Incense, which is produced from some kind of material from plant in order to produce a relaxing fragrance, has been very famous all over the world due to several reasons, some of which are may be due to religious purposes or maybe for relaxing mood. We have seen this since ages whether at home or yoga class or temples. However, some scientists claim that inhaling smoke from incense may lead to adverse effects on our body. But, I think to some extent they are way better than the other alternative scents.

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Some researchers claim that inhaling smoke from incense may cause serious health effects and warn to use little whenever we really need it. This happens because while burning it, many particles are released in to air, leading to cause inflammatory reaction. Although a further research is purely required in order to assert that if the smoke causes air pollution, they can say that it is associated to some extent with triggering inflammation in lungs.

Smoke from the sampled incense was found to consist almost exclusively (99 percent) of ultrafine and fine particles, and is therefore likely to have adverse health effects. Source

It is also claimed that the burning could cause a significant amount of particular matter, which is believed to cause heart and lung problems when one inhaled, which is 45 milligrams per gram than those we see in other smoking agents such as cigarettes, where it cause 10 milligrams per gram. This seems to be shocking, but the researchers also assert that they need further research in order to affirm the statement.

Incense smoke was found to be mutagenic, meaning that it contains chemical properties that could potentially change genetic material such as DNA, and therefore cause mutations. It was also more cytotoxic and genotoxic than the cigarette used in the study. Source

It is also linked to cancer development and other problems. Daily use of these materials could cause adverse effects for people regardless of their age. It is said that more than three hours a day of inhaling the smoke may cause these effects.

Incense smoke has been proposed to be associated with cancer development, and reports have linked incense use at home to childhood leukemia and brain tumors.Source

While there is evidence, others claim that these are not associated with any kind of deceases. Let pray for that because it has been an essential part of our lives especially if we are from Asia. However, we must embrace the fact when the reality is not what we are thinking. Let the researchers affirm whether the statements are true. Then I think we have to accept the fact.