Is Incense Harmful? The Facts and the Fiction
Incense has had a bad rap lately. As people all over the world become more conscious of the harm caused by some of our lifestyle choices, we rightly want to know that what we put into our bodies is safe. Here, our experts break down the science behind this ancient tool and answer the question once and for all: is incense harmful?
Is Incense Harmful to Humans?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The real answer lies in the type, origin, and method of burning incense.
For example, an incense stick containing synthetic fillers and combustibles with very little organic plant matter can be toxic when burned regularly.
However, burning 100% plant-based, mechanically extracted incense indirectly can be incredibly safe, and is increasingly used in clinical settings.
Read on to get more of the nitty gritty on why incense can be great, and why it can also be harmful.
Is Incense Harmful to Pets?
Many domesticated animals have more sensitive noses than humans, so the potent scents combined with synthetic chemicals produced by some incense can cause some irritation.
However, you can easily mitigate this by ensuring you purchase incense made from only natural, unadulterated materials.
What is Incense?
Incense comes from the Latin word incensusm, meaning 'something burned'. Pretty vague, right? Well, it may surprise you to learn that the incense industry thinks so too. This is proven by the many forms incense takes on today's market. We break down the most common incense types and associated health risks below.
What is Natural Incense?
Burnt Beech natural incense is 100% plant-based and extracted naturally with no chemicals or solvents. These plant materials burn using only indirect methods, e.g. using an oil warmer. This reduces the amount of smoke and particulate matter produced and ensures the incense experience is safe and effective.
What are Incense Sticks?
Incense sticks are thin pieces of wood, usually bamboo or sandalwood, which are dipped in a blend of fragrant plant matter, combustible wood powders, and binding agents.
When set alight, the sticks produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These PAHs are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues in humans and animals.
Not only is smoke from incense sticks potentially harmful, but it also does not offer the pure scent of the plant matter. For example, a vanilla incense stick will smell vaguely like vanilla, with strong overtones of wood and synthetic fillers.
What are Incense Cones?
Incense cones are similar to incense sticks. However, they do not contain a stick base, only plant matter, combustibles, fillers, and binders, which combine to form a cone shape.
This incense smoke produced may produce a slightly less woody aroma but is still contaminated by the smell of the chemicals.
What is Loose Incense?
Loose incense comes in several forms. It can be simply resins, plant products such as leaves and petals, or even essential oils. And because of this, there are many different ways to burn incense in its loose form.
One great option is using an oil warmer. This is an indirect form of burning incense, which means the plant matter is not ignited and therefore does not release toxic smoke compounds into the air, but rather gently warms to release the incredible aroma and benefits of the natural botanicals.
What can make incense smoke harmful?
Burning certain types of incense can produce smoke containing toxic compounds, which in turn can have negative health effects and result in indoor air pollution. The types of incense that produce the most harmful by-products are sticks, cones and coils. This is because they burn directly and contain a lot of added ingredients. Read on for more details on some of these potentially harmful substances and how you can best avoid them.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAHs, such as naphthalene, are a type of chemical that are by-products of burning tobacco, wood, and gasoline, among others. When released into the air, especially indoor air, they can cause irritation to the skin and the respiratory tract.
How to ensure your incense is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-free
If your incense is made from wood or wood-based combustibles and is directly burned, then it is likely to produce PAHs. To avoid this, it is best to go with an indirect burning incense instead.
This could be resins, essential oils, or other botanicals burned using an oil warmer or charcoal disc.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds are usually human-made chemicals produced as a result of some pretty gnarly industrial processes, such as chlorination as well as fuel and pharmaceutical production. So it may be a surprise that they can also come from burning incense indoors.
VOCs in incense smoke may be linked to lung cancer, as well as other respiratory issues. So it is best to avoid them, especially in enclosed spaces like your home.
However, this generally only applies to mass-produced stick and cone incense smoke. This is because they contain synthetic materials as fillers and binders for the aromatics components.
How to ensure your incense is VOC-free
Always ensure you purchase incense that you know only contains natural ingredients.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a noxious gas, well-known for being present in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes. So, as you can imagine, the health effects aren't great. But this harmful gas can also be found in some incense and candle smoke too.
This is because, when burning incense sticks and cones, particulate matter releases and emits carbon monoxide (CO), VOCs and PAHs into the indoor air.
Carbon monoxide can contribute to heart and respiratory issues, as well as other negative health effects, so it is wise to keep your potential exposure to a minimum.
How to ensure your incense is carbon monoxide-free
To be sure your incense is free of carbon monoxide, you must ensure it is not a direct-burning incense - i.e. not ignited directly. Instead, opt for an indirect burning incense, such as an oil warmer or charcoal disc.
Incense Burning: The Non-Toxic Way
Our guide to incense burning will ensure you can burn incense safely in the knowledge that you are staying well clear of harmful PAHs, VOCs and Carbon Monoxide and keeping the indoor air pollution in your home to a minimum.
Before you begin
It is essential you have everything you need to burn incense before you start. This will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
You will need
- Natural incense blend
- Essential oil warmer
- Candle lighter (the super long kind)
- Tea light candle
How to Burn Incense Safely
Time needed: 30 minutes.
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Set up.
Place the tea light candle in the bottom chamber of your oil warmer and pour some natural incense into the bowl located at the top of your warmer.
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Light up.
Using your candle lighter, ignite the tea light candle until it is producing a consistent flame.
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Enjoy.
Continue to top-up the incense blend until you want feel you have finished with your incense. If you find the aroma becoming too powerful, either open a window or proceed with step 4.
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Extinguish.
When you are finished, gently blow out the tea light and allow the oil warmer to cool before touching it.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining great air quality in your home is becoming more and more important. So if you want your home to be a cozy, welcoming space with an incredible fragrance, we advise you stick to natural incense solutions and steer clear of synthetic-laden, mass-produced sticks and cones.
Your body, and your furry friends, will thank you!