Burning incense, as is commonly done during meditation, religious ceremonies or simply for the fragrance would superficially seem to be a natural and healthy activity. However, most people don't realize that it can expose them to a dangerous amount of cancer-causing toxins.

Although this study was conducted in a poorly-ventilated temple where incense is burned regularly, you are still releasing these chemicals into your home if you burn incense there. To keep your cancer risk to a minimum, your safest bet is to not release any extra pollutants into your home, including those from incense, candles, air fresheners or other synthetic fragrances.

Alternatively, you could use them in the summer when your home is well ventilated or if you have a full-house ventilation system your risk would be substantially decreased.

This would be true for nearly all chemicals, and whole-house ventilation systems are something you might want to consider to remove the many other chemicals that tend to build up from various items in your home that outgas over time. Most homes are actually far more polluted than the outside air, especially in the winter.

In general, it's best not to introduce any chemicals into your home. If you are trying to eliminate unpleasant scents, try to prevent them from occurring in the first place, or if you want a pleasant scent you could try therapeutic essential oils instead.

Most essential oils have antibacterial qualities and have varying physical and emotional effects depending on the oil, such as stimulation, relaxation, pain relief and healing. More importantly they don't produce harmful chemicals.

If you had a chance to read my previous article on the Lung Association's Report on Air Quality, then you know that there are enough problems with air quality outside of your home -- there's no need to create more problems with the air inside of your home as well.

On Vital Votes, Bryan from Austin, Texas adds:

"Since most people spend about 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors, indoor air pollution is very important to minimize.  In addition to gaseous pollutants, such as formaldehyde from carpets and furniture, carbon monoxide from cooking and heating, and  radon gas emanating from some soils.

"Most homes and buildings have numerous fine particles, that can include smoke, dander, and mold spores, which can carry a variety of natural and man-made toxins as well as allergens."

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