The Presence of Aromatic Substances in Incense: Determining Indoor Air Quality and Its Impact on Human Health
Source abstract
Abstract
Indoor air quality has become a topic of great concern. Burning incense has recently been identified as one of the primary sources of volatile organic compounds, specifically benzene, in an indoor setting. The current paper aims to evaluate volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, particularly benzene, within indoor environments through the utilization of an experimental clean room. Experimental findings showed that 10 types of incense sticks emitted benzene in concentrations between 11.1 and 66.5 μg m−3, which were 2.5 lower than the limit suggested for non-occupation indoor exposure (160 μg m−3), identified by the American Association of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Furthermore, a correlation between the dimensions (diameter and length) of the combustible parts in an incense stick was investigated and indicated a slight influence on the release of benzene. Taking into consideration the substantial influence benzene has on human health, coupled with a lack of precise legislation regarding indoor air quality in residential settings, this research serves as an initial investigation into the noteworthy effects of burning incense in private and public indoor settings.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Air Quality and Health Impacts · Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure · Noise Effects and Management
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via Bardanzellu 8, 00155 Rome, Italy
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Environmental Pathology, Polo Universitario di Rieti, Sabina Universitas, 02100 Rieti, Italy
Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research (IIA), National Research Council (CNR), Rome Research Area-Montelibretti, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy
Funding
ALCLI “Giorgio e Silvia”
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