Long-term exposure to smoke from incense raises the risk of developing cancer of the upper respiratory tract, a recent study found. However, the practice did not increase the risk of lung cancer.
Incense should be used with caution, said study author Dr. Jeppe Friborg of the Department of Epidemiology Research at Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. He remarked that adequate ventilation should be used in rooms where people live, or the burning of incense minimized.
Cancer Rate Increased
Incense burning produces tiny particles in the air, and is also known to release chemicals which may cause cancer. The study showed an increased rate of cancer in individuals who reported frequent use of incense for many years.
The American Lung Association moved to add it as a risk factor. Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the association, said that while it’s not the equivalent of smoking a pack a day for 20 years, it is still dangerous.
The study took place in Asia, where incense is burned regularly as part of daily life in many areas. Although Westerners don’t use it with as much frequency, there are some populations that use it often.
The findings, which can be found in the Oct. 1 issue of Cancer or online now, indicate there may be other household substances which should be investigated.
The study shows that more work is yet to be done to determine the cause and effect relationship between cancer and routine household substances, said oncologist Dr. Erin Fleener.
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For more information, see "Incense use and respiratory tract carcinomas," by Jeppe T. Friborg, MD, PhD, Cancer, issue 113.
