Regularly inhaling incense smoke could put people at risk of cancers of the respiratory tract, according to new research.
In a study of more than 61,000 people who were followed for up to 12 years, investigators found a link between heavy incense use and various respiratory cancers.
Incense is usually derived from fragrant plant materials such as tree bark, resins, roots, flowers and essential oils. Past research has already found that burning these materials can produce potentially cancer-causing substances, including benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.