Survey of chemical substances in consumer products
no. 39, 2004

Survey and emission of chemical
substances from incense

Torben Eggert
Ole Christian Hansen
Danish Technological Institute2Contents
PREFACE5

SAMMENFATNING OG KONKLUSIONER

6SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

8

1

10

INTRODUCTION
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.2 USE
1.3 USE TYPES
1.4 USE METHOD
1.5 TARGET GROUPS2SURVEY
2.1 AMOUNT
2.2 SAMPLED TYPES

3

MEASURING AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES
3.1 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS (SCREENING)
3.2 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
3.2.1 Measuring programme

4

10
11
11
12
12
14
14
15
16
16
17
17

HEALTH ASSESSMENT

22

4.1 EVALUATION BASIS
4.1.1 Method
4.1.2 Evaluation methodology

22
23
24

5

EVALUATION OF THE EMISSION

28

6

SUBSTANCE EVALUATIONS

35

6.1 ALDEHYDES
6.1.1 Acetaldehyde
6.1.2 Acrolein
6.1.3 Formaldehyde
6.1.4 Furfural
6.2 AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
6.2.1 Benzene
6.2.2 Styrene
6.2.3 Toluene
6.2.4 Xylene
6.3 OTHER AROMATICS (AND BENZYL DERIVATIVES)
6.3.1 Benzofuran
6.3.2 4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl (4,4'-bi-o-toluidine)
6.3.3 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
6.3.4 Vanillin
6.4 TERPENOIDS
6.4.1 alpha-Terpineol
6.4.2 3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
6.5 SUMMARY

35
36
40
43
47
49
49
53
57
60
63
63
66
68
70
73
75
78
81

3

7

8

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

83

7.1 DISCUSSION
7.2 CONCLUSION

83
86

REFERENCES

87

Appendix A List of substances found in qualitative analyses for each incense
Appendix B List of substances found in quantitative analyses, CAS no. andclassification
Appendix C Emission measurements and calculations
Appendix D List of purchased products (left out)4Preface
This report on survey, emission and evaluation of chemical substances
released from incense is a part of the Danish Environmental Protection
Agency’s programme ”Survey of chemical substances in consumer products".
The purpose of survey and measuring emission of chemical substances fromincense is to determine which chemical substances that are released during
burning of incense and to evaluate the exposure to the consumer of incense.
The study was already in its early days expanded from incense sticks toincense in general, i.e. as incense sticks without a stick, cones, nuggets,granulates and herbs.
The project is prepared by the Danish Technological Institute.
The persons involved are:Torben Eggert,

responsible for the project and responsible for
performing the emission measuring
Ole Christian Hansen, evaluation of measured chemical substances
Eva Pedersen,
chemical analyses.
The project was followed by a steering committee consisting of:Anette Albjerg Ejersted, Danish Environmental Protection Agency
Annette Orloff, Danish Environmental Protection Agency
Torben Eggert, Danish Technological Institute
Ole Christian Hansen, Danish Technological Institute
Importers/retailers have had an opportunity of commenting on the report
before publication. Several comments from these are included in the report.
All importers/retailers have been very interested in the report result. They willin the future give advice to their costumers regarding the importance ofventilation in the room after using incence so that the smoke can emit. Thatway incense can be used as safe as possible.
Special thanks are given all the importers/retailers who have contributed withknowledge and information of the use patterns types of products anddelivering of samples to the investigation. They have all been very cooperativeand given valuable knowledge to the project.

