Yes, prolonged exposure to agarbatti smoke can indeed have adverse effects on health. I can see why you’re worried. That tightness in your chest might not just be a coicidence, especially since it happens in the prayer room. When incense sticks burn, they can release harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and small particles that bodies aren’t really fond of. These, over time, can irritate the respiratory system, potentially leading to the symptoms you’re describing — tightness, burning eyes, sneezing, and worsened sinus problems. Your family’s experiences add weight to this too.
Considering all this, it’s understandable that you’d want more info on how to handle this safely. First, you might want to reduce usage - both frequency and number of sticks you burn might help. Ventilation, even during colder months, is important. Try to keep a fan on or a window slightly open while burning, it’ll help disperse the smoke.
When it comes to the quality of agarbattis, cheaper ones can often have artificial chemicals for fragrance and longevity. Switching to natural, organic options might be a tad less risky. Typically, look for those made with natural ingredients like essential oils, wood powders, herbs without synthetic binders or perfumes.
Better than sparking worries about carcinogens, there are alternatives in Ayurveda. Try using essential oils in diffusers or aroma lamps, or natural flowers such as jasmine, rose, or marigold, these can bring a fragrant, yet safe atmosphere to your prayer room.
If stopping use of agarbattis for a period to see how everyone’s symptoms fare, might also be a way to gauge their impact. It’s all about finding a balance where you get both the divine fragrance and your peace of mind — without compromising health.
In case the symptoms don’t improve with these changes, or if anyone in your family feels worse, consulting with a healthcare professional would be wise to ensure there’s no underlying respiratory issue. Safety first!
