Does Incense Clean the Air?

It's not uncommon these days to walk into a yoga studio, meditation center, or someone's home and be met with the aroma of burning incense.

People have been using incense for centuries for a variety of purposes, including religious and spiritual practices, relaxation, and adding fragrance to a space. But recently, there has been a growing trend of using incense for air purification, with claims that it can clean the air and provide health benefits.

In this article, we'll dive into the science of incense and explore whether or not it can actually clean the air. We'll also examine the risks and precautions associated with using incense and consider alternative options for cleaning the air.

Quick Answer

The answer to the question “Does incense clean the air," is most likely, no. Incense does not seem to be an effective tool at cleaning our indoor air or improving air quality.

However, the effectiveness of incense as an air purifier is still a matter of debate. While some people believe that certain types of incense may help clean the air, many studies have shown that incense smoke can contain harmful pollutants and pose a risk to indoor air quality and human health. Therefore, it may not be the most effective option for air purification purposes.

The good news is that burning high-quality incense from a reputable source may have other benefits, such as promoting relaxation, enhancing mood, and creating a pleasant fragrance.

The Science of Incense

Incense is a mixture of aromatic plant materials, such as herbs, spices, and resins, that are combined and burned to produce a pleasant scent. The smoke produced by the burning incense contains a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, including essential oils, terpenes, and other volatile compounds. The exact composition of incense depends on the type and quality of ingredients, as well as the manufacturing process.

When incense is burned, the heat causes the volatile compounds in the smoke to become airborne and spread throughout the space. This can create a pleasant aroma and also affect the air quality in the area. Some people believe that certain types of incense, such as sage or palo santo, have specific properties that can purify the air or have other health benefits.

However, the science behind incense and air quality is mixed. Some studies have suggested that certain types of incense smoke can have antimicrobial properties and may help reduce airborne bacteria and fungi. Other studies have shown that incense smoke can contain harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), that can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose potential health risks.

In general, there is still much research to be done on the effects of incense smoke on air quality and human health. While some people may find the aroma of burning incense pleasant, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and use caution when burning incense indoors.

The Effectiveness of Incense as an Air Purifier

While some people believe that burning incense can purify the air, the effectiveness of incense for this purpose is still a matter of debate. While some studies have suggested that certain types of incense might have antimicrobial properties, many types of incense smoke also contain harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and PM2.5, that can negatively impact indoor air quality and pose potential health risks.

One study conducted in Taiwan measured the levels of fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the air during the burning of various types of incense. The study found that some types of incense smoke contained high levels of PM2.5 and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues when inhaled. On the other hand, other types of incense smoke were found to have lower levels of these pollutants and may be safer to use.
A 2019 study published in the journal Atmospheric Environment analyzed the effects of burning incense on indoor air pollution levels in a residential apartment in Singapore. The study found that incense burning led to increases in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon, and airborne metals, which can have negative impacts on human health.

Another 2019 study published in the journal Chemosphere analyzed the levels of PM2.5, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbonyl compounds in the air during the burning of six different types of incense. The study found that all types of incense smoke contained high levels of PM2.5 and VOCs, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose potential health risks.
A 2020 study published in the journal Environmental Pollution examined the effects of burning incense and mosquito coils on indoor air quality in six households in Bangladesh. The study found that indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and other pollutants increased significantly during the burning of both incense and mosquito coils and advised caution when using these products indoors. It's also worth noting that while incense may smell nice, the pleasant aroma does not necessarily mean that the air is being purified. In fact, some types of incense can actually increase indoor air pollution levels with harmful chemicals.

It's also important to note that incense smoke can have different effects depending on how it is used. When burned in an unventilated space, incense smoke can accumulate and cause indoor air pollution levels to rise. However, when burned in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, the smoke is more likely to dissipate and pose less of a risk.