5

Sammenfatning og konklusioner
Som et led i Miljøstyrelsens kortlægning af kemiske stoffer i en række
forbrugerprodukter ønskes viden om, hvilke stoffer der afgives fra røgelse.
Projektet ”Kortlægning og afgivelse af kemiske stoffer i røgelse” udføres i 3
faser. Undersøgelsen omfatter kortlægning af markedet, kvalitative og
kvantitative analyser samt en sundhedsmæssig vurdering af eventuelle
sundhedsskadelige effekter fra stoffer frigivet ved anvendelsen af røgelse.
Markedet omfatter røgelsespinde, røgelse i fast form som pinde eller toppe,
som granulat eller i løs vægt (afbrændes på glødende røgelsestrækul).
Anvendelsen er spredt. Forbruget antages at være stort hos især indvandrereog i visse alternative miljøer af religiøse, terapeutiske eller andre årsager.
Markedet i Danmark er rimeligt uoverskueligt.
Der foregår ingen produktion af røgelse i Danmark. Importen er spredt på få
store og et ukendt antal små importører. Import via Internettet er antageligt
forekommende, men en stor del hjembringes formentligt også via
udlandsrejsende. Opmærksomheden omkring alternativ medicin (healing,aromaterapi, osv.) kan have betydet en øgning af salget de senere år, men ogsåalmindelige livsstilsændringer kan have være med til at øge forbruget afrøgelse.
Et råt estimat af import og forbrug var mellem 1-10 tons/år. En vurderingbaseret på samme forbrugsmønster som i USA indikerer et årligt forbrug på
ca. 3 tons.
Der blev indkøbt 36 forskellige typer røgelse og af dem udvalgtes 12 til
screening. Det vil sige, der blev foretaget head-space analyser af flygtige
stoffer fra de uantændte røgelser. Baseret på disse resultater blev der herefter
foretaget en kvantitativ analyse af kemiske stoffer i røgen fra 6 udvalgte
røgelsespinde og toppe.
De afgivne mængder af røg blev opfanget under afbrænding ved kontrollerede
forhold i laboratoriet. Aerosoler blev opfanget på glasuldsfilter og de øvrige
komponenter opfanget på aktivt kul, XAD2 og DNPH filtre. Filtrene
analyseredes, og resultaterne blev omregnet til mængde per røgelsespind og
per time. De af Miljøstyrelsen udvalgte stoffer blev herefter vurderet enkeltvis.
Undersøgelsen af røgelse viser, at det ikke kan udelukkes, at der kan være visse
sundhedsmæssige problemer forbundet med anvendelsen af røgelse forforbrugeren.
Andre undersøgelser støtter, at røgen fra røgelse kan indeholde stoffer, som
kan være sundhedsskadelige. Der kan være tale om akutte effekter som
irritation af øjne, næse og hals, og ved længere tids eksponering kan der væretale om kontaktallergi eller ligefrem om endnu mere alvorlige effekter.
Undersøgelsen viste, at det specielt var forbrændingsprodukter, som er kendte
fra ufuldstændig forbrænding af organisk materiale, der var problematiske.

6

Det burde ikke undre, eftersom forbrændingen foregår som en glødebrænding
ved temperaturer, der blev målt til omkring 200-360ºC.
Det må derfor kraftigt anbefales at foretage udluftning under og/eller efter
røgelsen er anvendt. Det vil reducere koncentrationen af forbrændingsrester iluften til under de kritiske koncentrationer, der er skønnet i undersøgelsen.
Erfaringen er, at der alligevel bliver tilstrækkeligt duftstof tilbage med deønskede virkninger.

