According to The Quint, researchers found that incense-smoke was mutagenic (causes DNA changes at cell level), genotoxic (causes genetic changes leading to cancer) and cytotoxic (so toxic that it kills your cells). In other words, incense fumes pose a higher risk of cancer than cigarette smoke.

How bad is incense for you?

Particulate matter in incense smoke not only contains carcinogens but also irritants. This means it could lead to a number of respiratory diseases, such as asthma. One study evaluated over 3,000 schoolchildren for asthma, symptoms of asthma, and burning incense.

Is the smoke from incense toxic?

The air pollution in and around various temples has been documented to have harmful effects on health. When incense smoke pollutants are inhaled, they cause respiratory system dysfunction. Incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels and has been indicated to cause allergic contact dermatitis.