A recent medical case has highlighted the health dangers of burning incense for individuals with allergies and asthma, posing a substantial risk to both adults and children.
In various cultures, burning incense is a common practice during religious and cultural ceremonies, including meditation, celebrations, and spiritual rituals. However, a new medical case presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston emphasizes that this practice can be particularly hazardous for those suffering from allergies and asthma.
“Our patient was an 87-year-old woman with a background of asthma and COPD, who required oxygen therapy and reported unexplained breathlessness,” explains Gomeo Lam, BA, the study’s lead author. “Upon taking a detailed history, we found she was burning incense daily. We advised her to stop this practice, but she was reluctant as it allowed her to honor her ancestors. Instead, we suggested using electric incense devices, which led to an improvement in her symptoms.”
The study indicates that burning incense can lead to a range of health issues, including headaches, respiratory problems, skin sensitivities, and allergic reactions. The smoke emitted contains harmful substances such as carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds that can be carcinogenic. When compared, the particulate matter produced from burning incense is 45 mg per gram, significantly higher than the 10 mg from cigarettes.
“Individuals who burn incense might not fully understand that those around them, especially children, can experience negative health effects from secondhand smoke,” states allergist Mary Lee-Wong, the senior author of the study and a member of ACAAI. “Similar to tobacco smoke, the residues from incense can linger on furniture, clothing, and other items, potentially persisting for months.”
The authors note that beyond individual health risks, the burning of incense also contributes to air pollution and poses a fire risk. They suggest that when advising patients who burn incense, health professionals should acknowledge its cultural significance while also addressing the associated health risks. After assessing patients’ incense usage, healthcare providers can recommend alternatives such as electric or aromatic vapor devices, using simulated visuals, enhancing ventilation, and reducing burn durations to lessen dangers and alleviate symptoms.