7

Summary and conclusions
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s programme on survey ofchemical substances in consumer products initiated a study on chemicals
released from incense. The project ”Survey and release of chemical
substances from incense” is performed in three phases. The study includes asurvey of the market, qualitative and quantitative analyses and a healthassessment of potential adverse effects from substances released during use of
incense sticks and incense.
The market includes incense sticks, incense in solid form as sticks (joss sticks)
or cones, granulates or powders. The loose weight types are ignited byglowing charcoal. The consumption is disperse. The use of incense isassumed high within immigrants and in certain alternative groupings forreligious, therapeutic or other causes. The Danish market on incense is fairly
chaotic.
No production of incense sticks takes place in Denmark. The import isscattered on a few large and an unknown number of minor importers. Import
via the Internet is presumable but a large part is assumed brought in fromabroad by tourists and other travellers or personal contacts. The focus onalternative medicines (healing, aromatherapy, etc.) may have increased sales
in recent years.
A preliminary estimate of import and consumption was 1 to 10 tonnes per
year. An estimate based on the assumption of similar use pattern as in the
USA indicates an annual consumption of approximately 3 tonnes.
36 different types of incense were purchased and from them 12 were selected
for screening analysis. The analyses were performed as head-space analysis ofvolatile compounds released from the unignited product. Based on the results,
six incenses were selected for quantitative analyses of volatile compounds inthe incense smoke.
The incense smoke was sampled during incense burning under controlledlaboratory conditions. The aerosols were sampled by glass fibre filter and thegasses absorbed on active carbon, XAD2 and DNPH filters. The filters wereextracted and analysed and the results recalculated to amount of chemical
substance per incense stick or top and amount emitted per hour. Chemical
substances selected by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency werethen assessed individually.
The study on incense shows that health risks to the consumer from the use of
incense can not be excluded.
Other studies support the result that incense smoke contains chemical
substances that may cause health risks. It could be acute effects like irritation
to the eyes, nose or throat. On long-term exposure, the effects could becontact dermatitis or even worse effects.

8

The study showed that especially combustion products known fromincomplete combustion of organic material were problematic. This would not
be surprising since the combustion takes place as a glow burning attemperatures measured to be about 200 to 360ºC.
It is therefore highly recommended to ventilate the location during and/or
after the use of incenses. Ventilation may reduce the exposure concentrationof combustion residues in the air to concentrations below the critical values
estimated in the study. The experience is that sufficient amounts of thefragrances containing the envisaged odorous effects still remain in the air.

9

1 Introduction
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency wished to perform a survey ofthe market of incense sticks in Denmark. The initial project formulation waslater expanded to include incenses in other forms i.e. besides incense sticks
also solid forms such as granulates, cones and powders (e.g. dried herbs or
herbal mixtures).
1.1 Product description
Basically, incense is dried plants (herbs or wood) which is pulverised andmixed with resins. The sticks in incense sticks may be of sandalwood, bamboo
of similar material that has the ability to burn together with the wrapped plantingredients. Some incense mixtures are composed of dried and finely chopped
herbs, woods and roots, others from resins and balsams as small pellets or
granules. Incense may be mixtures but may also consist of one single type of
incense based on single plants or plant parts. Besides, an addition of essential
oils can be used that can be natural or synthetic
A traditional method is described as a paste of pulverised botanical material,water, charcoal, etc. wrapped around a bamboo stick. After drying the stick isdipped into perfumed essential oils or powders.
The survey showed that on the Danish market, 4 common types of incense
existed: loose incense (granulate or powder), cones, incense sticks with andwithout solid stick. The latter was a long thin solid incense substance without
stick.
The loose incenses typically consisted of few compounds. They may be dosed
according to need but requires a heating source to burn.
Other incense types consist typically of four basal ingredients: the aromatic
substance, a base or substance that may help to keep the burning going, abinding agent to keep the mixture together and a liquid to glue the entire
product together while it is formed.
The aromatic substances may be a herb, spice or a fragrance chosen
according to the purpose. The base is usually a substance that burns easily
and releases little or no smell. The base is necessary as most herbs have low
ability to burn by itself. The base may be powdered wood such as very finesawdust, sandalwood or other wood species, needles from evergreen woods(e.g. pines), etc. The speed of burning can be regulated using talc to slow
down and potassium nitrate (saltpetre) to increase the combustion.
The binding agent is typically resins or similar.
The liquid is typically essential oils.
The manufacture of incense and incense sticks are currently often performedby mass production in factories with the exception of countries where the10manufacture traditionally is a handicraft, e.g. India and countries in Southeast
Asia. Production ways of incense depends however very much of the type of
incense and the producer.
1.2 UseThe use of incense goes so far back in time that the origin is unknown but theuse is spread widely in the entire world. The burning of aromatic plants as
incense is probably the oldest method to use fragrances. The use to
overwhelm or drown bad smell, which inevitably had to be combined withevil, has probably been recognised in early days. The step to use incense more
specifically within religious, cultic and healing purposes appears to be taken atseveral places independently of each other. Descriptions of such uses exist in
Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and North America.
Incense is currently used as a common name for a series of compounds acting
cleansing, medically and consciousness expanding.
The use within monotheism (Catholicism, Buddhism, Islam, etc.) as votive or
sacrifice has a long tradition behind it.
Current religions use incense: both within Christianity (in Roman Catholicand Greek Catholic religious ceremony) as well as in Islam. The uses are also
widely spread in the East, e.g. within Buddhism and Hinduism.
In America description of the use within shamanism and other Indian uses
(sweathouses and other cleansing processes, e.g. sage in cleansing processes).
Several of the essential oils are known to have antimicrobial effects. The effectto microorganisms is probably a result of the plants originally having
developed the substances to their own defence against attack frommicroorganisms, insects, etc.
The uses apart from ceremonial such as consciousness expanding substanceand in aromatherapy in healing procedures have also been described.
Meditation and yoga may in certain situations also use incense as a part of theprocedures.
The use of incense does however not have to be related to the described
religious, ceremonial or healing purposes. A larger part of the consumers uses
the incense as pure pleasure. Some connect the use of incense with a cosy
atmosphere and it is a part a their regular daily life.
1.3 Use types
For religious purposes and shamans often use mixtures, however, for
meditation pure herbal types are often used.
The quality may vary from pure herbs to mixtures of herbs or with theaddition of synthetic compounds (chemically synthesised aromatics). The
purity is often directly related to the price level where mixtures and synthetic
aromatics are less expensive than pure herbal types.
For healing often pure herbs or essential oils are used (the latter is notincluded in this study).

