Burning anything creates similar compounds. Burning food (BBQ) does the same. If you enjoy incense, just do it with a window open or a fan. No worries. Enjoy life.
JustBob -- I'm with you, Bob. Life is for living. There's a price for everything we do. `Might as well enjoy ourselves with our experiences the best we can, while not harming Others of course. Take care!
I agree. I enjoy burning incense. From now on, though, I am going to open a window or burn it outside. I burn incense to destress. It would be hard to give it up, but I can use it with more caution, now. Thank-you for the information about the health dangers!😱
I had this thought when the brain tumor statistic popped up. Brain tumors in children are very rare to begin with, so statistics about increased risk to them is still a very very slim chance.
95% of people use the incense in a wrony way…. You need to close all windows and doors, get out of the room, burn the incense - preferably Arabic ones that need Charcoal or in a form of a cone (not the one on stick) then keep the smoke for 10-15minutes in so that the scents can penetrate into the materials in the room. After that open all windows and get rid of the smoke. This way, the smell last for 2-3days and there are no unhealthy particles in the air.
I had a feeling. Good to have confirmation. Any smoke tends to have an adverse effect on health. The smoke from candles? Kept triggering my asthma too.
Hi, pelawren and G G! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
It’s the breathing in of oils that is bad. It’s interesting how we humans can come to believe something is good if it’s presented as health enhancement. Breathing oil into your lungs is a bad idea.
Having proper ventilation is key.. I have asthma and I am not affected by good naturally made incense and oils. Now when it comes down to artificial materials with incense, candles, many perfumes etc... that stuff is not cool to deal with period.
I couldn't agree more -- to both parts of your statement. I recently found a wonderful Japanese incense I like very much; it will sleep in the box except for a few special occasions.
@@martinjohnson4405 -- Bless you both...And I share your concerns to a degree. But NOTHING (except a bullet to the head) is going to stop me from burning agarwood. We fulfill ALL of our senses; from good food to lovely flesh to fine art and loud music. Sometimes there's a price to pay. Sometimes (it seems) there isn't. Either way, I'm a spirit who came to Earth to experience things...And incense is one of them. `Hope this message finds you well...And I hope that you enjoy your incense! The Japanese are masters at refining some of the best incense money can buy...But you probably already knew that. Take care!
I have a chemical sensitivity and most scented candles set me off. If there isn’t a known health risk it’s probably only because it hasn’t been studied enough.
Great idea! I suspect a lot of people have aromatic plants in their yards that they could bring inside and do the same with simmering water as you suggest. Rosemary, evergreens, etc. I do not drink alcohol now, but I remember mulled cider and wine smelling good on the stove. Alcohol helps diffuse the aromas.
We are all different. You might have sensitivities to something in the candle: the type of wax used or the scent. This could cause you irritation. Opening a window would just lower the overall exposure, but it would still be causing you issues, just not as acute.
I've always hated incense smoke, its such an overpowering smell,but as I've got older, I can't even tolerate scented candles burning in a room, never mind air fresheners.
I think the answer is "no smoke is good smoke" but I am curious to know to what degree this finding applies to burning whole plant foods i.e. Sage bundles and other smudging herbs
Das ist eine sehr gut Frage! Räucherwerk ist nicht gleich Räucherwerk. Es gibt himmelhohe Unterschiede. Eine Frucht ist auch nicht gleich Frucht (Apfel vs Tollkirsche zB)
Phillip G -- `Gotta watch out for sage...It'll kill you instantly! Just kidding. Honestly, I think that all of this "incense-bashing" is a bit of an overreaction. I cleaned my space, with sage, many years ago...and I'm still here. I don't mind saying that I LOVE good incense. And, just like cannabis, people have been using it for thousands of years. `Hope you're doing well, Phillip...Your loved ones as well.
My first college roommate hated incense and said it was like burning glue and he was right. I stopped using it. I was burning sage and palo santo until recently, but now I prefer smelling unburned sage and palo santo. I’d consider vaporizing it.
Nice information. Studies need to be done or reviewed as to the safety of scented candles. Not the same composition as cigarettes or incense doesn't mean safer. Thanks for the video.
I'd also like to see a study on just burning plant matter. Although people don't do that as often so idk if there'd even be enough data for that. I'm talking about plants people would use for smoke cleansing a room or area like white sage, cedar, juniper, or rosemary.
I like incense because there's less waste and the brand I use is high quality. Used candles for years but really don't want to go back them. Guess I can go back to diffusing essential oils but they can get pricey.
that classic incense scent is so repulsive, actually makes me gag. It's called nag champa and it's simply 🤮 but you can so get many other scents now that are so so lovely. Any flower or wood you can think of and any combination thereof. I'm actually burning ylang ylang and white sage now and it's divine.
Elsje Massyn -- I happen to LOVE certain incenses, but I absolutely agree that forcing rats to inhale it (lit or not) is extremely cruel. Thank you for mentioning it. I didn't know that it was taking place. Why submit rats to incense anyway? They can't tell you if it smells good. What's the point? No, seriously.
