Incense is created by burning aromatic plant materials like wood, resins, and spices, often used for home fragrance or spiritual practice. This combustion releases a complex mixture of smoke and gases, resulting in indoor air pollution. Exposure to these byproducts poses a health risk to infants because their respiratory systems are immature and still developing. Therefore, burning incense is generally incompatible with an infant’s immediate environment.
The Primary Hazard: Particulate Matter
Incense smoke contains a high concentration of microscopic solid and liquid particles known as particulate matter (PM). This combustion process can produce PM levels four times higher than a cigarette, making it a significant source of indoor air pollution. The most concerning pollutant is PM 2.5, which refers to ultrafine particles 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.
These small particles are particularly dangerous because their size allows them to penetrate deeply into the lungs’ gas exchange regions. Infants are uniquely susceptible due to their smaller, more delicate airways and a higher respiratory rate relative to their body size. This higher breathing rate means they inhale a greater concentration of pollutants per pound of body weight than an adult.
Inhalation of PM 2.5 can immediately cause irritation, leading to symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Chronic exposure is associated with a greater risk of respiratory issues such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia in children. Some studies also suggest that continuous exposure to incense smoke may be linked to a delayed development of gross motor skills in babies.
Chemical Emissions and Respiratory Risks
Beyond solid particulate matter, the burning of incense releases a variety of gaseous byproducts and chemical compounds. These include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature. Common VOCs identified in incense smoke are benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is known as a potent sensory irritant, causing burning sensations and bronchial constriction in the airways. Benzene is a known human carcinogen and, along with toluene and xylene, can be associated with acute symptoms like eye and throat irritation, headaches, and the exacerbation of asthma. Incense also releases polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are formed during the incomplete burning of organic materials and are concerning for their toxic potential.
The concentration of these toxic compounds is often higher in synthetic or lower-quality incense that uses artificial binders and fragrances. These chemicals act as respiratory irritants, increasing the sensitivity of an infant’s immune system and raising the potential for allergic reactions. The overall chemical burden from incense smoke represents an additional health risk.
Practical Safety Measures and Alternatives
Safety Measures
If incense must be used in a home with an infant, the safest course of action is to eliminate direct exposure entirely. Incense should never be burned in the same room as a baby. It is advisable to burn it only in a separate, well-ventilated area. Maximizing air exchange by opening windows and using exhaust fans during and after burning helps reduce the concentration of pollutants. Even with ventilation, a significant distance must be maintained between the smoke source and the infant’s living space.
Alternatives
Safer alternatives exist for introducing fragrance into the home without combustion byproducts. Natural ventilation and simply airing out rooms are the cleanest options. Cold mist essential oil diffusers can be an alternative, provided they are used sparingly and with caution, as some oils are not safe for infants. Using low-VOC or natural wax candles far away from the child’s room is another option. However, any form of combustion will still produce some fine particulate matter. The best approach remains to avoid all sources of indoor smoke and prioritize clean air.