Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are large group of organic compounds with two or more fused aromatic ring. These compounds are solids with low volatility at room temperature. They are relatively insoluble in water and most can be degraded to simpler substances. Regulatory agencies such as US environmental protection agency (EPA) and agency for toxic substances and disease registry (ATSDR) have defined maximum allowable level of PAHs in the environment due to their adverse health effect to human. Exposure to PAHs can occur from different sources such as water, food and air. Incense burning is associated with many culture and ceremonies in many countries.
The incense materials are used to fragrant the environment and most of the people do not know that this fragrant may cause indoor air problems. Different carcinogenic substances have been detected in incense smoke. The exposure to incense smoke have been found to make lung cancer, asthma, headache, nausea and allergic to skin and eyes. One of the suggestions to prevent lung cancer in the community should include the reduction or minimization of exposures to indoor air pollutants. Beside PAHs, incense burning was found to be the significant source of particulates, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
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