Turaren Wuta: Nigerias Beloved Fragrance With Poison In The Air By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Incense, also known as Turaren Wuta, is not new to us. It is used worldwide and has been a tradition in many cultures for generations.

Incense can freshen the scent of indoor areas for spiritual purposes, health, and other uses. While it can be soothing and refreshing, it also carries hidden dangers to our health that many people are unaware of, which is alarming.

For centuries, incense has been burned across cultures during religious rituals, meditation, and to create a calming ambiance. The fragrant smoke wafting from incense sticks evokes calmness, spirituality, and nostalgia.

However, behind the alluring scents lies a growing body of research suggesting incense may pose significant health risks-particularly with prolonged or frequent exposure.

Women, especially, should be cautious due to their frequent and daily exposure to fragrance in various forms.

Incense burning has become a daily routine and an indispensable ritual in some religions, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. It is commonly practiced in temples, monasteries, mosques, and household settings for divine worship and ancestor veneration.

Additionally, incense is now widely used for purposes like deodorizing, aromatherapy, and meditation.

What Is Incense?

Incense is made from natural or synthetic aromatic substances, often including resins, herbs, essential oils, and wood powders.

When burned, it releases fragrant smoke that varies in intensity depending on the ingredients. Common forms include stick, cone, and coil incense, each used for different purposes ranging from ceremonial use to air freshening.

Incense burning is popular across many regions of the world. A growing body of both epidemiological and experimental evidence has reported negative effects of incense use on human health, posing a potential public health concern.

The Smoke You Breathe In

Commercially available incense comes in forms such as sticks, joss sticks, cones, coils, powders, ropes, rocks or charcoal, and smudge bundles.

When incense burns, it produces smoke containing a complex mix of particulate matter PM, volatile organic compounds VOCs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs, carbon monoxide CO, and other potentially toxic chemicals.

These substances are similar in composition to those found in cigarette smoke and industrial pollution.

Particulate Matter PM: These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs: These include formaldehyde and benzene-both known to cause irritation and associated with certain cancers.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs: These are byproducts of incomplete combustion and have been associated with DNA damage and increased cancer risk.

What Is Incense Made Of?

Today, incense makers often add materials to enhance fragrance, burning quality, and cohesiveness of the incense blend.

A flame source such as a lighter or matches is needed to burn most types of incense. The burning end-whether cone, stick, or round-emits smoke with a pleasant scent.

However, this smoke also contains particulate matter that can easily be inhaled, potentially leading to negative health outcomes.

Health Risks of Incense Smoke

Respiratory Problems: Studies have shown that incense smoke can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, especially for individuals with asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. Children, the elderly, and those with preexisting lung issues are particularly vulnerable.

Increased Cancer Risk: Several studies, including those by the World Health Organization WHO, have linked long-term incense exposure with increased risk of cancers, especially of the respiratory tract-such as lung, nasopharyngeal, and throat cancers.

Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain components in incense, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, headaches, skin irritation, and eye discomfort. Synthetic fragrances are particularly problematic in this regard.

Impact on Indoor Air Quality: Burning incense in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces can significantly reduce indoor air quality, resulting in a buildup of toxins over time-especially with frequent use.

Adverse Effects on Children and Pregnant Women: Children exposed to incense smoke may face a higher risk of developing asthma or experiencing delayed lung development.

Pregnant women who frequently inhale incense smoke may also increase the risk of low birth weight or respiratory i