be cautious about what studies say.
For example, many studies contain research using rats — further research on humans is necessary rather than relying on animal studies.
Many different kinds of incense contain different ingredients. Studies use only certain kinds, so these results aren’t applicable to every type of incense.
Studies surveying populations for cancer, asthma, heart disease, and incense use only note an association between these. They don’t show that incense caused any of these diseases — they only show a correlation.
Incense is usually made of mostly natural materials, such as sage, resins, oils, wood, and others.
Nowadays, incense makers add more materials to enhance their fragrance, ability to burn, and ability to hold incense blend materials together.
You’ll need a flame source to use most types of incense, such as a lighter or matches. The incense’s end — a cone, stick, round, or other — is lit with a flame to burn and emit smoke.
The smoke released has a sweet, pleasant smell. It can also contain particulate matter that you can easily inhale, which can possibly have negative health outcomes.
Incense smoke may pose health risks, but some alternatives are available.
These aren’t linked to increased risks of health problems or minimal risks. Each can improve the scent of an indoor space in different ways:
- smudging, such as with sage
- oil diffusers
- candles without lead-core wicks
- natural home deodorizers
People have used incense for thousands of years and experienced many benefits. However, studies suggest that incense can pose health dangers.
Incense isn’t officially deemed a major public health risk comparable to smoking tobacco. Correct use to reduce risks hasn’t yet been explored.
Reducing or limiting incense use and exposure to the smoke may help lower your risk. Opening windows during or after use is one way to reduce exposure.
Otherwise, you can explore alternatives to incense if you’re concerned about the risks.
