Lung S-C C, Kao M-C, Hu S-C
Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Indoor Air. 2003 Jun;13(2):194-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0668.2003.00197.x.
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.
焚香敬拜神灵和祖先在亚洲社会是一种普遍的传统习俗。这项研究调查了在两种条件下（封闭和通风）家庭环境中焚香所导致的室内PM10浓度。估算了颗粒结合多环芳烃（PAHs）的暴露浓度。还评估了潜在暴露因素。在两种条件下，均在三个位置采样：距离祭坛0.3米、3.5米和7米处，在三个时间段采样：焚香时、焚香后前3小时以及燃烧停止后4至6小时。在实验室中评估了香烟雾的PAH浓度。使用个人环境监测仪作为采样仪器。结果表明，焚香对室内PM10和颗粒PAH浓度有显著影响。在封闭和通风条件下，焚香时祭坛附近的PM10浓度分别为723和178微克/立方米，分别是背景水平的九倍多和1.6倍。焚香时颗粒结合PAHs的暴露浓度为0.088 - 0.45微克/立方米。平均而言，与封闭条件相比，通风环境中的PM10和相关PAH浓度分别低约371和0.23微克/立方米。在封闭条件下，浓度至少升高6小时。
