(no subject)
Nov. 22nd, 2004 12:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
theweaselkingChurch: Good for the soul, bad for the lungs.
Scientists from Maastricht University found that burning candles and incense in church can release dangerous levels of potentially carcinogenic particles, according to research published this week in the European Respiratory Journal.
"After a day of candle burning we found about 20 times as much as by a busy road," Theo de Kok, the author of the study, told Reuters.
"These levels were so unbelievably high we thought we should report it to the public."
The air at a Maastricht basilica contained 20 times the European Union limit of PM10 particles after a simulated mass ceremony. Tiny PM10 particles can be inhaled and are therefore a potential hazard.
The scientists also found high levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as some unknown types of free radicals released from burning candles and incense. Free radical atoms act as starters and promoters of cancer tumors. "The exposures are worrisome, not so much for the occasional church-goer, but priests, choirs and other people working in churches may have significant exposure," he said.
Scientists from Maastricht University found that burning candles and incense in church can release dangerous levels of potentially carcinogenic particles, according to research published this week in the European Respiratory Journal.
"After a day of candle burning we found about 20 times as much as by a busy road," Theo de Kok, the author of the study, told Reuters.
"These levels were so unbelievably high we thought we should report it to the public."
The air at a Maastricht basilica contained 20 times the European Union limit of PM10 particles after a simulated mass ceremony. Tiny PM10 particles can be inhaled and are therefore a potential hazard.
The scientists also found high levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as some unknown types of free radicals released from burning candles and incense. Free radical atoms act as starters and promoters of cancer tumors. "The exposures are worrisome, not so much for the occasional church-goer, but priests, choirs and other people working in churches may have significant exposure," he said.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-11-22 10:41 am (UTC)Incenses tend to contain chemicals and binding agents. The cleanest incense is probably the kind you make yourself, although loose incense is usually burned on charcoal.
All of this is a pretty good argument for conducting one's observances outdoors, actually...