1
|
Cartus AT, Lachenmeier DW, Guth S, Roth A, Baum M, Diel P, Eisenbrand G, Engeli B, Hellwig M, Humpf HU, Joost HG, Kulling SE, Lampen A, Marko D, Steinberg P, Wätjen W, Hengstler JG, Mally A. Acetaldehyde as a Food Flavoring Substance: Aspects of Risk Assessment. Mol Nutr Food Res 2023; 67:e2200661. [PMID: 37840378 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) has reviewed the currently available data in order to assess the health risks associated with the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring substance in foods. Acetaldehyde is genotoxic in vitro. Following oral intake of ethanol or inhalation exposure to acetaldehyde, systemic genotoxic effects of acetaldehyde in vivo cannot be ruled out (induction of DNA adducts and micronuclei). At present, the key question of whether acetaldehyde is genotoxic and mutagenic in vivo after oral exposure cannot be answered conclusively. There is also insufficient data on human exposure. Consequently, it is currently not possible to reliably assess the health risk associated with the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring substance. However, considering the genotoxic potential of acetaldehyde as well as numerous data gaps that need to be filled to allow a comprehensive risk assessment, the SKLM considers that the use of acetaldehyde as a flavoring may pose a safety concern. For reasons of precautionary consumer protection, the SKLM recommends that the scientific base for approval of the intentional addition of acetaldehyde to foods as a flavoring substance should be reassessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk W Lachenmeier
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Weißenburger Str. 3, 76187, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sabine Guth
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystr, 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Angelika Roth
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystr, 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Matthias Baum
- Solenis Germany Industries GmbH, Fütingsweg 20, 47805, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Patrick Diel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Engeli
- Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), Risk Assessment Division, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, Bern, 3003, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hellwig
- Chair of Special Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Bergstraße 66, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Joost
- Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Sabine E Kulling
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Haid-und-Neu-Straße 9, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Alfonso Lampen
- Risk Assessment Strategies, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, Berlin, Germany
| | - Doris Marko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Pablo Steinberg
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Haid-und-Neu-Str. 9, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wim Wätjen
- Institut für Agrar- und Ernährungswissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystr, 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Angela Mally
- Department of Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 9, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Song K, Tang R, Li A, Wan Z, Zhang Y, Gong Y, Lv D, Lu S, Tan Y, Yan S, Yan S, Zhang J, Fan B, Chan CK, Guo S. Particulate organic emissions from incense-burning smoke: Chemical compositions and emission characteristics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165319. [PMID: 37414164 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Incense burning is a common practice in Asian cultures, releasing hazardous particulate organics. Inhaling incense smoke can result in adverse health effects, yet the molecular compositions of incense-burning organics have not been well investigated due to the lack of measurement of intermediate-volatility and semi-volatile organic compounds (I/SVOCs). To elucidate the detailed emission profile of incense-burning particles, we conducted a non-target measurement of organics emitted from incense combustion. Quartz filters were utilized to trap particles, and organics were analyzed by a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC × GC-MS) coupled with a thermal desorption system (TDS). To deal with the complex data obtained by GC × GC-MS, homologs are identified mainly by the combination of selected ion chromatograms (SICs) and retention indexes. SICs of 58, 60, 74, 91, and 97 were utilized to identify 2-ketones, acids, fatty acid methyl esters, fatty acid phenylmethyl esters, and alcohols, respectively. Phenolic compounds contribute the most to emission factors (EFs) among all chemical classes, taking up 24.5 % ± 6.5 % of the total EF (96.1 ± 43.1 μg g-1). These compounds are largely derived from the thermal degradation of lignin. Biomarkers like sugars (mainly levoglucosan), hopanes, and sterols are extensively detected in incense combustion fumes. Incense materials play a more important role in shaping emission profiles than incense forms. Our study provides a detailed emission profile of particulate organics emitted from incense burning across the full-volatility range, which can be used in the health risk assessments. The data processing procedure in this work could also benefit those with less experience in non-target analysis, especially GC × GC-MS data processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Song
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education (IJRC), College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Rongzhi Tang
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Research Institue, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Ang Li
- China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), Beijing 100176, China
| | - Zichao Wan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education (IJRC), College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Earth Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Yuanzheng Gong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education (IJRC), College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Daqi Lv
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education (IJRC), College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Sihua Lu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education (IJRC), College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu Tan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Shuyuan Yan
- China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), Beijing 100176, China
| | - Shichao Yan
- China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), Beijing 100176, China
| | | | - Baoming Fan
- TECHSHIP (Beijing) Technology Co., LTD, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Chak K Chan
