Incense burning and votive paper offerings are deeply spiritual customs, reflecting the Vietnamese people's remembrance of ancestors. However, from a scientific perspective, Doctor Ngo Thi Kim Oanh, Head of the Acupuncture and duong sinh Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital - Campus 3, warns that improper execution of these activities can lead to adverse health consequences.
Hidden danger from fine dust in incense and votive paper smoke
The smoke from burning votive paper and incense is more than just a familiar scent. The combustion process releases ultrafine dust particles and volatile organic compounds.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor burning sources can increase concentrations of fine dust PM2.5 and irritants. When these accumulate in confined, poorly ventilated spaces, they irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as stinging eyes, sore throats, coughing, or temporary discomfort.
Numerous environmental studies indicate that prolonged or high-concentration exposure to incense smoke exacerbates irritation. Notably, incense smoke contains compounds that can strongly affect mucous membranes, particularly in sealed living spaces.
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People burning incense at a pagoda. Illustration: Minh Tam
Vulnerable groups
Health risks are not equally distributed. Experts highlight four particularly sensitive groups:
: Young children and the elderly
: Pregnant women
: Individuals with a history of chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD)
: Individuals with cardiovascular diseases
In these groups, discomfort symptoms often appear earlier, are more severe, and recovery is slower compared to healthy individuals.
In fact, after holiday periods, community health services frequently report cases of persistent coughing, rhinitis, pharyngitis, or eye irritation due to poor indoor air quality from continuous burning activities.
Balancing tradition with health protection
To balance cultural beauty and health safety, Doctor Oanh offers these recommendations:
Moderate burning
Incense burning should be symbolic; avoid lighting too many sticks at once or maintaining continuous incense smoke for many hours. Votive paper burning should ideally be done outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Ensure ventilation
When burning incense indoors, open windows or doors to allow smoke to quickly dissipate, improving air quality and reducing direct exposure to harmful substances.
Choose safe products
Prioritize incense from clear sources, with natural herbal ingredients, low smoke, and mild scents. Avoid strong-smelling incense or those using chemical colorants and fragrances, as they can cause severe irritation, especially for families with respiratory sensitivities.
"Preserving spiritual beauty is a crucial part of culture, but it must be balanced with health considerations," Doctor Oanh stated, further advising that practicing customs moderately and scientifically helps maintain the spiritual significance of Tet while ensuring family members' safety.
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