11

The most common incenses in Denmark is probably the less expensive typesof mixtures that can be purchased in ethnic shops (Indian, Chinese, Pakistani,Thai, etc.), ”Christiania”, 10-kroner shops, etc. It mostly concerns mixtures.
The quality may vary and include or exclude synthetic oils. The price is often
low.
Besides from these there are a lot of different incense mixtures on the market
e.g. Arabian, Indonesian, Japanese, Tibetan, etc. Also via the Internet and
Health shops are different types of mixtures and pure herbal incenses
purchased.
1.4 Use method
Incense sticks are ignited and the flame blown out so that the product glows
while emitting smoke and aromatics (fragrances).
The incense may be ignited directly but may also be placed on glowing
incense coal (charcoal compressed as briquette) and during burning releasesmoke and aromatics. This method is especially used for loose incense such as
powders and granulates.
A few of the dealers include instructions. They suggests in their instruction to
air the smoke (ventilate the room) so that only the fragrance remains in theroom. It is also suggested that an entire incense stick may be too much andrecommend incense to be used in small amounts.
1.5 Target groups
The target group of consumers of incense is wide but assumed to be 15 to 55
years old for the less expensive mixtures and 30 to 55 years old for the moreadvanced uses of more expensive and/or pure herbal types. The consumers
are often women.
Excluding proper religious ceremonial purposes the use for meditation or as
consciousness expanding substance is common among certain groups of the
population. Incent is also used just to create a cosy atmosphere and as a partof pleasure and enjoyment in their daily life.
Some use within the erotic line of business or among homosexuals is indicatedon the labels of the packages and by certain retailers.

