In the Tet holiday, offering incense at ancestral altars and religious sites is an essential cultural practice for Vietnamese people. However, frequent exposure to incense smoke, especially from unsafe types of incense, can pose hidden health risks.
Increased Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
According to Dr. Du Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Society of Vascular Diseases, not all incense is safe for health. Today, many manufacturers use industrial chemicals to treat and color incense to reduce costs while enhancing fragrance and appearance.
Excessive exposure to incense smoke during Tet can lead to various health risks (Photo: Getty).
Smoke from chemically treated incense may contain harmful compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylene. When burned, these compounds disperse into the air, causing irritation to the eyes and nose. Long-term exposure can lead to severe damage to the respiratory system and other organs in the body.
“These toxins, when inhaled, can adhere to the respiratory tract lining, causing chronic inflammation, cell mutation, and increased cancer risk, particularly lung cancer,” Dr. Manh explained.
Changes in Incense Ingredients
In the past, incense was primarily made from natural materials such as sandalwood, cinnamon powder, or herbs, creating a mild and healthy aroma. However, today, many types of incense contain artificial colors, sulfur, phosphoric acid, and synthetic fragrances, including benzene rings—a highly toxic substance.
Dr. Du Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Society of Vascular Diseases (Photo: Doan Thuy).
“The more fragrant and colorful the incense, the higher the risk of containing harmful chemicals. These not only cause immediate irritations like dizziness and nausea but also damage the nervous system, liver, kidneys, cause genetic mutations, and alter cells,” Dr. Manh warned.
Using this type of incense not only affects the person burning it but is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Incense Smoke and Respiratory Disorders
Chemical incense smoke contains fine particles and harmful gases that, when inhaled, adhere to the respiratory tract lining, causing irritation and damage. “Incense smoke containing benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is similar to cigarette smoke. It not only causes respiratory inflammation but also has long-term effects on lung function, leading to diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or even lung cancer,” Dr. Manh said.
Additionally, the smoke can irritate the eyes, causing redness, tearing, and discomfort. People frequently exposed to incense smoke or dust also face the risk of metal poisoning.
How to Use Incense Safely?
To minimize negative impacts from incense smoke, Dr. Manh recommends:
- Prioritize natural incense: Choose incense with clear origins made from natural materials like sandalwood, cinnamon, or herbs. Avoid incense with bright colors or overly strong scents.
- Limit the amount of incense burned: Do not burn too much incense at once. Burn适量即可，注重诚意而非数量。
- Ensure good ventilation: Open windows or doors when burning incense to allow smoke to circulate and prevent accumulation in enclosed spaces.
- Protect sensitive individuals: Elderly people, children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions should limit their exposure to incense smoke to protect their health.
Offering incense during Tet is a beautiful cultural tradition, but it should be practiced intelligently and safely to safeguard the health of yourself and your family.
