It's not wrong to say the tradition of using incense is deeply intertwined with religious practices in the nation where religion and culture share a strong bond. Whether it's within the confines of your personal prayer space at home or at communal locations such as monasteries, pagodas, and temples that are frequently visited by the public, the presence of incense and the waft of smoke is ubiquitous. Furthermore, there are instances where individuals burn incense with the intention of creating a pleasant aroma within a room. In this context, the potential health implications linked to who inhale incense smoke will be discussed, along with other essential factors.

Cancer 

In the past, people used natural elements to create pleasant fragrances, while contemporary incense sticks are composed of a mixture of both natural and synthetic elements. Research conducted by the American Cancer Society demonstrates that prolonged exposure to the emissions and particles released when burning such substances can increase the probability of cancer development. The study's results reveal that individuals who inhale in incense smoke confront double the risk of developing lung and respiratory tract cancers in comparison to smokers. This data suggests that inhaling vapors emitted by mosquito repellents could potentially yield similar effects, extending beyond just incense fumes.

Asthma

Incense contains carcinogenic compounds and allergenic substances that can trigger a range of respiratory conditions, including asthma. Furthermore, individuals with asthma have been observed to experience wheezing when exposed to incense fragrance, which can lead to a higher reliance on asthma medication.

In addition to cancer and asthma, heart disease is also a significant consequence of inhaling incense smoke. A study involving sixty thousand individuals in Singapore discovered that deaths due to heart disease were more prevalent among those who burned incense at home and were exposed to the fumes for an extended period of time. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4256695/

Other Health Issues 

In addition to the diseases mentioned above, incense fumes have been discovered to trigger chronic inflammation within the body's cells, particularly notable in lung and heart cells. Furthermore, the compounds found in incense have the potential to trigger unexplained weight loss and reduce levels of cholesterol that are beneficial to the body. These findings are based on experimental results conducted in mice, suggesting the possibility of comparable effects in humans.

Other Associated Issues

Beyond these health concerns, incense also contributes to air pollution. Indeed, emission released by burning incense can affect various settings, including enclosed spaces lacking ventilation, places of worship where people gather, and during festivals. It is reported that incense sticks are crafted from diverse wood types in countries where incense is popular, such as sandalwood, eaglewood, Thanaka, and fragrant wood. In this country, analysts state that tamarind wood is primarily utilized in crafting incense. This situation contributes to deforestation, making incense sticks an additional factor in the process.

Because this tradition of burning incense sticks or fragrance sticks is rooted in faith and altruism, the immediate eradication of this practice poses a significant challenge. Instead of incense sticks, you have the option to choose less smoky alternatives, such as essential oils and incense burners. Another choice is to select and use naturally fragrant flowers. When the necessity to burn incense arises, ensuring proper ventilation can help alleviate potential harm by preventing the accumulation of vapors. It's crucial to acknowledge that despite the mental clarity and freshness brought about by the scent of incense, it is accompanied by an array of adverse health effects and other drawbacks, as mentioned earlier.