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Health Risks Associated with Incense Burning Highlighted at ACAAI Meeting
Incense burning plays a significant role in various cultural and religious practices worldwide, serving purposes from meditation to honoring ancestors. However, a new case study presented at this year’s American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with this practice, particularly for individuals with asthma and allergies.
“The case involved an 87-year-old woman who had a history of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and required oxygen therapy. She came to us experiencing unexplained shortness of breath,” explained Gomeo Lam, BA, the lead author of the study. “Upon investigating her daily habits, we discovered she regularly burned incense. While we advised her to stop this practice, she was reluctant because it was an important ritual for honoring her ancestors. Ultimately, we suggested she switch to electric incense devices, which significantly improved her breathing issues.”
The research details the various health hazards linked to burning incense, which can include respiratory problems, skin sensitivity, headaches, and allergic reactions. The smoke produced contains harmful substances such as carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde, along with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds. Impressively, the particulate matter emitted from incense is roughly 45 mg per gram burned, compared to just 10 mg from cigarettes, indicating a serious health concern.
“Many individuals who burn incense may not fully understand the risks posed to other household members, including children, who may be exposed to secondhand smoke,” stated Mary Lee-Wong, an allergist and senior author of the study. “Like tobacco smoke, the residue from incense—termed thirdhand smoke—can linger on surfaces like furniture and clothing, remaining hazardous for months.”
In addition to health risks, the authors highlight that burning incense contributes to air pollution and poses potential fire hazards. They recommend that healthcare practitioners, when advising patients about incense use, should balance the cultural and spiritual significance of this practice with the associated health risks. During consultations, healthcare professionals can inquire about incense usage and suggest safer alternatives such as electric diffusers or aromatherapy vapors, as well as improving ventilation and reducing the duration of incense burning to mitigate health risks.
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