Hi, Sandy R! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
DD PWE -- Maybe if your house is submerged in thick smoke. Otherwise, I'm betting that heavy cigarette-smoking is far worse. But, hey, I could be wrong. All I know is that a stage 3 COPD diagnosis convinced me to start using a vape...but 50+ years of smoking has already done its damage. As habits go, it seems like such an odd thing to do...inhale thick smoke into your lungs. Over and over. And, then, not be able to stop. It's really weird when you think about it. Bless you, DD. `Hope this message finds you well!
So pleased this has been addressed. I've been trying to persuade my Mum to stop burning incense. They trigger her smoke alarm so I assumed they weren't exactly healthy in the home.
maybe both are true, but that's a sign she has a cheap smoke detector. Mid-price detectors will not go off from cooking, incense, etc. And cheap ones might get set off by a steamy shower!
How about those scented oil diffusers used for "aromatherapy"? At least they don't burn the oil, but I still wonder if there are any bad health effects. Can a mere aroma cause harm? Assuming it's not something inherently toxic like ammonia or mustard gas of course.
Hi, J̶᷊︣ǒ̷͖ḩ̸́n̴͓̑ṋ̷̌ỳ̵̦ D̷̠̽e̶̹͡e̸̞͋p̶̫͊! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Once in church when I was around 12, the priest was walking up the aisle swinging this large incence burner, and my brother said to me, "I feel like fainting", the next thing I know, people are bringing me around. For a long time, I thought that I'd fainted, but my younger brother informed me recently that I was throwing myself about, so, I dunno what went on there! You've just said that scented candles aren't associated with negative impacts, but I've been hearing for years that they are! Confusing me there, but thanks for the info. I still think I might risk burning some incense to obscure a foul odour my cat emitted earlier....
You can buy small chunks of pine wood that have been soaked in oils & scents etc. You just burn one end briefly with say a cigarette lighter, then let it smoke as you wave it around in the area of the odour. Kills the odour fairly quickly, and the small bit of smoke is reminiscent of sitting around a camp fire. 🔥😊
Personally, I always was super sensitive to scented anything. Also candles. It would trigger my asthma and my nose would block up so I wouldn't be able to smell them anyway. But then I read that one of the things asthma/allergy patients are often sensitive to is the fumes from petroleum product based candles (which is what most candles are made from). So I tried some soy wax scented candles. Great succes! I can now finally enjoy a nice scented product in my home without triggering my allergies or lungs. Rapeseed wax candles also worked great.
Maggie Adams - I actually like frankincense now. But when I was a child, in Church during High Mass, I hated it. It had a cloying, soapy scent that made me nauseous. There are different grades, too. Some are better than Others. Some of it smells "fruity".
@@IceBoNeZ -- I used to have some "pinion" (pine) incense. It looked like a small chunk of particle board. But, man, it smelled wonderful! `Like being near a fireplace during The Holidays! Probably took years off my life. Just kidding. Cigarettes did that. Take care!
Hi, The Vigilant Stewards! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Dr Gregor, you've spoken out so much about the heavy metal contents of the food we consume. Surely, inhaling the burnt heavy metals in the plant matter of the incense wouldn't be any better for the human body. Surprised to not have seen anything mentioned about that in any of those studies
Hi, Mary McLachlan and Selene Jo! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Hi, José Walsh! That issue has not been covered on NutritionFacts. A quick glance at the medical literature did not turn up much, which likely means it has not been thoroughly "put to the test," as Dr. Greger likes to say. This article was kind of interesting, though: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... Climbing chalk seemed to inhibit fomite transmission (infection by touching things infected persons have touched, and then touching the face) of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 illness. As a general rule, inhaling particulates is not good for the lungs, but some things are worse than others. We don't really know about gym chalk, right now. I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
I have always realised that when I am battling with my asthma that I should never light an incense stick. What a pity as I find it calming to do it on occasion. :( (I still think I will do it once or twice a year on special occasions though.)
We need to remember what risk factors we are actually talking about here; occasional inhalation of smoke from whatever source probably isn't going to increase your risk of disease significantly. Inhaling smoke everyday probably will. Same thing with eating processed meat. The studies here present evidence on daily exposure or exposure for a long period of time. You cannot extrapolate this to any other scenario; daily inhalation of smoke/long term is probably bad but is unclear for other cases. It's the dose, not necessarily the poison...
Apparently, the TYPE of incense, that a person burns, depends on the amount of damage done while burning it...Wait, I think I meant that backwards. Anyway, I'm convinced that I avoided getting the flu, several years ago, by (purposely) breathing in the smoke of some incense from Tibetan Medical College, called "Holy Land" Incense (It smells a little like cat pee...until you light it. Then a wonderful, earthy scent comes out. `So glad they still make it). I also burn agarwood when I can afford it. I usually have to get the cheaper stuff, but it still smells incredible! Unfortunately, it has become extremely rare. Love & Blessings To All.
