BANGKOK, Jan 24 (TNA) – Lighting incense sticks
poses health threat and worsens the air pollution, which has shrouded the
capital for weeks, a doctor warns.
Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs, a lung specialist at
Vichaiyut Hospital posted a Facebook message, citing the study of Chulabhorn
Research Institute’s Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology.
The study shows that smoke from lighting incense
stick consists of PM 2.5 and PM 10
particulate matter, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, sulfur
dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which cause eye and nose irritation and coughing.
It contains other chemical compound which can cause
cancers.
He suggested worshippers to use the incense sticks
as offerings but do not light them or put it out immediately into the water
after use or change to use electric incense sticks.
He expresssed his concern over the upcoming Lunar
New Year, saying he hoped Chinese shrines would announce a burning ban of
incense sticks and joss paper to stop generate the tiny dust and carcinogens.
In the past two weeks, the Hua Lamphong temple, the
Tai Hong Kong shrine at Poh Teck Tung
Foundation asked for cooperation from worshippers to refrain from lighting
incense sticks to reduce dust. (TNA)
