Burning Incense Again?

Posting Date: 08/02/2001

Did you know that burning incense could put you at risk for cancer? Researchers in Taiwan have found that the smoke from incense is full of cancer-causing chemicals.

Now, the air samples that were studied were taken inside of temples in Tainan City where hundreds or even thousands of sticks of incense are burned at one time. Probably more than you burn at home. Still, you should be aware that you might need to ventilate your home while you burn incense.

Researchers found that when air samples in temples were compared to the air at traffic intersections the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (cancer-causing agents) were 19 times higher than the outside air and only slightly higher than the air at the intersections.

Those of you have traveled in Asia know how incense burning is a national pastime. It provides spiritual comfort in the practice of certain religions.

According to the BBC, industrial workers who are exposed to PAHs are at increased risk for lung and bladder cancer as well as occupational skin and scrotal cancers. So, you should try to ventilate the room where you are burning incense. And be aware of when your nose and throat begin to bother you -- you may have had more than enough.

Source: BBC News, August 2, 2001

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