Incense smoke can increase the risk of developing some types of cancer
In a recent scientific study, a new cause for mouth, throat, and lung cancers has emerged. It involves burning incense sticks that smoke and spread artificial aromas and fragrances in the surroundings. Smoke has some chemicals responsible for cancer. These chemicals include polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene. They are known to cause alterations in the DNA of cells.
However, there is no warning label available on a package of incense or incense sticks for a person to be aware of this fact.
Researchers at the Statens Serum Institutes in Copenhagen, who were responsible for conducting research on incense sticks and discovering this, believe that the function and properties of an incense stick should be clearly mentioned on the package so that people handle it with care. .
During the course of the research, the scientists asked questions of some 60,000 tribal people of Chinese origin in Singapore. The questions were about their lifestyle, such as diet, drinking habits, smoking, and the role of frankincense in their lives. After a few years, it was found that most of the people who were interviewed developed upper respiratory tract cancer or lung cancer due to the excessive use of frankincense.
It is seen that women are more likely to develop upper respiratory cancer compared to men, as they are more likely to burn incense in their homes. So also priests are more prone to this type of cancer than anyone else.
One of the main reasons to develop cancer due to this reason is lack of awareness and people are not aware of the conclusions of this particular report.