12

13

2 Survey

2.1 AmountDue to a widely dispersed individual import and no specific registration in
Statistics Denmark, the assessment of the consumption is based onconversations with single importers. However, the consumption could not be
narrowed down to a more specific amount than ”a few tonnes”. Besides theimport of ready-made products, imports of herbs, aromas, etc for home
manufacturing by people within religious or healing groups and smaller
companies also exist.
The survey was tried performed traditionally by searching in statistics and byinquiries to importers and retailers.
The survey was found to be difficult as no structure of few importers andretailers existed. On the contrary, the market was characterised by anarchy:
From a few importers to many retailers importing on their own to consumers
buying via the Internet, bringing incenses home from travels, etc.
Several retailers were visited and questioned to find the importers. A few
importers have been found. The import by single importers varied from a few
kilos to approximately 500 kilos per year. Retailers informed that the sale ofincense varied from a few kilos to 125 kg per year. The sales were by several
shopkeepers stated to be increasing.
Based on the identified importers approximately 1 ton of incense wasimported per year.
Statistics Denmark does not have a specific category for incense or incense
sticks. The categories closest to incense are a total figure for plant resins, dried
herbs or single data on specific plant oils. Those figures indicate an import ofapproximately 20 tonnes (Danmarks Statistik 2002). However, the statistics
are uncertain due to a mixture with other commodity groups. Because theimport of dried herbs, spices and aromatics to a large extent is used within thefood and perfumery industries, these figures can not be used in this survey.
Based on interviews with importers and retailers the consumption was
estimated to be between 1 and 10 tonnes per year.
An estimate could also be based on an assumption that the pattern ofconsumption in Denmark is similar to that of the United States of America. In
the USA, the consumption is estimated to at least 17 million $ exclusive of
manufacturing for private uses (Knight et al. 2001). If the total value isassessed at 20 million $ corresponding to approx. 150 million DKK andassuming a population of approx. 300 million, the consumption is 0.5
DKK/inhabitant. The retail price in Denmark is on average the same as in the
USA: approx. 10 DKK for 10 grams or 1 DKK/g. Thus, in Denmark, asimilar consumption by 5 million inhabitants would correspond to 5 million ×
0.5 = 2.5 million g or 2500 kg.

14

It is assessed from the interviews that a large part is imported directly by thesingle retailers from the producing countries or via the Internet. Purchase via
the Internet can be performed by both retailers and consumers.
The retailers were especially ethnic shops (Indian, Chinese, Pakistani, Thai,etc.) and a few Danish shops such as Søstrene Grene, 10 kroner shops.
Besides that single businesses may import incense for spot articles (e.g.
COOP Danmark).
It is concluded that the private import from minor retailers and consumers isapproximately 2-3 times the identified import. Thus the total consumption isestimated to be approx. 3000 kg/year.
2.2 Sampled types
Of the 36 collected samples the products are distributed as:
1)

Incense sticks with stick and consisting of different mixtures or specified
fragrance types such as lemon, lavender, lily, rose, vanilla etc.

2)

Incense sticks without stick consisting of mixtures and often with a
specified fragrance.

3)

Incense cones consisting of mixtures or with a specified fragrance type.

4)

Incense mixtures as granulate consisting of mixtures or with a specified
fragrance type.

5)

Incense as dried plant parts. The latter usually burned on incense
charcoal.

Of the 36 collected samples, 12 are selected for qualitative analysis(screening).

15

3 Measuring and chemical analyses
By the burning of incense, particle (aerosols) and gas pollutants may beformed. Because it is mainly organic materials that is burned a series ofdifferent chemical compounds may be formed. The chemical substances
contained in the incense may transform into other chemical substances during
the burn besides a number of smoke particles.
A total of 36 samples were purchased. The sampling stopped as repetitions ofsamples became more frequent. Of the 36 different incense sticks, cones, etc.
collected, 12 samples were chosen in co-operation with the Danish
Environmental Protection Agency for qualitative analysis. The qualitative
analysis was conducted as a screening analysis by head-space. This should
give an impression of which chemical substances to expect.
3.1 Qualitative analysis (Screening)
The examination is performed as a primary screening of different incense
sticks and other incense types by a head-space analysis to elucidate which
stimulating fragrances that are added. The screening should at the same time
indicate which collecting absorbents to select in connection with monitoring
and analysis of the emission from incense sticks during burning. 12 different
kinds of incense with varying stimulating additives were screened (cf. table
3.1).
Table 3.1 Samples selected for screening by head-space analysis
Lab. no.
Type
OriginFragrance
Comment
1
Cone
Indianlavender2
StickChineseLemon
3
Granulate/Herbs German/Arabic
Arabic mixture
4
Herbs
German/Arabic
Ayurvedic
5
Stick
IndianCannabis6
Stick
Chinese? green colour Chinese text
7
Stick
Thailand? yellow
Thai text, with elephantscolour8
StickHong Kong
Musk
9
Cone
IndianSandal10
Stick
IndianSali sai baba
11
Stick
Japanese
Aloewood
12
Stick
Japanese
Cedarwood