Alternative Air Purifiers

If you're hesitant to use incense as an air purifier or are looking for alternative options, there are a variety of other air purifiers available on the market. Here are a few examples:

HEPA air purifiers: These devices use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to capture particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. HEPA filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency rate.
Activated carbon air purifiers: These air purifiers use activated carbon filters to absorb odors, chemical pollutants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
Ionizers: These devices work by emitting negative ions into the air, which are attracted to and bond with positively charged particles, such as dust and pollutants. This causes the particles to become too heavy to remain airborne and fall to the ground.
Plants: Certain types of plants, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, can absorb pollutants from the air and release oxygen. These plants can provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to improve indoor air quality.

While these air purifiers may be more effective than incense at removing pollutants from the air, it's still important to be mindful of potential risks and to choose a purifier that is best suited to your needs and living space.

Other Benefits of Incense

While the effectiveness of incense as an air purifier is still a matter of debate, many people find that burning high-quality incense from a reputable source can have other benefits for their health and well-being.

For example, certain types of incense may have aromatherapeutic properties that can help promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance mood. Some studies have suggested that certain essential oils and other compounds found in incense smoke, such as frankincense and sandalwood, may have calming and mood-enhancing effects.

In addition to their potential health benefits, many people find that burning incense can add a pleasant fragrance to their living space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Some people even use incense as a tool for spiritual or contemplative practices, such as meditation or prayer.

Of course, it's important to choose high-quality incense made from natural and non-toxic ingredients, as some types of incense may contain harmful pollutants and chemicals. Incense made from synthetic fragrances or low-quality natural ingredients may also be less effective at providing the health and wellness benefits described above.

While incense may not be the most effective option for air purification purposes, there are still some great benefits to using high-quality incense from a reputable source. From promoting relaxation and enhancing mood to creating a calm and inviting atmosphere, incense can be a valuable addition to any home or spiritual practice.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the effectiveness of incense as an air purifier is still a matter of debate. While some people believe that certain types of incense may have antimicrobial properties and can help clean the air, many studies have shown that incense smoke can contain harmful pollutants and pose a risk to indoor air quality and human health.

That being said, there are still some instances where incense can be beneficial within your home, as long as it is used in a well-ventilated space and with caution. For example, burning incense during meditation, yoga, or other relaxation practices may create a calming and pleasant atmosphere.

Ultimately, the decision to use incense as an air purifier or for other purposes should be based on personal preferences and individual circumstances. If you do choose to use incense, it's important to be aware of potential risks and to take precautions, such as using it in a well-ventilated area and selecting incense made from natural and high-quality ingredients.

As research on indoor air quality continues to move forward, it's likely that we will learn even more about the potential benefits and risks associated with various air purification methods, including incense. In the meantime, it's important to stay informed and make informed decisions about the air we breathe in our homes and other indoor spaces.

References

Wu, C. F., Tsai, P. J., Fan, N. C., Jian, Z. H., & Chen, J. W. (2007). Characteristics of indoor and outdoor atmospheric PM2.5 at two elementary schools in urban and rural areas of northern Taiwan. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 7(3), 280-296.
Liao, C. M., Tsai, P. J., & Chen, S. C. (2006). Characteristics of indoor and outdoor airborne particles in primary schools in Taipei City. Science of the Total Environment, 358(1-3), 113-122.
Liu, Y., Zhang, Q., Chen, Y., Du, W., Duan, F., He, K., & Sun, Y. (2019). The impact of incense burning on indoor PM2.5 and black carbon in residential apartments. Atmospheric Environment, 198, 16-23.
Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Chen, Y., Zhang, Q., Zhang, J., & Sun, Y. (2019). Chemical composition and characteristics of PM2.5 from burning Chinese incense using an indoor air quality chamber. Chemosphere, 237, 124469.
Bardhan, S., Kumar, S., Tahir, M. H., Hasan, M. M., Ahn, J. W., & Baek, K. H. (2020). Burning incense and mosquito coils indoors: influence on indoor PM2.5, particle number concentrations, CO, and formaldehyde. Environmental Pollution, 262, 114322.