Burning incense is a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual practice across Asia, widely used in homes, temples, and meditation centers. The pleasant aroma of sandalwood and agarwood drifting through the air is often associated with peace, purity, and devotion. However, a new scientific study has raised serious concerns that incense smoke might not be as harmless as it smells—suggesting that it could be even more toxic than cigarette smoke.
A research team led by Dr. Zhou Rong from the South China University of Technology, in collaboration with China Tobacco Guangdong Industrial Company, has uncovered alarming findings published in Environmental Chemistry Letters. Their study calls for greater public awareness and scrutiny of incense use, especially in indoor environments.
Incense Smoke vs. Cigarette Smoke: What the Study Found
The researchers examined the health impact of two widely used incense types—agarwood and sandalwood—both of which are integral to traditional incense production in many Asian households. The team focused on the biological effects of the smoke emitted during incense burning and compared it to the well-documented effects of cigarette smoke.
Shockingly, the study found that incense smoke is mutagenic—capable of altering DNA, which may lead to genetic mutations. More importantly, incense smoke was observed to be more cytotoxic and genotoxic than cigarette smoke, indicating that it may cause greater damage to human cells and DNA. These genetic changes are often the first step in the development of serious health conditions such as cancer.
Toxic Particles in Every Puff of Smoke
One of the most concerning revelations of the research is that 99% of incense smoke is composed of ultrafine and fine particles. These microscopic particles are easily inhaled and can travel deep into the lungs, potentially causing irreversible respiratory damage. In total, the study identified 64 different chemical compounds in the smoke, including several known to be highly toxic.
Exposure to these pollutants has been linked to a range of health problems such as:
- Lung cancer
- Childhood leukemia
- Brain tumors
- Chronic respiratory inflammation
- Irritation of the eyes and skin
Eye and Respiratory Health at Risk
Prolonged exposure to incense smoke in closed spaces can cause itching, burning sensations in the eyes, and even lead to temporary or permanent vision problems. For individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, inhaling this smoke may trigger severe allergic reactions, airway inflammation, and difficulty breathing.
Dr. Zhou emphasized the need for a more cautious approach:
“Clearly, there needs to be greater awareness and management of the health risks associated with burning incense in indoor environments,” he said.
However, he also warned against drawing absolute conclusions, noting that incense products vary widely in their composition, and user behavior differs significantly from that of cigarette smokers.
“One should not simply conclude that incense smoke is more toxic than cigarette smoke,” he added, highlighting the need for broader studies and better regulation.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
While incense remains a meaningful ritual for many, experts recommend the following precautions to minimize health risks:
- Burn incense in well-ventilated areas
- Limit the frequency and duration of incense use
- Avoid using incense in small, enclosed spaces
- Choose high-quality, natural incense sticks with minimal additives
- Keep incense away from children and individuals with respiratory conditions
Incense may symbolize spirituality and serenity, but the smoke it releases could be quietly damaging your health. With new research suggesting it may even pose greater risks than cigarettes, it’s time to rethink how and where we burn incense. Until more regulatory frameworks are in place, awareness and responsible usage are the best safeguards.
