Everyone is familiar with the atmosphere inside temples or shrines filled with a large amount of incense smoke. Some people inhale the smoke until they feel difficulty breathing, some get smoke in their eyes causing redness and irritation. Many times, there have been campaigns to worship without lighting incense. Today, we have an expert to explain the causes and dangers of incense smoke.
Dr. Thaneesa Phanumatrassamee, a family medicine specialist from the Health Check-up Center Clinic, Phyathai 1 Hospital explained clearly that… Nowadays, incense often contains sawdust, adhesive, and scents extracted from plants or chemicals. When incense is burned, it produces particulate matter and releases toxic substances such as benzo[a]pyrene, benzene, and butadiene, which are substances associated with cancer induction. Additionally, there are other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide gas, nitrogen dioxide gas, and carbon monoxide gas. Those who inhale these will experience irritation in the respiratory system, sneezing, coughing, throat irritation, difficulty breathing, headaches, or even smoke entering the eyes causing stinging and tearing. Therefore, we should avoid staying in places with incense smoke.
The doctor also added that good cultural traditions should be preserved, but it is advisable to avoid lighting incense in poorly ventilated areas. Using shorter incense sticks and extinguishing or putting away incense sooner can help both health and reduce the risk of fire. Those who come into direct contact with incense or incense smoke should wash their hands and face to reduce residue. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, or allergies should avoid exposure especially, or if necessary, should use a handkerchief or face mask to cover their mouth and nose for protection.