UAE: Burning incense can lead to respiratory, oral health risks, experts warn

It reduces beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity and increases the chance of diseases and symptoms such as asthma, cough, and wheezing

Decrease in beneficial bacteria

The findings suggested that incense burning may have a noticeable impact on oral health and the types of bacteria present in the mouth. A decrease in beneficial bacteria can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria, which may contribute to conditions like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

According to the NYUAD website, lead author of the study, Lecturer of Genetics at The University of the West Indies, Barbados, Yvonne Vallès, earlier said, “For the first time, we are showing an association between incense use and changes in microorganism composition that inhabit the oral cavity. Although this is a preliminary analysis, it is nonetheless an important finding with potential health implications.

“We are hoping with the new data that we are gathering from the project to test for causation, that it is the exposure to incense smoke causing the changes observed. There seems to be a significant lack of awareness among the public. Even more concerning, there are no policies in place to regulate the use of incense, particularly in public spaces.”

The word incense comes from the Latin incendere meaning 'to burn'. Burning incense has been a traditional practice, particularly in the East, for various purposes since ancient times.

Various cardiovascular conditions

Dr Sandeep Pargi, specialist pulmonologist at Prime Hospital and Prime Medical Center Burjuman Branch, said, “Incense smoke contains a number of irritants. It is possible to result in several irritative responses, including allergic reactions, in many parts of the body such as eyes, nose, throat or skin.”

According to data from the National Library of Medicine, global incense consumption is estimated to surpass 200 million tons annually, with Asia being the largest market.

He added, “Increased risk of various respiratory diseases and symptoms such as asthma, cough, and wheezing in an exposure-response manner.”

Dr Sandeep Pargi

Pargi highlighted numerous epidemiological and biomedical studies that have indicated the ability of incense smoke to induce various cardiovascular conditions. “Importantly, the strong relationship between incense use and death due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was reported.”

Reducing or limiting incense use and exposure to smoke may help lower the risks. One way to reduce exposure is to open windows during or after use.

Dr Firas Osman, who specialises in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery at Al Dana Specialist Medical Center Dubai, said, “The scents that result from burning aromatic plants mostly come from the vapours of the essential oils they contain, and each substance has a specific evaporation temperature and burning temperature. It is not recommended to inhale burned essential oils.”

Dr Firas Osman

Additionally, healthcare professionals noted that exposure to the fragrances and oily vapours of medicinal plants is sometimes necessary for therapeutic purposes.

“This is especially used for the (treatment of) upper respiratory tract, bronchi, and bronchial tubes. However, other types may cause allergies and irritation to the respiratory system,” added Osman.

Healthcare professionals also highlighted that oral health (OH) can determine a person's general health. They reiterated that poor oral health can indicate or contribute to various systemic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Dr Muhammad Yousaf Jan, Specialist Internal Medicine, Zulekha Hospital Dubai said, "By keeping your oral health in check, you reduce the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into your respiratory system. However, high-quality natural incense poses minimal health risks when used in moderation and with common sense."