As with anything, it will depend on you. Are you sensitive to the pollen from the plant? Are the plants poisonous to any of your pets? If not, there should be no issue with plants in your home.
If don’t have neighbors, otherwise you have to worry about the crap they use so they can have their ugly green grass 🙄. Already had cancer most likely due to the fertilizers and pesticides my dumb neighbors are constantly are using. Can only open certain windows in my house now because I don’t trust what may be coming into my house. 🥵
Nicely done! Published Links between scent and mood don’t seem to have the dramatic effect sizes to warrant some of the associated expense, but I have to admit that a scented candle has a certain ritualistic feel that has helped me sidestep panic more than once.
Hi, kentuckyprepper1792! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
I’m Eastern Orthodox. We use incense every Divine Liturgy. My boys are altar boys and I’m an ordained Reader. I’m around it all the time. 🤷♂️☦️ It is what it is.
Personally, I use incense in the bathroom briefly instead of canned commercial room-deodorant, that releases _all kinds_ of synthetic chemicals into the air. If used in this manner, I believe that it is a *safer* and cheaper alternative. However, I would like to know if there is any credible study, that proves or disproves this.
Not very often I go for a massage the odd exposure would be fine you'd think. All the vapers and chain smoking would be a lot worse. It would be interesting to know if those water oil diffusers are fine (few drops of essential oil in water)?
I have to wonder if how the incense is made matters. It's hard to believe those that have been breathing incense for thousands of years have not had symptoms suitable to raise a red flag! Are monks and those living in monastaries that burn incense daily dying at a higher rate than their peers that don't burn incense? Surely there must be some research indicating a higher mortality rate on the former.
WoW..I didn't know this🤯.... I use incense for decore, but I will burn sometimes in the bathroom, I love the smells and there's zero windows, so no circulation of air and I would just breathe in the beautiful aromas with abandon🤯.
Scented candles, if they are of the paraffin type are problematic since they emit hydrocarbons. Perhaps soy and beeswax may be safer; I'm unsure about that. I have the so-called smokeless incense or temple variety from Japan. They still emit smoke which does cause nasal congestion. The cheaper forms of incense with the interior strands, as first shown in the video, are by far and away the worst offenders. Many thanks to Dr. G once again! You're the best buddy.
I would be interested to know if in the studies that mention 'environmentally friendly' incense, whether they are referring to incense made with natural essential oils/no synthetic ingredients (often with claims of being non-toxic), or something else.
Natural incenses aren't significantly different, in terms of particulate matter produced. The best incense to burn for indoor air quality are Japanese-style senkoh, which are thin sticks of incense without a bamboo or wood core. There are even some that are charcoal-based and make little or no smoke.
My preferred method is to drop a few drops of incence oil in a mug of boiling water. So long as the components are not heat labile there should not be a problem. *Problem* I have no idea what all the components are nor whether they are heat labile. *NB* Incence and especially oils coat electronic equipment with a layer of oil which then attracts dust causing them to overheat and fail. This is fine if you don't mind using your favourite Apple or other computer as an overpriced air filter.
I did assume this, but what about fire pits and fire places, bbq’s, anything with smoke really. What about the smoke when cooking in the house? I stopped burning incense a few years ago because I figured it can’t be great for our lungs. But I do love it still and wish we didn’t have to worry about every god damn thing that is around us. But having cancer does really suck and it’s expensive. 🥵
Hi, Y! The topic of indoor cooking smoke has not been addressed on NutritionFacts. It is best not to allow cooking oils, if used, to heat to the point of smoking. As to the smoke from gas stoves and ovens, ventilation is a key part of this issue. Outdoors, smoke is likely less dangerous than indoors for this reason. Having good ventilation for indoor cooking is important, but electric cooking is safer. This article might be of interest to you: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24613990/ I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Hi, Free! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps! -Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Ok, there are too many citations on this piece. When a student puts down a litany of citations where it's unclear what their purpose/utility of most of them even is, it's a red flag for a "smoke screen." The best Nutrition Facts pieces feature a half dozen or so studies, that are a cut above their peer group in one way or another, and each that tackle a topic or question from different directions, aiming at some tentative conclusion. This piece just seems to have linked to nearly every study ever done on incense and concluded the obvious: there's a risk there. I just think this headline needed only 1 or 2 citations (the highest quality of the group), and the piece that needs 23 citations (literally) would be a lot more interesting. But we got neither here, we got the worst of both worlds smashed into one video. Even with a staff, I don't believe NF read all the studies cited for this piece. That's unprofessional. And how could a sub 6-minute piece need 23 citations? Check in with your quality controls folks! I've never said that to Nutrition Facts before!!!
As with eating animal products, widespread use with a long tradition is no indication of being health promoting. In fact, just the opposite! Tobacco smoking is another example.
@@fedvvvv Like other objects, the I emit blackbody radiation due to my internal temperature. My reflectance and absorbance are also in the normal range.
Cool. One more thing I never have to worry about buying again. 😊 But, scented candles it is. (Maybe I’ll save my leftover incense for burning outside to help dissuade a few mosquitoes.)
