title: Contribution of incense burning to indoor PM10 and particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under two ventilation conditions.
abstract: Burning incense to worship Gods and ancestors is a traditional practice prevalent in Asian societies. This work investigated indoor PM10 concentrations resulting from incense burning in household environments under two conditions: closed and ventilated. The exposure concentrations of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were estimated. The factors of potential exposure were also evaluated. Under both conditions, samples were taken at three locations: 0.3, 3.5 and 7 m away from the altar during three periods: incense burning, the first 3 h, and the 4-6 h after cessation of combustion. PAH concentrations of incense smoke were assessed in the laboratory. Personal environment monitors were used as sampling instruments. The results showed a significant contribution of incense burning to indoor PM10 and particulate PAH concentrations. PM10 concentrations near the altar during incense burning were 723 and 178 microg/m3, more than nine and 1.6 times background levels, under closed and ventilated conditions, respectively. Exposure concentrations of particle-bound PAHs were 0.088-0.45 microg/m3 during incense burning. On average, PM10 and associated PAH concentrations were about 371 and 0.23 microg/m3 lower, respectively, in ventilated environments compared with closed conditions. Concentrations were elevated for at least 6 h under closed conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. sclung@earth.sinica.edu.tw
authors.forename: S-C C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lung
authors.forename: M-C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kao
authors.forename: S-C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Hu
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor; D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D012906:Smoke; D014691:Ventilation
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D012906:Smoke