Is Burning Incense Bad for You? The Clean Incense You Should Choose Instead

Breathe in beauty, not benzene – discover why clean incense is the healthier way to scent your space

For many of us, incense is part of our everyday ritual – one that brings mindfulness and beauty to ordinary moments. Its transportive scent, carried on tendrils of curling smoke, has the power to transform a space – making it feel grounded, serene, and cocooned in calm.

But could this seemingly gentle practice pose hidden health risks?

The truth about incense and indoor air quality

The answer, unfortunately, is yes – though the details matter. When incense is burned, the combustion process creates smoke and releases particulate matter into the air. In small doses, and with ventilation, the impact is minimal. But in enclosed spaces or with frequent use, it can significantly degrade indoor air quality – a growing concern alongside gas hobs, scented candles and synthetic room sprays.

Bamboo sticks inside incense can contain heavy metals from soil, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which are released as toxic oxides into the air when burned.

The health risks of burning mass-market incense

Many widely available incense sticks are made from a mix of wood powders, charcoal, synthetic fragrance oils, adhesives and a thin bamboo core. These low-cost ingredients may smell pleasant at first, but when burned, they emit airborne pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), that are far from harmless. 

A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health tested 12 incense products and found that every single one released known or suspected toxic compounds – including benzene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, all linked to cancer risk. Benzene concentrations exceeded WHO safety limits by up to 3,600 times, while formaldehyde levels frequently surpassed recommended thresholds for short-term exposure.

And it’s not just the smoke – some brightly coloured incense sticks also contain synthetic dyes, which add to the chemical load when burned. Another concern is diethyl phthalate, a chemical often used to fix synthetic fragrance in Indian-style incense, which can disrupt hormones.

Another concern is diethyl phthalate, a chemical often used to fix synthetic fragrance in Indian-style incense, which can disrupt hormones

The hidden danger in bamboo sticks

Bamboo, often used as the structural core of incense, might seem natural – but when burned, it can be anything but. Bamboo plants can accumulate heavy metals from soil, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which are released as toxic oxides into the air when burned.

This ultrafine particulate matter can reach deep into the lungs, potentially contributing to chronic respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Lead exposure, in particular, has been linked to neurological disorders – including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Can incense cause allergic reactions?

Yes – particularly mass-produced or bamboo-stick incense made with synthetic fragrance and chemical binders. According to a review in the Journal of Inflammation Research, the widespread use of incense in countries like China and Taiwan – where bamboo-based incense is commonly burned indoors – has been linked to a rise in allergic responses. These include itchy or burning eyes, skin irritation, sore throats, and contact dermatitis.

More concerning is the link to respiratory issues in children. Frequent exposure to incense smoke in the home has been associated with increased rates of childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis, and elevated IgE levels – markers of allergic sensitivity. The smoke contains fine particulate matter and volatile compounds that can inflame the airways, especially in children whose lungs are still developing.

Frequent exposure to incense smoke in the home has been associated with increased rates of childhood asthma

While not everyone will experience an immediate reaction, for those with sensitivities or existing respiratory conditions, regular incense use – especially in poorly ventilated spaces – may worsen symptoms over time.

 Why Japanese Incense Is the Best Clean Incense

In Japan, incense is more than fragrance – it’s a craft, a tradition, and a quietly luxurious way to scent your space. Sticks are made without bamboo, using a simple, elegant blend of wood powders, fragrant flowers and herbs bound together with makkō – a clay-like substance derived from the bark of the Machillus thunbergii tree.

At these long-established incense ateliers, each formula and technique is a closely guarded trade secret – often passed down through generations in incense-making families, preserved in hand-written ledgers, and unchanged for hundreds of years.

An incense worker on Awaji island Japan, captured during our visit to the incense factories. ©Appellation 

Only the finest raw materials are used: resins like frankincense and benzoin, dried leaves, roots and flowers and aromatic woods such as warm, sweet sandalwood and agarwood – even the rare kyara, a precious form of aloeswood sourced from the forests of Vietnam. 

Only the finest raw materials are used: resins like frankincense and benzoin, dried leaves, roots and flowers and aromatic woods such as warm, sweet sandalwood and agarwood

After the incense is shaped into slender sticks, it is left to dry naturally. The result? An incense that burns cleanly and gently, releasing a subtle, pure scent with very little smoke – ideal for homes where wellbeing is a priority. 

Appellation's Japanese incense is handcrafted by artisans on Awaji island, Japan ©Appellation

The clean incense choice

As we become more conscious of what we breathe – from the perfumes we spray to the candles we burn – incense deserves the same attention. Japanese incense offers a cleaner, more considered alternative to mass-market commercial incense: beautifully made, minimally processed and grounded in centuries of care.

It’s not just about avoiding toxins – it’s about choosing scent that supports your wellbeing.

Explore the centuries-old craftsmanship of Appellation's Soradaki Series incense – a collection of premium, clean Japanese incense brought to life by the master artisans of Awaji island.