Any smoke particles are inherently bad for you, the source and quantity just alters how bad (e.g. very temporary lung damage vs you directly dying from that smoke inhalation)
Marijuana is 9x as carcinogenic as tabacco. Do not touch it. E-cigs: not enough research has been conducted, especially long term simply because they are such a new product. Sage: demonstrably fine because we can eat it. What burning does to it... if you're doing it once a week or even less with an open window and not burning much, should be nothing to worry about.
I had to quit a small meditation group as the custom to burn incense and though the ceiling was high, the stream of smoke always went right in my face.
Burning anything creates similar compounds. Burning food (BBQ) does the same. If you enjoy incense, just do it with a window open or a fan. No worries. Enjoy life.
JustBob -- I'm with you, Bob. Life is for living. There's a price for everything we do. `Might as well enjoy ourselves with our experiences the best we can, while not harming Others of course. Take care!
I agree. I enjoy burning incense. From now on, though, I am going to open a window or burn it outside. I burn incense to destress. It would be hard to give it up, but I can use it with more caution, now. Thank-you for the information about the health dangers!😱
I had this thought when the brain tumor statistic popped up. Brain tumors in children are very rare to begin with, so statistics about increased risk to them is still a very very slim chance.
Always was suspicious of any kind of smoke inhalation, and decided to not use incense a long time ago.
95% of people use the incense in a wrony way…. You need to close all windows and doors, get out of the room, burn the incense - preferably Arabic ones that need Charcoal or in a form of a cone (not the one on stick) then keep the smoke for 10-15minutes in so that the scents can penetrate into the materials in the room. After that open all windows and get rid of the smoke. This way, the smell last for 2-3days and there are no unhealthy particles in the air.
That makes sense 100%. The incense itself isn’t dangerous, being in the presence of the smoke is.
I had a feeling. Good to have confirmation. Any smoke tends to have an adverse effect on health.
The smoke from candles? Kept triggering my asthma too.
My wife has been using incense everywhere in the house, finally I have my defense 🤣
No Roti for you for the next 2 decades
howd it go? lol are you still alive haha
I've always wondered about this because it's so common in African households I grew up in & I'm sure in Asian families as well
I give you so much credit. Kudos.
QUESTION: Have there been any studies done on essential oil diffusers? Any negative health impact on using those?
I also wondered about this one, what is the effect of fragrances on our body?
Hi, pelawren and G G! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
It’s the breathing in of oils that is bad. It’s interesting how we humans can come to believe something is good if it’s presented as health enhancement. Breathing oil into your lungs is a bad idea.
@@pelawren Try this link and check out the Sources Cited nutritionfacts.org/video/orange-aromatherapy-for-anxiety/ Steven - Global Volunteer Director
@@greg6509 Try this link and check out the Sources Cited nutritionfacts.org/video/orange-aromatherapy-for-anxiety/ Steven - Global Volunteer Director
Having proper ventilation is key.. I have asthma and I am not affected by good naturally made incense and oils. Now when it comes down to artificial materials with incense, candles, many perfumes etc... that stuff is not cool to deal with period.
Boy, I really did NOT want this one to reveal what it does... bummer. But thanks for the info as always.
I couldn't agree more -- to both parts of your statement. I recently found a wonderful Japanese incense I like very much; it will sleep in the box except for a few special occasions.
@@martinjohnson4405 -- Bless you both...And I share your concerns to a degree. But NOTHING (except a bullet to the head) is going to stop me from burning agarwood. We fulfill ALL of our senses; from good food to lovely flesh to fine art and loud music. Sometimes there's a price to pay. Sometimes (it seems) there isn't. Either way, I'm a spirit who came to Earth to experience things...And incense is one of them. `Hope this message finds you well...And I hope that you enjoy your incense! The Japanese are masters at refining some of the best incense money can buy...But you probably already knew that. Take care!
@@Newton14alanthank you I appreciate this
Knowledge can be awfully inconvenient sometimes...
Hi. Can you go over candles? Thank you.
I have a chemical sensitivity and most scented candles set me off. If there isn’t a known health risk it’s probably only because it hasn’t been studied enough.
If you insist on smelling something, fill some cups with coffee beans. You can also put cinnamon sticks in simmering water.
Lovely ideas. Thanks. I suspect the same with vanilla pods? (I will give that a try.)
Great idea! I suspect a lot of people have aromatic plants in their yards that they could bring inside and do the same with simmering water as you suggest. Rosemary, evergreens, etc.
I do not drink alcohol now, but I remember mulled cider and wine smelling good on the stove.
Alcohol helps diffuse the aromas.
Okay that’s stupid. You won’t always be in the mood for coffee and/or cinnamon. Unless you’re a coffee addict.
Obviously anecdotal, but I have found that candles often irritate my lungs if the windows aren't open.
We are all different. You might have sensitivities to something in the candle: the type of wax used or the scent. This could cause you irritation. Opening a window would just lower the overall exposure, but it would still be causing you issues, just not as acute.