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Research Institue, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China; Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Song Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory for Regional Pollution Control, Ministry of Education (IJRC), College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee CW, Vo TTT, Wee Y, Chiang YC, Chi MC, Chen ML, Hsu LF, Fang ML, Lee KH, Guo SE, Cheng HC, Lee IT. The Adverse Impact of Incense Smoke on Human Health: From Mechanisms to Implications. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:5451-5472. [PMID: 34712057 PMCID: PMC8548258 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s332771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Incense burning is a very popular activity in daily life among many parts all over the world. A growing body of both epidemiological and experimental evidences has reported the negative effects of incense use on human well-being, posing a potential threat at public significance. This work is a comprehensive review that covers the latest findings regarding the adverse impact of incense smoke on our health, providing a panoramic visualization ranging from mechanisms to implications. The toxicities of incense smoke come directly from its harmful constituents and deposition capacity in the body. Besides, reactive oxygen species-driven oxidative stress and associated inflammation seem to be plausible underlying mechanisms, eliciting various unfavorable responses. Although our current knowledge remains many gaps, this issue still has some important implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiang-Wen Lee
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Thi Thuy Tien Vo
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yinshen Wee
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Yao-Chang Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Ching Chi
- Chronic Disease and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Min-Li Chen
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Fen Hsu
- Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ling Fang
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Super Micro Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Han Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Su-Er Guo
- Graduate Institute of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chung Cheng
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Ta Lee
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang TT, Lin TS, Wu JJ, Jhuang FJ. Characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions of particles of various sizes from smoldering incense. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 88:271-276. [PMID: 22057226 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-011-0446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particles of various sizes from smoldering incenses was determined. Among the three types of incense investigated, yielding the total PAH emission rate and factor ranges for PM0.25 were 2,139.7-6,595.6 ng/h and 1,762.2-8,094.9 ng/g, respectively. The PM0.25/PM2.5 ratio of total PAH emission factors and rates from smoldering three incenses was greater than 0.92. This study shows that total particle PAH emission rates and factors were mainly <0.25 μm. Furthermore, the total toxic equivalency emission rates and factors of PAHs for PM0.25 were 241.3-469.7 and 198.8-576.2 ng/g from the three smoldering incenses. The benzo[a]pyrene accounted for 65.2%-68.0% of the total toxic equivalency emission factor of PM2.5 for the three incenses. Experimental results clearly indicate that the PAH emission rates and factors were influenced significantly by incense composition, including carbon and hydrogen content. The study concludes that smoldering incense with low atomic hydrogen/carbon ratios minimized the production of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of both PM2.5 and PM0.25.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T T Yang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University, Room 407, No. 306, Yuanpei St, Hsin Chu, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang TT, Lin ST, Lin TS, Hong WL. Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions in the particulate phase from burning incenses with various atomic hydrogen/carbon ratios. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 414:335-342. [PMID: 22134031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the particulate phase generated from burning various incense was investigated by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Among the used incenses, the atomic H/C ratio ranged from 0.51 to 1.69, yielding the emission factor ranges for total particulate mass and PAHs of 4.19-82.16 mg/g and 1.20-9.50 μg/g, respectively. The atomic H/C ratio of the incense was the key factor affecting particulate mass and the PAHs emission factors. Both the maximum emission factor and the slowest burning rate appear at the H/C ratio of 1.57. The concentrations of the four-ring PAHs predominated and the major species among the 16 PAHs were fluoranthene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and chrysene for most incense types. The benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene accounted for 87.08-93.47% of the total toxic equivalency emission factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Ting Yang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University, No 306, Yuanpei St, Hsin Chu, 300, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Potential health effects of exposure to carcinogenic compounds in incense smoke in temple workers. Chem Biol Interact 2008; 173:19-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Revised: 02/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
7
|
Liou SW, Chen CY, Yang TT, Lin JM. Determination of particulate-bound formaldehyde from burning incense by solid phase microextraction. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2008; 80:324-328. [PMID: 18344073 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-008-9381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2007] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This work studied the feasibility of using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber for sampling and analysis of gaseous formaldehyde as well as particulate-bound formaldehyde from burning Chinese incense. The SPME fiber with PDMS/DVB coating were partially coated with o-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine hydrochloride (PFBHA), and used for sampling formaldehyde. The sampling rate for formaldehyde and its dependence on temperature, relative humidity and sampling time were observed. The same PFBHA treated fibers were, in parallel, exposed to incense burning smoke with pre-filtration and without pre- filtration for 0.5-1 min. The NIOSH method 2541 using an XAD-2 tube at a flow rate of 0.1 Lpm was also applied for sampling simultaneously. The results demonstrate that commercially available PDMS/DVB fibers partially coated with PFBHA are capable of sampling the gas phase of formaldehyde as well as particulate-bound formaldehyde. The determined level of formaldehyde was close to the result obtained by the NIOSH method 2541. However, a reduction of the fiber's formaldehyde loading capacity in the aerosol sampling in comparison with gas sampling was noticed. This indicates that the particulate characteristics, and their bound chemicals other than formaldehyde may influence the maximum loading capacity of formaldehyde, and some characteristic particulates in high concentrations may even deteriorate the fiber coating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S W Liou
