Incense is a form of aromatic resin that has been used as part of religious and spiritual ceremonies for millennia. It is often burned in Buddhist and Hindu temples and Christian churches.
However, research has linked heavy incense use to an increased risk of cancers of the respiratory tract. The smoke released by incense contains toxic chemicals, which can cause health issues if inhaled over long periods of time.
1. Incense is bad for your health
It is a common misconception that incense can cause ill health effects. However, this is not necessarily the case. Like any other smoke, incense smoke can increase indoor air pollution and negatively impact your health if you inhale it for too long.
The smoke from burning incense contains a mix of particulate matter, gas products and volatile organic compounds. When inhaled, these pollutants can cause respiratory dysfunction and lead to a variety of health problems.
Moreover, it is important to remember that incense is often burned in closed spaces with limited ventilation, which can make matters worse. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the benefits of incense, it is best to burn them sparingly and in well-ventilated areas. This will help reduce the amount of pollutants in your home and prevent them from negatively affecting your health.
2. Incense is bad for the environment
Many incense sticks use synthetic ingredients that create harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter when burned. A study has found that incense smoke can have high concentration levels of benzene and formaldehyde, and it increases indoor air pollution. Inhaling incense smoke pollutants can trigger asthma and allergies and may also increase the risk of cancer.
A 2009 study has found that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic. It can also cause oxidative stress and pulmonary inflammation.
People should choose all-natural dipped incense sticks for their mindfulness practice, and consider opening windows and using an air purifier to increase indoor air ventilation to reduce the negative impacts of burning incense. Inhaling smoke from any kind of burning substance will lead to breathing problems, so it’s a good idea to avoid using incense if you have respiratory issues.
3. Incense is bad for your hair
Most incense sticks, cones, and rolls are made from a mix of materials including natural herbs, resins, oils, and wood. They are lit with a flame to burn and emit smoke. The smoke is designed to be pleasant and create a calming mood.
Incense burns can release toxins into the air that you breathe, and some of these toxins have been linked to health problems. The lungs are the organs that are most affected by incense smoke, and regular inhalation can increase your risk of lung diseases.
Aside from avoiding incense, it’s also best to avoid breathing in air pollution as much as possible. This means opening windows before and after you use incense, as well as choosing a houseplant that can remove toxins from the air.
4. Incense is bad for your teeth
Inhaling incense smoke can lead to various health problems including respiratory diseases, headaches and nausea. This is due to the presence of toxic particulate matter which contains carcinogenic compounds.
Research has shown that burning incense in poorly ventilated areas releases high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are known to cause lung cancer. Inhaling incense smoke for long durations can also increase the risk of breathing problems like asthma.
Using natural fragrances or potpourri can be a safe alternative to incense sticks and candles. However, if you do use incense sticks, make sure to open windows and have proper ventilation in the room where the incense is being burned. This will help reduce indoor air pollution. Also try to avoid spraying your room with air fresheners which often contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can worsen your respiratory condition.
5. Incense is bad for your skin
Burning incense is a common ritual for many people. It’s used to freshen up the air, as a spiritual practice, and more. Incense is made from a variety of natural materials that can be burned to create a fragrant smoke.
However, inhaling this smoke can be bad for your skin and cause other health problems. The small particulate matter in the smoke can irritate your lungs and increase your risk for respiratory diseases like asthma.
Research shows that inhaling the smoke from incense can lead to a higher risk of cancer, specifically upper respiratory tract and lung cancers. It’s important to use natural, dipped incense sticks and open windows when using incense around your home to decrease the impact on your health. Also, try to choose a low-smoke fragrance option or even better – go for an all-natural incense stick with no added synthetic ingredients.