I'd love to see if essential oil diffusers are an issue, I've always held back on using them.
This would be a great topic to have covered !
Same here, especially since i use them
I was wondering about this too ....
I know that I have sensitivities to some of the essential oils. So for me, it would be very detrimental to be breathing them into my lungs.
I know if you have pets you shouldn't use diffusers (Liver cancer)
I've always hated incense smoke, its such an overpowering smell,but as I've got older, I can't even tolerate scented candles burning in a room, never mind air fresheners.
Please do one on candles!
I think the answer is "no smoke is good smoke" but I am curious to know to what degree this finding applies to burning whole plant foods i.e. Sage bundles and other smudging herbs
Das ist eine sehr gut Frage! Räucherwerk ist nicht gleich Räucherwerk. Es gibt himmelhohe Unterschiede. Eine Frucht ist auch nicht gleich Frucht (Apfel vs Tollkirsche zB)
Phillip G -- `Gotta watch out for sage...It'll kill you instantly! Just kidding. Honestly, I think that all of this "incense-bashing" is a bit of an overreaction. I cleaned my space, with sage, many years ago...and I'm still here. I don't mind saying that I LOVE good incense. And, just like cannabis, people have been using it for thousands of years. `Hope you're doing well, Phillip...Your loved ones as well.
There is an asthma association to scented candles. Also, even the paraffin wax in unscented candles can trigger asthma symptoms.
My first college roommate hated incense and said it was like burning glue and he was right. I stopped using it. I was burning sage and palo santo until recently, but now I prefer smelling unburned sage and palo santo. I’d consider vaporizing it.
Nice information. Studies need to be done or reviewed as to the safety of scented candles. Not the same composition as cigarettes or incense doesn't mean safer. Thanks for the video.
Scented candles and Glade cause cancer for sure.
Figured as much. I burn incense a few times in the summer on my covered patio, preferably with a breeze.
I'd also like to see a study on just burning plant matter. Although people don't do that as often so idk if there'd even be enough data for that. I'm talking about plants people would use for smoke cleansing a room or area like white sage, cedar, juniper, or rosemary.
I like incense because there's less waste and the brand I use is high quality. Used candles for years but really don't want to go back them. Guess I can go back to diffusing essential oils but they can get pricey.
Breathing anything but air is bad, so I wouldn't worry. We're on the cusp of nuclear war, burn your incense if you want.
I intensely dislike insense ... and pushing it on rats to test it is extremely cruel.
that classic incense scent is so repulsive, actually makes me gag. It's called nag champa and it's simply 🤮 but you can so get many other scents now that are so so lovely. Any flower or wood you can think of and any combination thereof. I'm actually burning ylang ylang and white sage now and it's divine.
@@welcomeback2mychannel -- Yes, the "blue box" nag champa is cloying and disagreeable for sure (although, decades ago, it was great).
Elsje Massyn -- I happen to LOVE certain incenses, but I absolutely agree that forcing rats to inhale it (lit or not) is extremely cruel. Thank you for mentioning it. I didn't know that it was taking place. Why submit rats to incense anyway? They can't tell you if it smells good. What's the point? No, seriously.
Thanks for the confirmation doc, i stopped using them years ago because i suspected they were damaging due to the effects they had on me.
Wow, this makes me glad I don't use incense. Thanks for the information.
Ah I just bought a tonne of incense sticks from India. Guess I'll just leave it in the living room for the fragrance and never burn them.
Can we just have one nice thing, doc? 😢
Know
Probably just like most things now and again will mitigate any damage. Would love to see studies on how often and what variety.
yes, oil diffusers
We have fruit!
Not today come back tomorrow
Some candles have lead in them, so be careful with those too.
How about essential oils in a diffuser?
Should be fine
Hi, Sandy R! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
I always avoid smoke, from incense to sitting around fires.
Living in Asia for the last 18 years, I wish I had known all this earlier. Many thanks for such a useful video Dr Greger.
That's quite interesting that it's twice as bad as cigarette smoking!
DD PWE -- Maybe if your house is submerged in thick smoke. Otherwise, I'm betting that heavy cigarette-smoking is far worse. But, hey, I could be wrong. All I know is that a stage 3 COPD diagnosis convinced me to start using a vape...but 50+ years of smoking has already done its damage. As habits go, it seems like such an odd thing to do...inhale thick smoke into your lungs. Over and over. And, then, not be able to stop. It's really weird when you think about it. Bless you, DD. `Hope this message finds you well!
Amazing! Well I won't be using incense anymore in that case! Thanks as always Dr. G! 💖🙏💐
Put them amongst your clothes for a nice scent and that's it lol
@@habit_troubled great idea!! I was wondering what I would do with the ones I have left. Thank you and bless you beloved! 💖🙏💐
Palo Santo seems fine in moderation and with open windows
So pleased this has been addressed. I've been trying to persuade my Mum to stop burning incense. They trigger her smoke alarm so I assumed they weren't exactly healthy in the home.
maybe both are true, but that's a sign she has a cheap smoke detector. Mid-price detectors will not go off from cooking, incense, etc. And cheap ones might get set off by a steamy shower!
