im just asking cuz im almost 6 weeks pregnant, and my husband likes to burn them in the house, i just want to know if its harmful for my baby like cigarette smoke is???
2007-05-18 06:59:57 · 13 answers · asked by Troy & Aliya's Mommy 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
From what the link below shows it may not be safe during pregnancy.
Incense is another source of indoor air pollution. When burned, incense sticks release particulate matter into the air. The tiny particles are easily inhaled into the lungs and can irritate airways. Several studies have linked exposure to incense smoke with cancer, asthma and contact dermatitis (skin irritation).
One study reported that children whose parents burned incense during pregnancy or while nursing had a higher risk for leukemia. Carbon monoxide and benzene are also released when incense burns, as well as fragrance chemicals like musk compounds, for which there is little toxicity or health data, though they are persistent in the environment.
The burning of candles or incense also releases polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are released, according to a study reported in the New Scientist. PAHs are common outdoor air pollutants (they also result from gas and diesel fuel burning) that may cause cancer and low birth weight. One Taiwanese study collected air samples from inside a temple where incense is burned regularly and compared them with samples taken outside and from a busy intersection nearby. The PAH levels from the temple were 19 times higher than the outdoor samples, and slightly higher than at the intersection.
2007-05-18 07:05:10 · answer #1 · answered by scraven68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Respirable particles that make up smoke are both upper respiratory and pulmonary system irritants. They can inflame mucous membranes and initiate asthmatic attacks in sensitive individuals. Burning incense has been reported to produce carcinogens such as benzo-a-pyrene, several other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the nasal carcinogen, sinaldehyde.
Besides sinaldehyde, a variety of other aldehydes can be produced by burning incense. These include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Both formaldehyde and acrolein are potent mucous membrane irritants. Acrolein is particularly irritating to the eyes.
One study indicates that incense burning in a household at least once per week during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood leukemia.
Should you be concerned about potential cancer and other health risks to your children because you regularly burn incense?
The answer is of course yes.
Though the science is limited, there is sufficient evidence to practice “prudent avoidance,” that is, don’t subject your children or family to a potential risk like this that can be very easily avoided.
2007-05-18 07:20:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have him stop burning incense. The particulates that are given off in the process are very harmful to all who inhale them. There was a study that tested the air in temples that burned incense and found that it was worse than the air out in the street with the exhaust from cars.
2007-05-18 07:03:45 · answer #3 · answered by IMAO 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
cigarette smoke is worse for you than it is for the baby (per my doctor). There is nothing in incense though that woudl be bad for the baby. Cigarette smoke is bad because it has poisons in it. However, being pregnant you may find you are more sensitive to certain smells and the incense may make you feel nauseous.
2007-05-18 07:04:14 · answer #4 · answered by poohb2878 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't sit next to the incense and inhale it, but having it burning in the house shouldn't pose a problem.
Check w/your doctor to be sure though.
2007-05-18 07:04:35 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't sit up under it, but I did burn incense in my homes during the times I was pregnant with my kids. They are no worse for it!
2007-05-18 07:03:52 · answer #6 · answered by MamiZorro2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that burning incense is harmful during pregnancy. It doesn't contain the same poisons and chemicals as cigarette smoke.
I would suggest getting fresh air,often,though. If anything, that's great for your baby :) (the fresh air,that is)
2007-05-18 07:04:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are funny. But no, as long as you are not directly inhaling them. Just to be sure, have him burn only one. I love inscents!!
2007-05-18 07:03:48 · answer #8 · answered by Queen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
any inhaled smoke is bad for your lungs, but should not harm the baby. Switch to an oil burner.
2007-05-18 07:03:30 · answer #9 · answered by parental unit 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
most incense is non toxic, so its mostly safe for your baby. you should read the package, and if it has any toxicity warnings on it, then its not safe. otherwise its not harmful
2007-05-18 07:10:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