Air pollutants from burning incense in a simulated home environment

Ruey Yu Chen, Tzu Ting Yang, Ching Ying Yeh, Yen Hao Huang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the concentrations of air pollutants emitted from various types of commercial incense (Hsing-Shan, Wu-Chen, Liao, and smoke-free) in a simulated home environment. The changes in the following environmental factors were measured during 1 hour of incense burning: temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), formaldehyde (HCHO), and fine suspended particles (PM2.5). The mass proportions of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen in each of the incenses were also analyzed. The results showed that the concentrations of HCHO produced by Hsing-Shan incense and TVOCs produced by Hsing-Shan and Wu-Chen incenses exceeded the indoor air quality standards in Taiwan. The concentrations of CO and PM2.5 produced by all types of incense evaluated met the national standards. Smoke-free incense had the lowest hydrogen-to-carbon ratio, which might explain why it produced lower concentrations of air pollutants than the other incenses. The use of smoke-free incense should be encouraged for burning at home.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHealthy Buildings Europe 2017
PublisherInternational Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
ISBN (Print)9788379472604
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2017
EventHealthy Buildings Europe 2017, HB 2017 - Lublin, Poland
Duration: Jul 2 2017Jul 5 2017

Publication series

NameHealthy Buildings Europe 2017

Conference

ConferenceHealthy Buildings Europe 2017, HB 2017
Country/TerritoryPoland
CityLublin
Period7/2/177/5/17

Keywords

  • CO
  • Formaldehyde
  • Incense
  • PM2.5
  • TVOCs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Air pollutants from burning incense in a simulated home environment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this