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Incense: Ritual, Health Effects and Prudence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 April 2013

URMILA NAIR
URMILA NAIR*
Affiliation:
German Cancer Research Center, HeidelbergU.nair@DKfz_Heidelberg.de, perfumery_studies@uni_heidelberg.de
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Abstract

The burning of candles and incense is common in religious ceremonies worldwide. Analysis of incense smoke has shown the presence of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are hazardous to health. Long-term exposure to smoke formed during combustion can cause airway dysfunction, allergic reactions and dermatological effects and is a risk factor implicated in the development of other serious diseases. In this paper the effect of these studies are reviewed and simple precautions suggested to avoid toxic effects of incense smoke.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , January 2013 , pp. 5 - 9
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Asiatic Society 2013

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