I was alarmed when I read the papers today. At one corner of the page of The Straits Times was this article stating Burning joss sticks can cause cancer. In disbelief, I searched online for more information and came across this page at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/30/health ...
... devotees across Asia could be taking their life into their hands every time they go to a temple to pray...I can't believe I had been a smoker since I was born!
...as deadly as traffic fumes and cigarette smoke...
...risk of leukaemia, lung, blood and bladder cancers
One joss stick creates the same amount of cancer-causing chemicals at one cigarette.
"It's not necessary as part of the ritual for these traditional joss sticks to burn down," he (Dr Manoon) said. "By putting them out after a minute or so the air pollution would be cut by 30 to 40 times."
However, I do not believe every Buddhist, Taoist and Hindus would immediately abolish their own traditions of burning joss sticks during religious prayers. Therefore I have come up with some pragmatic solutions to the health hazard caused by incense.
Solution 1 : Open Windows to ensure proper air flow [Duh...]
Allow the smoke to escape out of the house when burning joss sticks indoor, so as to reduce the amount that you have to breathe in.
Solution 2 : Wear a N95 Mask or Chemical Protection Mask
Simple! Just don a mask to prevent the inhalation of toxic substances while carrying on the practice.
Solution 3 : Learn from SAF - SIMULATE
If we can simulate rifle shooting with "Bang! Bang! Bang", we could also use simulation on joss sticks. Instead of lighting them, we could just light it up "virtually/imaginarily". This way your joss sticks won't release any gas at all.
Solution 4 : Install the Urn outside your house
Just like in temples, most of the time the urn is situated outside.
Solution 5 : Buy premium grade Incense
I had come across some joss sticks that don't release toxins. They cost much higher but they are made of premium grade of wood.
1 comments:
Yes,I also came across the article. In fact, burning joss sticks is not envirnmental friendly.
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