As Chinese New Year approaches, paying respect to deities by lighting incense is a traditional practice observed by Thai-Chinese communities every year 🧨🔴. However, did you know that inhaling large amounts of incense smoke can harm your health—affecting the respiratory system and even causing cancer?

Why Is Incense Smoke Dangerous?

Incense is made from sawdust, glue, essential oils extracted from plants, and chemicals 🧪🧬. When burned, it releases multiple carcinogens, including benzene, butadiene, and benzo(a)pyrene, which are linked to cancers such as leukemia, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Additionally, incense smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which irritate the eyes, respiratory tract, and nervous system.

Symptoms After Excessive Exposure to Incense Smoke

• Burning eyes, redness, tearing.

• Stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing.

• Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting.

How to Protect Yourself from Incense Smoke

• Avoid direct contact or inhalation of incense smoke.

• Wear a mask in areas where incense is burned.

• Use shorter incense sticks to reduce burning time and smoke volume.

• Burn incense in well-ventilated areas, such as outdoors or open spaces.

• Burn paper offerings (gold/silver joss paper) in small batches using a covered container.

• Avoid sticking incense into food to prevent chemical contamination from ash.

• Extinguish incense promptly after rituals.

• Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling incense or paper offerings.

At-Risk Groups

Incense smoke poses heightened risks to young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. During Chinese New Year, prioritize precautions to safeguard against serious health threats.

Final Note
While honoring traditions, prioritize health. By following these steps, celebrate Chinese New Year safely and minimize exposure to harmful smoke.