Medicine
INCENSE: an underrated source of indoor pollution and health risks
|
Ainhoa Pérez
Alumni
|
|
MPH, MSc.
|
Incense is an underestimated source of indoor pollution. Recent studies show that its combustion generates particles and toxic compounds that have been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and other negative health effects.
A review (Yadav et al., 2022) has analyzed the risks associated with incense burning, compiling evidence from different experimental, observational and environmental modeling studies. Some studies characterized emissions from different types of incense, evaluated exposures in homes and temples (especially in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong), and examined cross-sectional and experimental animal studies. An increased prevalence of asthma, pulmonary dysfunction, allergic symptoms and lung cancer among other associated problems have been found. Associations with increased respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, neurological and reproductive disorders have also been documented. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness and skin and eye irritations have also been reported. Prenatal exposure has also been associated with low birth weight, motor retardation and increased levels of IgE in the umbilical cord. Experimental animal studies have shown lung and epithelial damage, inflammatory macrophage infiltration, testicular alterations and decreased fertility parameters. Some of the mechanisms found are an increase in oxidative stress or activation of proinflammatory pathways (increased TNF-α, IL-4) in different tissues such as lung, liver or kidney.
INCENSE AND HEALTH
Incense is an aromatic preparation generally composed of vegetable resins, aromatic woods, essential oils and sometimes synthetic fragrances. It is designed to be burned, releasing a complex mixture of pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and below), volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen and sulfur oxides. In addition, incomplete combustion of these compounds generates reactive intermediates with high bioactivity. Emissions can exceed 45 mg of particulate matter per gram of incense, quadrupling those of a cigarette. Residual ashes also represent an environmental problem. Rich in heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury, they can contaminate water bodies and increase their alkalinity due to the presence of calcium and magnesium oxides. Different studies have documented that the particles generated reach the deep regions of the respiratory system, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, several studies have associated this practice with respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and dermatological diseases.A review (Yadav et al., 2022) has analyzed the risks associated with incense burning, compiling evidence from different experimental, observational and environmental modeling studies. Some studies characterized emissions from different types of incense, evaluated exposures in homes and temples (especially in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong), and examined cross-sectional and experimental animal studies. An increased prevalence of asthma, pulmonary dysfunction, allergic symptoms and lung cancer among other associated problems have been found. Associations with increased respiratory and cardiovascular mortality, neurological and reproductive disorders have also been documented. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness and skin and eye irritations have also been reported. Prenatal exposure has also been associated with low birth weight, motor retardation and increased levels of IgE in the umbilical cord. Experimental animal studies have shown lung and epithelial damage, inflammatory macrophage infiltration, testicular alterations and decreased fertility parameters. Some of the mechanisms found are an increase in oxidative stress or activation of proinflammatory pathways (increased TNF-α, IL-4) in different tissues such as lung, liver or kidney.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, incense burning represents a significant source of environmental pollution and a multisystemic risk factor for human health. Incense combustion products induce oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and epithelial alterations, and their chronic exposure is associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine and reproductive diseases. Toxicity varies according to the type of incense (traditional, organic, bakhoor, oud) and depends on its content of heavy metals and organic compounds. Some studies suggest that its toxicity may be lower than that of tobacco in relation to the presence of certain pollutants, however, other studies have found that the concentration of ultrafine particles released by burning incense can exceed those of tobacco under equivalent conditions of volume and ventilation. Nevertheless, the cumulative effect is of concern, particularly in poorly ventilated locations, and may contribute significantly to indoor particulate pollution. While outdoor air pollution is widely known, indoor air pollution is still a poorly recognized health problem, despite the fact that it causes high morbidity and mortality in the population. The use of incense indoors should be restricted, especially in poorly ventilated spaces and even more so if vulnerable people are exposed. Prospective studies including longitudinal measures of exposure are needed. Information on its composition, labeling and use should also be improved, and less toxic compositions should be studied.
#incense #air_quality #respiratory_diseases #asthma #environmental_pollution #airquality #respiratorydiseases #environmentalpollution #healthrisks.
References:
Yadav, V. K et al, 2022. Health and Environmental Risks of Incense Smoke: Mechanistic Insights and Cumulative Evidence. Journal of Inflammation Research, 15, 2665-2693. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S347489
* The news published on studies do not represent an official position of ICNS, nor a clinical recommendation.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
