Harmful effects of Income

Research has shown that the burning of the incense commonly available– sticks of wood impregnated with spices and resins–gives of irritants,suspected carcinogens and proven careinogens. Environmentalists believe that inhaling incense is similar to passive cigarette smoking. According to a report published int he Journal 'Mutution Research' (1980) in Japan, the burning of a single stick of incense for an hour is comparable to the burning of two cigarettes.

There are studies which support the theory that incense smoke is capable of causing cancer; but definite proof will only come from epidemological studieslinking the suspected careinogen to the incidence of disease in humans.

Are there any 'better' or worse incenses? Are there any incenses that are actually good for a person? No data exists on the levels of toxicity in the different brands of incense. There are thousands of different types, each with its own special recipe. Most incense, however, contain three ingredients : a wood base, usually sandalwood, though other woods are being substituted now; binder or glue to hold the ingredients together, usually made from a resin (tree sap) such as gum benzon or jigit, and a fragrance. To help them burn, some incenses contain potassium nitrate and sulphur, ingredients of gunpowder. The cheaper incenses contain chemically synthesised perfumes, that often leavee a person with a headache. Real perfume, for instance, 'jasmine' incense in never the real thing. Real jasmine costs over Rs.40,000 a pound. The kind of incense that's 'all natural' would cost more than 30 rupees a box. Even though it may give off a finer, gentler smoke that burns the eyes less, because it contains wood, it is likely that toxic substances are emitted in some amounts. Basically anything associated with incomplete combustion is unsafe.

As with all potentially harmful substances, the extent to which incense is burned and smoke inhaled is wht matters. Used in moderation, incense is a soothing experience; a boon to the spirit. While there is no scientific proof of its healing powers, the physiological mechanism that enables odour to ccalm the nerves does exist. The hypothalamus, seat of our emotions, is connected with our olfactory system (nose). A pleasant aroma is found to be capable of lowering blood pressure and heart rates. But, doctors warn against inhaling smoke to get a healing effect.

While more studies are needed on incense and is health effect, those who burn incense on a daily basis should be warned : Where there is smoke, there is danger.

Complete Summary of the above

• Studies have proved that income has many harmful side-effects. Inhaling of incense smoke is like passive cigarette smoking. Incense smoke may cause cancer. It is diffiicult to distinguish between good and bad incenses. Most incenses contain three ingredients : a wood base, a binder to hold the ingredients, and a fragnance. The binder is made up of a resin (trree sap) such as gum benzoin or jigit which, when burnt, gives off irritant. Real perfumes are very expensive. The cheaper incenses contain artificial perfumes which cause headache. Incense smoke, if mildly inhaled, soothes the nervous system. A pleasant fragnance can lower blood pressure and heart rates. Neverthless, there is no scientific proof of its healing powers and doctors forbid inhaling incense smoke for healing purposes. Although more study is needed on incense, that is smoke has a deadly aroma, is indisputable.