Can inhaling incense smoke cause cardiovascular and lung damage?

Breathing Incense Can Cause Cardiovascular and Lung Damage

Yes, breathing incense smoke can cause significant cardiovascular and lung damage due to its high concentration of particulate matter and toxic compounds that trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. 1, 2

Composition of Incense Smoke and Harmful Components

Incense smoke contains a complex mixture of harmful substances:

• Particulate Matter (PM): Incense produces approximately 45 mg/g of particulate matter compared to 10 mg/g from cigarettes 3
• Toxic Gases: Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) 3
• Volatile Organic Compounds: Benzene, toluene, xylenes, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) 3, 4

Cardiovascular Effects

Incense smoke exposure can damage the cardiovascular system through several mechanisms:

• Endothelial Dysfunction: Research shows incense smoke significantly decreases nitric oxide (NO) and increases endothelin-1, impairing vascular function 5
• Inflammation: Exposure increases inflammatory markers including:
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)
  • Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)
  • Interleukin-4 (IL-4) 5
• Adhesion Molecule Expression: Incense smoke increases ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, promoting atherosclerosis 5
• Oxidative Stress: Causes increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) 5

These mechanisms mirror those seen with other forms of air pollution, which the World Heart Federation, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and European Society of Cardiology have identified as a major contributor to cardiovascular disease 1.

Respiratory Effects

Incense smoke damages the respiratory system through:

• Reduced Lung Function: Studies show decreased maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) and reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) growth in children exposed to incense smoke 6
• Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections: Associated with higher prevalence of bronchitis (39% increased risk), bronchiolitis (72% increased risk), pneumonia, and wheezing 6
• Barrier Disruption: Oxidative stress from incense smoke disrupts tight junction proteins in bronchial epithelial cells, compromising lung barrier function 2
• Lung Cancer Risk: Evidence suggests incense smoke exposure may increase lung cancer risk, particularly among smokers 7

Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups may be at higher risk for adverse effects:

• Children: Show reduced lung function growth and higher rates of respiratory infections with exposure 6
• Smokers: Synergistic effect between incense smoke and cigarette smoking increases lung cancer risk 5-fold compared to non-smokers who don't use incense 7
• People with preexisting respiratory conditions: Those with asthma or COPD may experience exacerbations 1

Recommendations to Reduce Risk

To minimize health risks from incense smoke:

1. Limit exposure: Avoid or minimize incense burning, especially in enclosed spaces 2
2. Improve ventilation: Open windows or use exhaust fans when burning incense 2
3. Keep vulnerable individuals away: Particularly children and those with respiratory conditions 2
4. Consider alternatives: Use air purifiers or less harmful methods for aromatherapy

Conclusion

The evidence clearly demonstrates that incense smoke contains harmful pollutants similar to those in tobacco smoke and other forms of air pollution. These pollutants can cause significant cardiovascular and respiratory damage through inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Limiting exposure is essential for protecting cardiovascular and respiratory health.