MetabolismĬompounds in incense smoke may also affect metabolism. This inflammation was caused by the body processing particulate matter into metabolites, which also caused oxidative stress. The study was limited since it was done only on animals. One study showed it may cause inflammation not only in the lungs, but also in the liver. Studies suggest incense smoke can also trigger chronic inflammation in the body. It also showed an association between incense use and an increased need for asthma medications. The questionnaire revealed there was an association between incense, asthma, and asthmalike symptoms, such as wheezing. One study evaluated over 3,000 schoolchildren for asthma, symptoms of asthma, and burning incense. This means it could lead to a number of respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Particulate matter in incense smoke not only contains carcinogens but also irritants. Many toxic and irritant compounds were detected in the smoke alongside its aromatic compounds, meaning that it could create other health effects, too. This study was performed only on animal cells in vitro, however. Most of these cancers were upper respiratory tract carcinomas or lung carcinomas.Īnother study found inhalation of incense could be more cancerous than smoking a cigarette.

This study also found an association between higher cancer risk and incense use. A study in 2009 confirmed some of this particulate matter was carcinogenic, meaning it could cause cancer.

Incenses contain a mixture of natural and unnatural ingredients that create small, inhalable particulate matter. However, recent research reveals there could be some health drawbacks. Many cultures burn incense for hygienic and even spiritual purposes.

Cigarette celephane smoke waterfall