How about those scented oil diffusers used for "aromatherapy"? At least they don't burn the oil, but I still wonder if there are any bad health effects. Can a mere aroma cause harm? Assuming it's not something inherently toxic like ammonia or mustard gas of course.
@Io inthenightsky 💨
Hi, J̶᷊︣ǒ̷͖ḩ̸́n̴͓̑ṋ̷̌ỳ̵̦ D̷̠̽e̶̹͡e̸̞͋p̶̫͊! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Try this link and check out the Sources Cited nutritionfacts.org/video/orange-aromatherapy-for-anxiety/ Steven - Global Volunteer Director
Thanks
Once in church when I was around 12, the priest was walking up the aisle swinging this large incence burner, and my brother said to me, "I feel like fainting", the next thing I know, people are bringing me around. For a long time, I thought that I'd fainted, but my younger brother informed me recently that I was throwing myself about, so, I dunno what went on there!
You've just said that scented candles aren't associated with negative impacts, but I've been hearing for years that they are! Confusing me there, but thanks for the info. I still think I might risk burning some incense to obscure a foul odour my cat emitted earlier....
I think it depends on the candle. Candles don’t burn in the same way as incense
You can buy small chunks of pine wood that have been soaked in oils & scents etc.
You just burn one end briefly with say a cigarette lighter, then let it smoke as you wave it around in the area of the odour.
Kills the odour fairly quickly, and the small bit of smoke is reminiscent of sitting around a camp fire. 🔥😊
Personally, I always was super sensitive to scented anything. Also candles. It would trigger my asthma and my nose would block up so I wouldn't be able to smell them anyway.
But then I read that one of the things asthma/allergy patients are often sensitive to is the fumes from petroleum product based candles (which is what most candles are made from).
So I tried some soy wax scented candles. Great succes! I can now finally enjoy a nice scented product in my home without triggering my allergies or lungs.
Rapeseed wax candles also worked great.
Maggie Adams - I actually like frankincense now. But when I was a child, in Church during High Mass, I hated it. It had a cloying, soapy scent that made me nauseous. There are different grades, too. Some are better than Others. Some of it smells "fruity".
@@IceBoNeZ -- I used to have some "pinion" (pine) incense. It looked like a small chunk of particle board. But, man, it smelled wonderful! `Like being near a fireplace during The Holidays! Probably took years off my life. Just kidding. Cigarettes did that. Take care!
What about a diffuser with essential oils instead of a scented candle?
Hi, The Vigilant Stewards! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Dr Gregor, you've spoken out so much about the heavy metal contents of the food we consume. Surely, inhaling the burnt heavy metals in the plant matter of the incense wouldn't be any better for the human body. Surprised to not have seen anything mentioned about that in any of those studies
stay away from Chinese rice as it's loaded with Arsenic from the burning of so much coal.
I was gonna ask about the candles 😬
What about infusers? Those little drops of oil that you infuse into the air?
Hi, Mary McLachlan and Selene Jo! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
I wonder about air freshener like the oil and wax melts
Any dangers of daily and weekly exposure to rock climbing gym and gymnastics gym chalk (made from magnesium carbonate)?
Hi, José Walsh! That issue has not been covered on NutritionFacts. A quick glance at the medical literature did not turn up much, which likely means it has not been thoroughly "put to the test," as Dr. Greger likes to say. This article was kind of interesting, though: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... Climbing chalk seemed to inhibit fomite transmission (infection by touching things infected persons have touched, and then touching the face) of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 illness. As a general rule, inhaling particulates is not good for the lungs, but some things are worse than others. We don't really know about gym chalk, right now. I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
@@NutritionFactsOrg thanks for looking into the questions, greatly appreciated :)
I have always realised that when I am battling with my asthma that I should never light an incense stick. What a pity as I find it calming to do it on occasion. :( (I still think I will do it once or twice a year on special occasions though.)
Maybe try the scented candles in place of incense..?
Especially the lavender ones, lavender is very calming, and gives the room a lovely scent.👍
@@IceBoNeZ
But check the wick for carbon build up.
I know thus after getting black nostrils filled with soot
@Sarah Hemingway , Maybe you just needed a little ventilation..?
Need some fresh air as well.👍
@@IceBoNeZ
I fell asleep with scented candles.
Black soot everywhere in the room.
@Sarah Hemingway , Yeah probably not recommended in small unventilated rooms..lol
Oh my God! I had no idea! This is horrible 😢 Thanks for sharing this
We need to remember what risk factors we are actually talking about here; occasional inhalation of smoke from whatever source probably isn't going to increase your risk of disease significantly. Inhaling smoke everyday probably will. Same thing with eating processed meat. The studies here present evidence on daily exposure or exposure for a long period of time. You cannot extrapolate this to any other scenario; daily inhalation of smoke/long term is probably bad but is unclear for other cases. It's the dose, not necessarily the poison...
