Increase of the indoor concentration of volatile organic compounds after the use of incense and scented candle in studio apartments determined using passive sampling

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2024-07, Vol.359, p.142344-142344, Article 142344
• Main Authors: Kim, Pil-Gon, Lee, Arum, Shin, Jaeho, Song, Eugene, Koo, Yerim, Sochichiu, Stefana, Mohamed, Dana Fahad M.S., Choi, Soobin, Hong, Yongseok, Kwon, Jung-Hwan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Benzene; Commercial fragrance products; Monoterpenes; Personal passive sampler; Studio apartments
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142344

Burning incenses and scented candles may provide harmful chemicals. Although many studies have evaluated volatile organic chemicals emitted by their use and related health risks, extension of our understanding for guiding appropriate use under various use conditions is necessary. In this study, emission characteristics of commercial incenses and scented candles were evaluated in a laboratory chamber using real-time measurement and the time-weighted average exposure concentrations of monoaromatic compounds and monoterpenes were assessed using passive samplers while volunteers living in a studio apartment use them. After burning incense, the average levels of benzene increased from 1.4 to 100 μg m−3. The presence of a wood core in commercial incense products was the main cause of high benzene emission by burning them although the increase in benzene was also influenced by factors such as the brand of the products, the number of incense sticks burned, the duration of each burning session, and ventilation period. Electrical warming of scented candles increased the levels of monoterpenes by factors of 16–30 on average. Considering the emission characteristics found in this study, exposure to benzene and monoterpenes could be mitigated by cautious use of those products in residential areas. [Display omitted] •Personal exposure to VOCs by using incense and scented candles was assessed.•Burning incense significantly increased average levels of benzene by a factor of 73.•Emission of VOCs was significantly influenced by personal habitual use patterns.•The presence of a wood core in an incense is related with elevated benzene emission.•This study can assist in reducing personal exposure to VOCs by using incense and scented candles.