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.
Yes,I also came across the article. In fact, burning joss sticks is not envirnmental friendly.
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