The Impact of Fine Particulate Matters (PM10, PM2.5) from Incense Smokes on the Various Organ Systems: A Review of an Invisible Killer

Abstract

The drastic increase in industrialization has led to numerous adverse effects on the environment and human health. Respiratory tract disorders are one of the major emerging global health issues that lead to a high mortality rate every year. The quality of indoor and outdoor air has lowered in the last decade.The quality of indoor air has deteriorated by cooking, smoking, and burning incense sticks or smoke. The smoke released from incense and incense sticks contains gaseous products (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxide of sulfur), particular matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These toxic components released from various incense sources pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. The inhalation and exposure of smoke from various incenses is hazardous to health as it inevitably culminates in deadly organ-related diseases. With such insights, the present review article focuses on the characteristic attributes of particulate matter released from incense and other sources emphasizing healthcare and environmental concerns.