Reading Tips:

For fast reading, scan through the topic headings in BOLD BLACK, important conclusions in BOLD BLUE, and "Must Know" in BOLD RED. To jump to specific sections in this article, click on the respective LINKS in the Table of Contents.

Information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Each one of us is biochemically and metabolically different. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.

Incense
Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com


With the new age popularity of aromatherapy, the use of incense has been on the rise.

From an anti-aging perspective, studies have repeatedly shown that burning incense releases smoke laden with cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). The level of highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons inside a Taiwanese temple, where incense is common, increased to 19 times the level found outside when incense was burned.

Incense burning also releases large quantities of other pollutants, especially suspended particles that are equally toxic.  The levels of these were 3 times higher inside the temple than at a busy traffic intersection and 11 times higher than in ambient air.

If you want to minimize cancer , try to stay away as much as possible from incense. If such exposure is unavoidable, make sure you take adequate amount of anti-oxidants for protection.  Studies have shown that it takes about 65 mg of Vitamin C to neutralize the free radical release by one cigarette. We don't know how much Vitamin C is needed to offset the smoke from incense, but taking 500mg to 1000 mg as a preventive measure should be considered.

 

Message from Dr. Lam

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don't understand,
or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here.

 
About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certified in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

 
For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com.
Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

 
Ownership and Use

This Web Site and all content and materials included on this Web Site, including without limitation all information, text, graphics, illustrations, photos, video, sound and software (collectively the "Content"), are copyrighted and protected under U.S. and international copyright laws, trademark and other intellectual property laws and treaties and are the exclusive property of Dr. Michael Lam. Dr. Michael Lam hereby retains all right, title, and interest in the Content.

All rights are reserved. You may not store, modify, create derivative works of, translate, distribute, publish, transmit, sell or participate in any sale of, or exploit in any way any Content in any form or by any means. You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading material from this Web Site. You are authorized to view this Web Site for informational purposes only. No part of this Web Site or Content can be redistributed, copied, adapted or reproduced without the prior written consent of Dr. Michael Lam.

 
© 1999-2009  Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.