The Burning of Incense as an Indoor Source of Volatile Organic Compounds

Abstract

Incense burning in indoor environments is a common practice in many coun tries and communities in the world. In the present investigation one type of incense was used for the purpose of studying the quality and quantity of emis sions released, both before and during burning with respect to volatile organic compounds including aldehydes. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content and elemenal composition of air particulate matter and ash were also investigated. The study included controlled experiments in an environmental chamber as well as field tests. The results showed the presence of benzalde hyde, linalool, benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and acetalde hyde in the emissions of incense both before and after burning. Incense burn ing produced additional compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and diethyl phthalate. The concentrations of these compounds depended on the time of sampling. No PAHs were detected in air particulate matter after incense burn ing or in the combustion residue. Various elements were detected both in air particulate matter and combustion residue. The results confirm that incense is a potential source of indoor pollution which should be the subject of further study.