Incense and your health

Did you know that the majority of incense sold is made from chemicals and synthetic substances?  There are natural alternatives available, but these are much harder to find and more expensive. 

So why is this important? The British press reported from a 12 year medical study last week that stating smoke from burning incense sticks increases the risk of types of mouth, throat and lung cancer.  The smoke from burning incense contains a chemical that has been identified as a carcinogen – altering human DNA. 

This is a worrying concern as incense is sold without warning labels like cigarettes packets have.  Most people who use incense sticks are inhaling smoke passively and without a thought that it could be dangerous.  Perhaps they use incense around the family, children, babies and animals.  

 Think about this before you buy incense, recognise that smoke from artificial incense is now a known carcinogen.  The report did not specifically state the difference between man-made and 100% natural incense sticks.  However it did confirm that the carcinogen is a chemical, which is man-made.

Also think about other room odourises and air fresheners in general that are man-made; perfumed candles, oil burners, plug in air fresheners etc.  We still do not know the long term effects of artificially sweetening the smell of your home.

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