Burning incense is integrated into cultural, spiritual, and personal wellness routines globally. This combustion releases fragrance and smoke, creating ambiance or fulfilling a ritual purpose. However, the smoke generated is a complex mixture of gases and particles, making its safety a concern for pregnant individuals. The primary issue is not the scent, but the byproducts of burning organic material in an enclosed space. This information details why this common practice requires careful consideration during pregnancy, focusing on the specific airborne pollutants released.
Harmful Components Released During Burning
The smoke from burning incense introduces several types of pollutants into the indoor air environment. A major concern is particulate matter (PM), consisting of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Burning incense releases ultra-fine particles, including PM2.5, which are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and penetrate deep into the lungs.
These microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation. In many indoor settings, the concentration of PM2.5 from incense burning can exceed levels found in homes where people smoke cigarettes or surpass outdoor air pollution standards. This high concentration is problematic in rooms with poor ventilation, where the smoke accumulates over time.
Incense smoke also contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous pollutants. These include known toxins such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. Additionally, the burning process creates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are concerning due to their potential health effects. Studies show that indoor PAH concentrations can be up to 19 times higher than outdoor levels when incense is regularly burned. The type of incense can influence the exact composition and concentration of these harmful emissions.
Potential Health Effects on Pregnancy
Exposure to these airborne pollutants during pregnancy raises specific concerns for maternal health and fetal development. For the mother, inhaling incense smoke can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and trigger irritation. The fine particulate matter and VOCs can lead to respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, and may worsen conditions like asthma.
Systemic inflammation, a consequence of particle inhalation, may also contribute to broader health risks during gestation. One study found that pregnant women who frequently smelled incense during late pregnancy had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders (1.84 relative risk). This association highlights a potential link to complications like preeclampsia.
The developing fetus is especially susceptible to poor air quality exposure. Substances inhaled by the mother can cross the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal growth and development. Research has shown that prenatal exposure to incense smoke is associated with adverse birth outcomes.
A large-scale study linked prenatal incense burning to lower birth weight and smaller head circumference in newborns. The negative association with lower birth weight was particularly pronounced in male infants, showing an average reduction of 18 grams. These findings are similar to those observed in studies on general air pollution and maternal smoking, suggesting a parallel pathway of harm through inhaled toxins.
Safer Practices and Alternatives
Given the potential health concerns, pregnant individuals should minimize or eliminate exposure to incense smoke. If incense use is unavoidable for religious or cultural reasons, mitigation must focus on extreme ventilation. This involves opening windows and doors or using exhaust fans to create significant airflow that directs the smoke outdoors immediately.
Limiting the duration of burning and avoiding small, enclosed spaces are also important strategies to reduce pollutant accumulation. Since the concentration of harmful components is high, even short periods of exposure in a confined area can be problematic.
To achieve a pleasant scent or atmosphere without combustion, several alternatives are available. High-quality essential oil diffusers that use water and cool mist are generally considered a safer option for aromatherapy. When using essential oils, consult a healthcare provider, as some oils like clary sage, rosemary, and cinnamon are traditionally advised against during pregnancy due to potential effects on uterine contractions.
Other non-combustion alternatives include using fresh herbs or a simple stovetop simmer pot with safe ingredients like citrus peels and spices to create natural aromas. If a candle is preferred, choosing 100% pure beeswax candles with cotton wicks is a cleaner option, as they burn without the petroleum-derived VOCs found in paraffin wax. The focus should always be on methods that avoid the generation of smoke and airborne particulates.