Cultural Tradition Meets Health Concerns — Incense and Asthma Risks

For those with allergies or asthma, incense burning can significantly impact health, according to a recent ACAAI case.

Burning incense, a widespread practice in cultural and religious rituals, poses substantial health risks for people with allergies and asthma as per a case to be presented at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting ().

This risk affects both adults and children, underscoring the need for awareness in sensitive individuals. “Our patient was an 87-year-old woman with a history of asthma and COPD, on oxygen therapy, who presented with unexplained shortness of breath,” says Gomeo Lam, BA, lead author of the paper.

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There needs to be greater awareness of the health risks associated with burning incense in indoor environments as it could cause adverse health effects.

‘ Did You Know?
In certain cultures, more than 90% of households use incense regularly for rituals and celebrations. #incense #allergies #asthma ’

“A detailed history revealed daily incense burning. We recommended she stop burning incense, which the patient did not want to do as burning joss stick incense daily allowed her to express homage and veneration for ancestors. We then advised her to use electric incense devices, which resulted in improvement of her symptoms.”

The paper points out that burning incense poses health risks including headaches, respiratory dysfunction, dermatologic sensitivity, and allergic reactions.

A Warning for Allergy Sufferers

Incense fumes contain carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides as well as formaldehyde, and other polycyclic aromatic volatile compounds which are carcinogenic.

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Per gram burned, particulate matter generated from incense is 45 mg versus 10 mg from cigarettes.

“People who burn incense may not realize that family members, including children, who are exposed to secondhand smoke, face health consequences,” says allergist Mary Lee-Wong, senior author of the study and ACAAI member.

Frankincense as an Alternative Medicine
The resin from the trunk of Boswellia trees contains anti-inflammatory substances, say scientists.

“Similar to tobacco smoke, thirdhand incense smoke may linger in furniture, clothing, and other articles, dissipating for months afterward.”

The authors point out that, besides health implications, incense combustion contributes to air pollution and can be a fire hazard.

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Welsh scientists say that they learnt from Somalis that frankincense could be used to alleviate arthritic pain.

They recommend that when counseling patients who burn incense, health practitioners consider the sacred significance of incense burning, but also recognize that health risks from this practice cannot be overlooked.

After screening patients for incense use, healthcare practitioners can recommend replacement with electric or aromatic vapors; simulated visuals; improved ventilation; and limiting burn time as approaches to mitigate harm and improve symptoms.

Reference:

Health Hazards From Cultural Practices: Incense Burning - (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1081120624011293#:~:text=Burning%20incense%20poses%20health%20risks%20including%20headaches%2C%20respiratory,other%20polycyclic%20aromatic%20volatile%20compounds%20which%20are%20carcinogenic.)

Source-Eurekalert