Apparently, the TYPE of incense, that a person burns, depends on the amount of damage done while burning it...Wait, I think I meant that backwards. Anyway, I'm convinced that I avoided getting the flu, several years ago, by (purposely) breathing in the smoke of some incense from Tibetan Medical College, called "Holy Land" Incense (It smells a little like cat pee...until you light it. Then a wonderful, earthy scent comes out. `So glad they still make it).
I also burn agarwood when I can afford it. I usually have to get the cheaper stuff, but it still smells incredible! Unfortunately, it has become extremely rare.
Love & Blessings To All.
How long until Dr Gregor tells us to stop having sex because of STDs?
Thanks for the warning. I love incense but it's the last time I'll be burning it. 🌱
Is this the same for candles? What about having plants indoors to help purify the air?
As with anything, it will depend on you. Are you sensitive to the pollen from the plant? Are the plants poisonous to any of your pets? If not, there should be no issue with plants in your home.
Many candles are made with oil unless beeswax
I make sure there’s a window open when lighting incense or just let it burn about an inch of incense then stop it
Are organic insence desame side effect if inhaled?
I don't like incense. I prefer to just open my windows and let some fresh air in the house. Even in winter!
If don’t have neighbors, otherwise you have to worry about the crap they use so they can have their ugly green grass 🙄. Already had cancer most likely due to the fertilizers and pesticides my dumb neighbors are constantly are using. Can only open certain windows in my house now because I don’t trust what may be coming into my house. 🥵
@@user-bv7mk8id5t Dumb neighbors are the worst :( polluting the air with so much smoke can't even go out anymore ugh
Nicely done! Published Links between scent and mood don’t seem to have the dramatic effect sizes to warrant some of the associated expense, but I have to admit that a scented candle has a certain ritualistic feel that has helped me sidestep panic more than once.
Whynot use essential oil diffusers?
Hi, kentuckyprepper1792! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
A maior manifestação de adoração está no interior do ser humano. Aí devem permanecer a luz e aroma sublimes. O silêncio apresenta-se por si.
Does this apply to burning herbs like sage or just those chemical sticks?
Very interesting. I wonder if burning wood in a fireplace in the home is harmful.
Absolutely
Yep, and not nice for the neighbors..
I wonder if room fresheners are also bad 🤔
My aunt died from
Stage4 lung cancer - she never smoked but used febreeze and similar things daily
Absolutely toxic
always trying to improve poeple´s health, thanks Dr. Greger and your team:)
I’m assuming this study was done with stick incense. Not pure resin on coals like you are supposed to do.
Yes, I was hoping he would go into any potential differences there.
I’m Eastern Orthodox. We use incense every Divine Liturgy. My boys are altar boys and I’m an ordained Reader. I’m around it all the time. 🤷♂️☦️ It is what it is.
Thank you! Exactly what I've been wanting to know. I'll throw them away!!
Cilantro -- Oh no! What did you throw away?! I might want it!!
@@Newton14alan haha, my incense sticks n cones. U don't want them pls
Personally, I use incense in the bathroom briefly instead of canned commercial room-deodorant, that releases _all kinds_ of synthetic chemicals into the air. If used in this manner, I believe that it is a *safer* and cheaper alternative. However, I would like to know if there is any credible study, that proves or disproves this.
what about burning candles?
Breathing in air causes oxidative damage.
Is this the same for burning something like Palo Santo?
Palo Santo seems fine especially with windows open. It's simple wood.
@@Nicholas-f5 Isn't breathing in the smoke what's bad for you?
Unfortunately my sister use this to make my grandmother more sick then she was with stage 3 cancer smh…
Not very often I go for a massage the odd exposure would be fine you'd think. All the vapers and chain smoking would be a lot worse.
It would be interesting to know if those water oil diffusers are fine (few drops of essential oil in water)?
What about candles?!
I am convinced that the sole purpose of this UA-cam channel is to suck the enjoyment out of everything in life.
Yep no surprise...
And paraffin candles are toxic too, which most are made of.
KJV Bible is 100% no myth -- I love my beeswax candles with 100% cotton wicks...but, man, they are EXPENSIVE!
I have to wonder if how the incense is made matters. It's hard to believe those that have been breathing incense for thousands of years have not had symptoms suitable to raise a red flag! Are monks and those living in monastaries that burn incense daily dying at a higher rate than their peers that don't burn incense? Surely there must be some research indicating a higher mortality rate on the former.
I bought my incense from a Hospice. I need to review this..
WHO source? Hmmmm.
WoW..I didn't know this🤯.... I use incense for decore, but I will burn sometimes in the bathroom, I love the smells and there's zero windows, so no circulation of air and I would just breathe in the beautiful aromas with abandon🤯.
Cool, something else to fear thanks to Dr. Greger 😒
Ohana Films -- It fits in, very nicely, with everything else!
Scented candles, if they are of the paraffin type are problematic since they emit hydrocarbons. Perhaps soy and beeswax may be safer; I'm unsure about that. I have the so-called smokeless incense or temple variety from Japan. They still emit smoke which does cause nasal congestion. The cheaper forms of incense with the interior strands, as first shown in the video, are by far and away the worst offenders. Many thanks to Dr. G once again! You're the best buddy.
