Backyard Bridge: The, Not So Sweet, Smell Of Incense

Photography by: Aaron Harcourt
Article by: Wes Harcourt

Lately there has been news from around the world about burning incense, especially indoors and the effect that it has on our well being. Since this is a common and pleasant practice, we thought you would be interested in knowing the latest.

Cancer and Incense

Studies in the practices of burning incense have been done in Denmark, Taiwan and Singapore. These studies have been published in Cancer and New Scientist Magazine. The studies show that the use of incense, especially in enclosed settings, doubles and sometimes triples the risk of upper respiratory cancer. Research shows that the particulate that comes from burning incense is worse than second hand smoke and can pollute the air more than the car. The research conducted in Asia showed that the air quality in enclosed temples is poorer than the air quality in their most heavily trafficked cities.

What’s the Solution?

The best possible solution for yourself and people around you is not to burn incense at all. But this seems extreme, especially when it comes to religious practices. We cannot see an end at all to the use of incense in worship when it is documented in many sacred scripts from around the world, but the solution taken in Taiwan, to increase ventilation, seems a logical compromise. Worshippers in Taiwan and other Asian areas threw open the doors and windows of their places of worship to allow more breathable air into their temples. This could also take place here in our worship centre’s, except in winter months. In the winter months, exhaust fans should be brought into play for the sake of worshippers.

At home is another story. If children are present, then indoor incense burning should be suspended, as little ones are more susceptible to the fine particulate that incense produces. Outdoor burning should be considered at this point, in the garden, around the hot tub or on widow sills, are some suggestions. If you are going to burn incense indoors make sure you increase the ventilation too. Open the doors and windows and let the air flow free.

We would love to have your comments. Do you burn incense? What is your usual practice? Will this article change your habits? Do you think we are out in left field? Either way we want to hear from you so give us your comments, please.

Sources and Other Reading