12 different incense sticks/-cones/-granulates were examined for theiremission of chemical substances after heating to 100°C using head-space –GC/MS analysis. A known quantity was measured in a 22 ml head-space glass
container. The amount weighed is presented in the table below (table 3.2).

16

Table 3.2 Weighed amount for head-space analyses
Lab. no.
Incense mrk.
Producing country1
Lavender ConeIndia
2
Lemon stick
China
3
Arabic mixture, powder Germany
4
Ayurvedic, stick
Germany5
Mysore Cannabis stick
India
6
Green stick
China
7
Elephant stick
Thailand8
Wild Musk stick
Hong Kong
9
Maharaja sandal stick
India
10
Sali Sai Baba stick
India
11
Aloe Wood stickJapan
12
Cedar Wood stickJapan

Weighed amount, grams
1.09
0.94
0.91
0.98
1.43
0.60
1.21
1.35
0.87
1.00
0.71
0.58

The following analyses were performed:•••

Analysis for volatile organic compounds (VOC) added to and released
from unignited incense. The incense sticks were placed in a head-spaceglass container and heated to 100°C for one hour. A gas sample was thentaken and analysed using GC/MS.
Identification of components by comparison of the NIST 98 library
spectre.
Presenting the composition in percent of the identified components on
basis of area-percentages.

The results are given in Appendix A.
The found chemical components are presented according to the retention
time. The retention time is increased at increased molecular weight andtherefore presents an impression of the distribution of molecular sizes.
It was found that many compounds could not be identified. Of these mostwere in the hydrocarbon group C 10 H16, which indicate that it may concern
different terpenes (volatile plant compounds).
3.2 Quantitative analysis
Selection of types for quantitative analysis
Depending on which substances that were observed in the screening analysis
an initial health evaluation of the identified substances was performed. The
health screening was based on available literature and had the purpose toascertain that the substances to be focused on in the quantitative analyses
were the most relevant. The selection was performed in co-operation with theDanish Environmental Protection Agency.
3.2.1 Measuring programme
To measure the amount of pollution and which substances that are emitted
from burning of incense, the incense material (incense sticks, -cones or
granulate) was examined in laboratory tests.
The incense material was placed under a funnel. Aerosols and vapours fromthe burning incense was sucked through diverse filters located in the test setup (Figure 3.1).

17

Absorption tubes
Pumps andflow metres

Gas meterand pump
GFF Filter

Glass funnel

Figure 3.1 Test set-up

Aerosols were sampled on 47 mm glass fibre filters mrk. Whatman GF/F. The
filters were previously glowed in an oven for 2 hours at 200°C, conditioned at
23°C and 50% relative humidity (RH) for 12 hours before they were weighed.
After the exposure the filters were conditioned for minimum 12 hours at 23°C
and 50% RH, and then weighed and analysed for organic components using
GC-MS.
The filters were placed in a special filter holder, which was connected to areciprotor pump with gas meter connection.
Gaseous VOC compounds were sampled on XAD2 filters mrk. Supelco Orbo
43. The VOC compounds were sampled in a partial air stream after the filter
at a flow of 1.0 l/min. using a constant flow pump mrk. SKC.
Aldehydes were sampled on silicagel filters impregnated with 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazin (DNPH) mrk. Supelco LPDNPH S10. The aldehydes were
sampled in a partial air stream after the filter at a flow of 1.0 l/min. using a
constant flow pump mrk. SKC.
The VOCs were sampled on charcoal filters mrk. SKC 266-09. The VOCs
were sampled in a partial air stream after the filter at a flow of 1.0 l/min. using
a constant flow pump mrk. SKC.