Maybe all of our ancestors who relied on fires for warmth and cooking really died from inhaling the smoke???
I would be interested to know if in the studies that mention 'environmentally friendly' incense, whether they are referring to incense made with natural essential oils/no synthetic ingredients (often with claims of being non-toxic), or something else.
Natural incenses aren't significantly different, in terms of particulate matter produced.
The best incense to burn for indoor air quality are Japanese-style senkoh, which are thin sticks of incense without a bamboo or wood core. There are even some that are charcoal-based and make little or no smoke.
All essential oils contain volatile organic compounds. None are good for your health.
My preferred method is to drop a few drops of incence oil in a mug of boiling water. So long as the components are not heat labile there should not be a problem. *Problem* I have no idea what all the components are nor whether they are heat labile. *NB* Incence and especially oils coat electronic equipment with a layer of oil which then attracts dust causing them to overheat and fail. This is fine if you don't mind using your favourite Apple or other computer as an overpriced air filter.
I did assume this, but what about fire pits and fire places, bbq’s, anything with smoke really. What about the smoke when cooking in the house? I stopped burning incense a few years ago because I figured it can’t be great for our lungs. But I do love it still and wish we didn’t have to worry about every god damn thing that is around us. But having cancer does really suck and it’s expensive. 🥵
Hi, Y! The topic of indoor cooking smoke has not been addressed on NutritionFacts. It is best not to allow cooking oils, if used, to heat to the point of smoking. As to the smoke from gas stoves and ovens, ventilation is a key part of this issue. Outdoors, smoke is likely less dangerous than indoors for this reason. Having good ventilation for indoor cooking is important, but electric cooking is safer. This article might be of interest to you: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24613990/ I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
Can you do a video on sun gazing?
Can eat for free by looking at the sun
Essential oil diffusing ?
Hi, Free! You may be interested in this video, if you have not already seen it: nutritionfacts.org/... Just because something is "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe. Because there are so many essential oils, and all of them are very different from each other in terms of chemical constituents, it is not possible to say, categorically, that they are all either safe or unsafe. This article might be of interest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih... I hope that helps!
-Christine Kestner, MS, CNS, LDN, NutritionFacts.org Health Support Volunteer
What about burning candles? Do they harm people too?
Only soy or beeswax are safe vs oil candles
Ok, there are too many citations on this piece. When a student puts down a litany of citations where it's unclear what their purpose/utility of most of them even is, it's a red flag for a "smoke screen." The best Nutrition Facts pieces feature a half dozen or so studies, that are a cut above their peer group in one way or another, and each that tackle a topic or question from different directions, aiming at some tentative conclusion. This piece just seems to have linked to nearly every study ever done on incense and concluded the obvious: there's a risk there. I just think this headline needed only 1 or 2 citations (the highest quality of the group), and the piece that needs 23 citations (literally) would be a lot more interesting. But we got neither here, we got the worst of both worlds smashed into one video. Even with a staff, I don't believe NF read all the studies cited for this piece. That's unprofessional. And how could a sub 6-minute piece need 23 citations? Check in with your quality controls folks! I've never said that to Nutrition Facts before!!!
Crazy a good old fashion bong rip is safer then just incents burning. Science!
marijuana is extremely carcinogenic, worse than tobacco.
As with eating animal products, widespread use with a long tradition is no indication of being health promoting.
In fact, just the opposite!
Tobacco smoking is another example.
I smoke a pack of Incense a day... Perhaps its time for change
Lol
Damn, I really enjoyed my incense. I had a hunch it wasn't the best but didn't realise it was that bad.
Lol, I worked in a headshop for 2 years back in the 90s. How am I not dead, yet?
Not very bright, are you?
@@fedvvvv Like other objects, the I emit blackbody radiation due to my internal temperature. My reflectance and absorbance are also in the normal range.
Cool. One more thing I never have to worry about buying again. 😊 But, scented candles it is. (Maybe I’ll save my leftover incense for burning outside to help dissuade a few mosquitoes.)
Artificial candle scents are also harmful
@@Nicholas-f5 I thought at the end he said they were ok for now?
Well damn
What about good quality Japanese insence sticks, they are supposed to be natural and pure, are they harmful as well?
Any smoke particles are inherently bad for you, the source and quantity just alters how bad (e.g. very temporary lung damage vs you directly dying from that smoke inhalation)
what about burning Sage leaves not incense sticks or smoking weed or E-Cigs
Marijuana is 9x as carcinogenic as tabacco. Do not touch it. E-cigs: not enough research has been conducted, especially long term simply because they are such a new product. Sage: demonstrably fine because we can eat it. What burning does to it... if you're doing it once a week or even less with an open window and not burning much, should be nothing to worry about.
I had to quit a small meditation group as the custom to burn incense and though the ceiling was high, the stream of smoke always went right in my face.
Gives me instant headache so I stopped using it.