- Institute of Environmental Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang TT, Lin TS, Chang M. Characteristics of emissions of volatile organic compounds from smoldering incense. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2007; 78:308-13. [PMID: 17618388 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9184-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T T Yang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Health, Yuanpei University, Room 407, No. 306, Yuanpei St., Hsin Chu, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chuang CY, Chang CC. Urinary 1‐Hydroxypyrene Level Relative to Vehicle Exhaust Exposure Mediated by Metabolic Enzyme Polymorphisms. J Occup Health 2007; 49:140-51. [PMID: 17429172 DOI: 10.1539/joh.49.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are common air pollutants generated from incomplete combustion. The inhalation of exhaust fumes in urban areas has been suggested to be an additional contributing factor. This study investigated the influence of urban traffic exposure, personal lifestyle factors and metabolic enzyme polymorphisms on the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) level, approximating exposure to PAH. With consents, 95 male taxi drivers exposed to vehicle exhaust in traffic and 75 male office employees received health interviews and provided urine samples. The results showed taxi drivers had higher urinary 1-OHP than the office employees (mean +/- standard deviation were 0.17 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.10 +/- 0.07 mol/mol creatinine, p<0.001). The average urinary 1-OHP level increased from 0.07 micromol/mol creatinine for non-smoking office employees to 0.17 micromol/mol creatinine for those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. The values for taxi drivers with similar smoking statuses were 0.12 and 0.25 micromol/mol creatinine, respectively. Among non-smokers, taxi drivers still had higher 1-OHP level than office employees (0.12 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.07 +/- 0.03 micromol/mol creatinine). The subjects with the m1/m2 or m2/m2 genotype of CYP1A1 MspI or GSTM1 deficiency had significantly higher urinary 1-OHP levels than those with other CYP1A1 MspI and GSTM1 genotypes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that taxi drivers (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=5.1, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1-13.6), smokers (OR=5.5, 95% CI=1.6-18.4) and subjects with the m1/m2 or m2/m2 genotype of CYP1A1 MspI (OR=9.7, 95% CI=2.7-35.0) had elevated urinary 1-OHP (greater than the overall median value, 0.11 micromol/mol creatinine). The results of this study suggest smoking contributes to the elevated urinary 1-OHP levels in taxi drivers in addition to taxi driving, and the excess level contributed from traffic exhaust and smoke was regulated by the CYP1A1 MspI genotype. Traffic exhaust exposure, smoking and CYP1A1 MspI genotype contributed to the variation in levels of urinary 1-OHP excretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Chuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ho CK, Tseng WR, Yang CY. Adverse respiratory and irritant health effects in temple workers in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2005; 68:1465-70. [PMID: 16076759 DOI: 10.1080/15287390590967405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Temple workers are potentially exposed to high concentrations of various pollutants emitted from incense burning. The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not there is an excess of adverse health outcomes among temple workers. A cross-sectional health survey was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and acute irritative symptoms among 109 temple workers (exposure group) and 118 church workers (control group) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Chronic cough symptoms were significantly more common among the exposed group. Our results also indicate that working in a temple increases the risk for the development of acute irritative symptoms, including nose and throat irritation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Kung Ho
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jetter JJ, Guo Z, McBrian JA, Flynn MR. Characterization of emissions from burning incense. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2002; 295:51-67. [PMID: 12186292 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(02)00043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to improve the characterization of particulate matter emissions from burning incense. Emissions of particulate matter were measured for 23 different types of incense using a cyclone/filter method. Emission rates for PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter) ranged from 7 to 202 mg/h, and PM2.5 emission factors ranged from 5 to 56 mg/g of incense burned. Emission rates were also determined using an electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI) and a small electrostatic precipitator (ESP), and emission rates were compared to those determined using the cyclone/filter method. Emission rates determined by the ELPI method were consistently lower than those determined by the cyclone/filter method, and a linear regression correlation was found between emission rates determined by the two methods. Emission rates determined by the ESP method were consistently higher than those determined by the cyclone/filter method, indicating that the ESP may be a more effective method for measuring semivolatile particle emissions. A linear regression correlation was also found between emission rates determined by the ESP and cyclone/filter methods. Particle size distributions were measured with the ELPI, and distributions were found to be similar for most types of incense that were tested. Size distributions by mass typically ranged from approximately 0.06 to 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter, with peak values between 0.26 and 0.65 microm. Results indicated that burning incense emits fine particulate matter in large quantities compared to other indoor sources. An indoor air quality model showed that indoor concentrations of PM25 can far exceed the outdoor concentrations specified by the US EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), so incense smoke can pose a health risk to people due to inhalation exposure of particulate matter. Emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were also measured for seven types of incense. Emission rates of the gaseous pollutants were sufficient to cause indoor concentrations, estimated using the indoor air quality model, to exceed the outdoor concentrations specified by the NAAQS under certain conditions. However, the incense samples that were tested would fill a room with thick smoke under these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Jetter
- US Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|