Smoke incense causes pneumonia

Incense incense can create indoor air pollutants, causing pneumonia for humans.

'Incense incense is one of the popular cultures in many parts of the world, however it can create air pollutants, causing pneumonia in humans' , researchers from the Great University of North Carolina, USA, said.

'Assessing the danger of incense burning in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)' is the study published this month in the Science of The Total Environment magazine . The study was conducted by Rebecca Cohen, a graduate student in environment and engineering (ESE) and co-author Kenneth G. Sexton, Karin B. Yeatts professor of epidemiology.

In many previous works, Yeatts and his colleagues had research related to incense smoke and some health problems including eyes, nose, throat, skin irritation, respiratory symptoms, including asthma. asthma, headache, cardiovascular disease and changes in lung cell structure.

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Indoor air pollution is one of human health concerns. The World Health Organization estimates that more than one million people die each year from chronic respiratory disease (COPD), primarily as a result of exposure to contaminants from stoves and fireplaces. Incense burning releases similar pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO).

In this study, scientists have identified and measured dust and gas particles emitted from two commonly used incense types in the UAE such as CO, SO ₂ , NOx, formaldehyde. The test was carried out for more than three hours, the average time when incense was burned in a specially designed chamber similar to the typical UAE lounge.

Lung cells are placed in the room to come in contact with the smoke, then incubated for 24 hours to allow the particles to penetrate and affect the cell. As a result, inflammation triggers, a sign of asthma and other respiratory problems, similar to lung cells exposed to cigarette smoke.

Incense is burned weekly in 94% of UAE households as a culture to radiate fragrance into costumes, air and to eliminate food odors. Because people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution becomes a growing concern.

Scientists recommend better ventilation in the UAE when burning incense, such as opening a door or window to improve airflow. They also suggested using electric combustion equipment to replace coal.