Is Incense OK?

[Nikki98]

I burn incense in my home maybe 2-3 times a day. My mom thinks that it isn't a good idea. Does anyone burn incense in their home and if so is it toxic? Just curious.

[Meg Murry.]

Originally Posted by Nikki98

I burn incense in my home maybe 2-3 times a day. My mom thinks that it isn't a good idea. Does anyone burn incense in their home and if so is it toxic? Just curious.

I'm curious about this too.

[MaryLang]

: Hmmmmm...

[helen_emily]

I burn it in my house too but only on cleaning days (usually weekends).
I once was told that the incense smoke is as toxic as cigarette smoke, if you actually inhale it up close.
I have no idea how true this is, but I make sure to burn it in the room while I'm not in there. That way you still get the nice smell but the smoke can blow away

I assume that some types are more toxic than others too. I'm not sure if that's true either!

[KimProbable]

I can't give any type of informed answer, but in my experience I've always found the smoke from incense to be quite irritating. I'd also be concerned over the quality, since I'm sure the stuff you can purchase at the dollar store is made up of less quality materials that the higher-end incense.

Have you ever considered using a diffuser and essential oils? This is what I use in my home and I feel confident about exposing my kids to it. I'll use it to freshen the air or even for medicinal purposes (helping with night-time head congestion). Of course, I only use a lit candle when I'm around to supervise and I always leave it out of DD's reach.

[RiverSky]

I'm pretty sure I've read on MDC that most incense brands create toxic smoke but that there are one or two more pure brands that emit less. I believe there is lead in some incense sticks, which is bad to burn (just like wicks with lead in them). Hopefully someone with more concrete advice and info will post.

[Llyra]

I would worry about particulate pollution especially... The Organic Housekeeping book that I have recommends against using incense for that reason.

[Nikki98]

Originally Posted by KimProbable

I can't give any type of informed answer, but in my experience I've always found the smoke from incense to be quite irritating. I'd also be concerned over the quality, since I'm sure the stuff you can purchase at the dollar store is made up of less quality materials that the higher-end incense.

Have you ever considered using a diffuser and essential oils? This is what I use in my home and I feel confident about exposing my kids to it. I'll use it to freshen the air or even for medicinal purposes (helping with night-time head congestion). Of course, I only use a lit candle when I'm around to supervise and I always leave it out of DD's reach.

Yes I do think I will get a diffuser and some essential oils. I like the smell of incense, but I think in the back of my mind I always had questions about it. I may just burn it ocassionally, not my twice a day deal. Thanks for the feedback.

[talk de jour]

I doubt it's any more dangerous than the smoke from a fireplace.

You could burn sage?

[hanno]

I would be so sad if nag champa was hurting me or my family.

[talk de jour]

Me too!

[muse]

i've found certain brand of japanese incense to be much less irritating to me.
i don't know if that makes them less toxic?

http://www.santosha.com/japanese-incense.html

[North_Of_60]

I use simmering oils. I like them better because the smell is "cleaner" and doesn't give off the smoke. You can get electric burners for this, but I have donated and old pot, and I just simmer it on the stove top for about 20 minutes and it makes the house smell purdy.

I add lots of water to stop it from evaporating too quickly, put it on a back burner, and then get it so the steam is rising and just let it simmer. You can get all sorts of fragrances, but my favorite is gardenia.

[captain crunchy]

Originally Posted by hanno

I would be so sad if nag champa was hurting me or my family.

Me too!!! It calms us so much that I even take it when we stay elsewhere (assuming whoever we stay with doesn't mind of course) because our daughter has a powerful scent association with it and relaxes and sleeps better when we are not at home (we cosleep too but I digress).

I love my nag champa!!!!