Burning Incense: A Hidden Health Risk for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers

Burning incense is a common practice in many cultures, often used for religious rituals, meditation, and ancestral worship. However, new research warns that for those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues, this practice could pose significant health risks. A case study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting highlights the dangers, especially for vulnerable individuals.

The research features the case of an 87-year-old woman with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who experienced unexplained shortness of breath. “A detailed history revealed daily incense burning,” said Gomeo Lam, of Montclair State University and the study's lead author. "The patient was resistant to giving up the practice, as it held deep spiritual significance. We then advised she use electric incense devices, which resulted in improvement of her symptoms."

For integrative practitioners, this case raises awareness of the hidden health impacts of incense, especially for those with respiratory conditions. The study emphasizes that incense smoke contains harmful compounds such as carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds. According to the study, these can trigger headaches, respiratory dysfunction, skin sensitivities, and allergic reactions.

“People who burn incense may not realize that family members, including children, who are exposed to secondhand smoke, face health consequences,” noted allergist Mary Lee-Wong, MD, senior author of the study. She also cautioned about thirdhand exposure, as lingering incense smoke can settle in fabrics and furniture, dissipating slowly over time.

Besides health concerns, incense combustion contributes to indoor air pollution and can pose fire hazards. While counseling patients, researchers concluded that healthcare providers should be mindful of the cultural and spiritual importance of incense burning, but also guide them toward safer alternatives. Electric incense devices, aromatic vapors, improved ventilation, or limiting burn time can help reduce the risks while respecting the practice’s significance.