| In a recent scientific study, a new cause for the | | | | During the course of the research, scientists asked |
| mouth, throat and lung cancers has emerged. This is | | | | questions to some 60,000 tribal people of Chinese |
| burning of incense sticks that smoke and spread | | | | origin in Singapore. The questions were about their |
| artificial scent and fragrance in the surroundings. The | | | | lifestyle such as their diet, drinking habits, smoking |
| smoke has some chemicals which are responsible for | | | | along with role of incense in their lives. After few |
| cancer. These chemicals include poly aromatic | | | | years, it was found that most of the people who |
| hydrocarbons, carbonyls and benzene. They are | | | | were interviewed developed either upper respiratory |
| known to bring about alterations in the DNA of cells. | | | | tract cancer or lung cancer due to excessive use of |
| However, there is no warning label available on a | | | | incense. |
| packet of incense or joss sticks to make a person | | | | It is seen that women have higher chance of |
| aware of this fact. | | | | developing upper respiratory cancer compared to |
| Researchers from the Statens Serum Institutes in | | | | men as they are more prone to burning incense in |
| Copenhagen, who were responsible for conducting | | | | their homes. So, also priests are more prone to this |
| research on incense sticks and discovering this, | | | | type of cancer than anyone else. |
| believe that the function and properties of an incense | | | | One major reason for developing cancer due to this |
| stick should be clearly mentioned on the packet so | | | | reason is lack of awareness and people not being |
| that people handle it with care. | | | | aware of the conclusions of this particular report. |