Study: Oud as harmful as cigarette smoke

Inhaling traditional Arabian incense, popularly known as oud or bakhour, has similar health risks that are caused by tobacco smoke, a new study has revealed.
Researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Paris said burning incense lead to air pollution and hence poses significant health implications if inhaled.
The study said that when the incense burned, it released toxic chemicals that could cause lung cancer. Those who are frequently exposed to incense fumes are more susceptible to the danger.
Earlier last year, a study of indoor air pollution in homes across the Emirates found people who burn oud and bakhour each day to be two to four times more likely to suffer from headaches, forgetfulness and concentration problems.
They found significant traces of formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide in the air in houses where incense is burned.
Formaldehyde exposure has been associated with neurological symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, while sulphur dioxide, which is produced by burning coals, can cause severe respiratory problems.
The study found the presence of sulphur dioxide was twice as likely in houses where people burnt incense two or more times a week.
A similar Taiwanese study published in May 2011 found that incense smoke is even more harmful than the fumes emitted by cars.
The Taiwanese study conducted by researcher Lin Ta-chang for Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University indicated that incense used in temples, was found to contain high levels of substances blamed for causing many types of cancer, especially lung cancer.