Associations between Incense-Burning Temples and Respiratory Mortality in Hong Kong

Abstract

Incense burning is an important topic facing many countries in Asia. As a highly urbanized area, the overlapping of urban functional blocks in Hong Kong has resulted in many temples being located near residential and commercial areas. Therefore, the pollutants emitted by temples’ incense burning could cause severe health problems to the population. This study identified 366 Hong Kong temples and classified them into four categories: open, semi-closed, closed, and non-active, according to their incense burning characteristics. Among them, open temples have the largest average area and least quantity. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that building density, greenery density, water density, and temple weight are the most highly influencing factors. The temple weight is the only loading factor with a contributing factor from PC2, especially in 2006 and 2011. Furthermore, the linear regression model has been applied to analyze the correlation between variables. Although this study did not reach conclusive results about the actual impact of each temple type, the model results confirm that the temple is a sub-factor to respiratory mortality. This provides the theoretical foundation for government policy establishment of temple construction planning and community optimization in Asian cities.

Health and Environmental Risks of Incense Smoke: Mechanistic Insights and Cumulative Evidence

“…Since incense composition is an implicit factor in determining the corresponding extent of pollution, temples should use containing having less volatile material with lower carbon levels in order to minimise pollutant emissions. 2 …”

“…Hong Kong has more than 300 registered Chinese temples, out of which 70% alone are in the urban areas, especially in close contact with the residential and commercial areas leading to severe air pollution. 2 A 2003 report by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency documented a huge 28.7 metric tons of incense being burnt in 92 temples in Kao-Hsiong, resulting in nearly 3580 tons of annual incense consumption. 3 , 4 A further element of surprise is that these statistics correspond to normal days, so are even higher on festive days and ceremonial occasions.…”

Effects of exposure to incense smoke associated with impaired lung function and respiratory disease: A Systematic Review

“…The lungs become a very vital organ for human life. Exposure to pollutants with high can cause disruption, damage, and failure of respiratory system function [17]. Incense smoke has small particles and ash that can harm human health and signi cantly change lung organs' shape and function [27], [31].…”

“…The danger caused by exposure to incense smoke in the room indicates pollutants trapped in the house and will stick to objects in the room [31], [32]. Furthermore, the person or individual in the room will inhale the existing constituents, resulting in respiratory disorders and diseases [17], [33]. Moreover, a puff of smoke in space can alter the temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate.…”

Effects of exposure to incense smoke associated with impaired lung function and respiratory disease: A Systematic Review

“…The lungs become a very vital organ for human life. Exposure to pollutants with high intensity can cause disruption, damage, and failure of respiratory system function [17]. Incense smoke has small particles and ash that can harm human health and signi cantly change lung organs' shape and function [27], [31].…”