A research study, led by Associate Professor Koh Woon Puay and in collaboration with Dr Pan An, concluded that inhaling smoke from burning incense daily for 20 years or more increases a person’s risk of dying from heart disease by 12 per cent.
Indoor incense burning is widespread throughout Singapore and A/Prof Koh said, “studies on emissions from burning of incense have identified volatile organic compounds and particulate matter similar to those found in cigarette smoke and traffic emissions.”
However, this research study is not intended to discourage incense burning, which is often linked to religious and ritual practices. Instead, A/Prof Koh hopes it will spur future efforts to identify the least harmful types of incense, as well as strategies to improve indoor air quality.
Media Coverage:
- The Straits Times, 6 September 2014, Saturday