Chances are you’ve seen incense sticks being sold at your local convenience store or markets. They’re often used in religious ceremonies or in aromatherapy. But what you may not know is that these seemingly innocuous sticks can actually be quite harmful to your health.

Incense sticks are made of natural ingredients like wood, bark, and leaves. They’re then dipped in oils and perfume. When burned, they release fragrance and smoke. The smoke is composed of harmful chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

In this article, we’ll be discussing 20 shocking health dangers of incense sticks that you never knew.

1. Respiratory problems: The smoke from incense sticks can irritate your respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

2. Cancer: The chemicals found in incense smoke, such as PAHs, have been linked to cancer.

3. Lung damage: Prolonged exposure to incense smoke can cause long-term damage to your lungs.

4. Asthma attacks: The smoke from incense sticks can trigger asthma attacks in people who already have the condition.

5. Allergies: Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in incense sticks, leading to allergic reactions.

6. Headaches: The strong smell of incense can cause headaches, especially in people who are sensitive to scents.

7. Eye irritation: Burning incense sticks can also irritate your eyes, causing redness and discomfort.

8. Skin irritation: Incense smoke can also irritate your skin, causing rashes and itching.

9. Nausea: The strong scent of incense can make some people feel nauseous.

10. Dizziness: Exposure to incense smoke can cause dizziness and lightheadedness in some individuals. 

11. Fatigue: Prolonged exposure to incense smoke can make you feel tired and lethargic.

12. Increased risk of heart disease: PAHs found in incense smoke have also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

13. Cognitive impairment: Exposure to incense smoke has been linked to cognitive impairment in some studies.

14. Hormonal imbalance: Burning incense sticks can also disrupt hormonal balance in the body.

15. Reduced fertility: Prolonged exposure to incense smoke can reduce fertility in both men and women.

16. Increased risk of stroke: Exposure to incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of stroke.

17. Birth defects: Some studies have suggested that exposure to incense smoke during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects.

18. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Burning incense in the bedroom has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS in babies. 19. Environmental pollution: Burning incense sticks contributes to air pollution and is harmful to the environment.

20. Fire hazard: Burning incense sticks can also be a fire hazard if they’re not properly extinguished.