09/04/2023
Crap...👎👎😕😕😕
"This applies to things like burning sage and palo santo too: the VOC are released during COMBUSTION; ie burning)"
"Whenever I post about scented candles & air fresheners, I get questions about whether incense burning is a better option. It's for sure not a better option.
Incense is typically made from various aromatics (natural & synthetic), and some kind of combustible (ie, flammable) material, often wood, or wood powders (often used in cone-style incense).
The burning of incense releases a cocktail of VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene, as well as copious amounts of particulate matter. A 2008 study found that on average, incense burning produces greater than 45 mg/g of particulates compared to 10 mg/g for ci******es - meaning, at least in terms of particulates, burning incense releases 4.5x more than a cigarette. (PMID: 18439280)
**This does NOT mean that incense is more toxic than cigarette smoking - this study was just comparing particulate matter release specifically
Research into particulate matter from incense shows that the majority fall into the fine and ultra-fine category, the most toxic of particle size due to their ability to embed deep into lung tissues and enter the bloodstream.
Long-term incense use has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. (PMID: 25127437)
Folks burn incense for a number of reasons; religious or spiritual practice, relaxation, and ambiance.
But burning it comes with health risks, especially if it's done indoors, with windows closed, and on a regular basis.
For anyone (but especially children) with any respiratory issues, or cancer (active, in remission, or susceptibility), it's a wise choice to skip the incense.
If you burn it once in a while, with the windows open, it’s probably not too big of a deal (provided there aren’t respiratory issues).
If you burn it regularly, maybe think about cutting back!
(This applies to things like burning sage and palo santo too: the VOC are released during COMBUSTION; ie burning)"
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