18

The incense was weighed before being placed in the test set-up. The test
sampling period was approx. 1 hour.
Before the incense was placed in the test set-up it had been burning for 1
minute to secure an even burning.
Double determinations were performed on all analyses and the relative
standard deviation (%RSD) calculated.
The detection level for the different techniques will be depending on which
compounds that are detected and the volume of air sucked through (dilution).
By sampling one cubic metre of air, the detection limit would be as presented
in the table below (table 3.4).
Table 3.4 Detection limits and the uncertainty of measuring
MethodDetection limit of the
Detection limit
method, µg per
Concentration, µg/m3
component
GC-MS, screening
0.1-0.5-GC-MS solid adsorbent
0.1-1
0.1-1
GC-MS (PAH)
0.002-0.01
0.002-0.01
HPLC solid adsorbent
0.03 – 0.1
0.03-0.1

Uncertainty
%
-10
10
10

Selected incense for quantitative emission measurements and analyses
Based on the head-space analyses and in co-operation with the Danish
Environmental Protection Agency, 6 of the purchased incenses were selected
for qualitative analysis of chemical substances emitted during burning of
incense. The selected types are presented in the table below.
Table 3.5 Samples selected for quantitative analysis
Lab. no. (ID no.) Type
OriginFragrance
1
Cone
Indianlavender2
StickChinese
lemon
4
Stick
German/Indian
ayurvedic8
StickHong Kong
musk
10
Stick
Indiansali sai baba
12
Stick
Japanesecedar wood

Data on the studied incense sticks/cones
In the table below, specified information is given on: weight of the incense,burning duration for 1 incense stick and the burning temperature in the glowof the incense stick.
Table 3.6 Specified data on the selected incenses used in the quantitative analysis
Incense mrk.
Lab. no.
Weight of 1
Burning period for 1
Temperature in
stick/conestick/cone,
glow
gram
minutes°C
Lavender Cone
1
1.07
25
340 - 360
Lemon Stick
2
1.17
40
280 - 290
Ayurvedic Stick
4
0.98
36
300 - 320
Wild Musk8
1.35
45
220 – 240
Sali Sai Baba
10
1.00
50
220 – 230
Cedar Wood
12
0.36
30
200 - 210

19

The results of the quantitative analysis are given in Appendix B.
In table 3.7, the results from the individual tests are summarised. In the table,
the results on total aerosol based on gravimetric measurements and total
amount of volatile organic components (TVOC) are presented, and the sumof pollutions added up. Since the burning duration varies between incense
sticks, the results are presented both as mg/time and as mg/incense stick or –cone ( i.e. mg/incense unit).
Table 3.7 Emission of aerosols and vapours (TVOC: Total VOC)
Lab.
Total
TVOC
Sum
Total
TVOC
no.
aerosolvapouraerosol +aerosolvapourmg/h
mg/h
vapours,
mg/incense mg/incense
mg/h
unit
unit
1
2
4
8
10
12

121.155
45.61061.531
164.191
109.729
31.16430.00918.86312.78233.03214.81410.156151.16464.47374.313197.223124.543
41.32050.61930.66841.302
136.265
108.642
16.49913.51712.9608.351
29.25512.667
4.252

Sum
aerosol +vapourmg/incense
unit
64.13643.62849.653165.520121.30920.751

Evaluatin of the emission is performed in chapter 5.
The individual chemical substances identified in the quantitative analysis er
presented in Appendix B, the adding up in Appendix C.
At a meeting in November 2003, it was decided in co-operation with theDanish Environmental Protection Agency to perform a health assessment of
the effects from the following substances, which were observed in thequantitative analysis of the emission from the burning of incense:
Aldehydes:

Aromatic hydrocarbons:

Others:20

Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Formaldehyde
FurfuralBenzeneStyreneTolueneXyleneBenzofuran
4,4-Diamin-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
4-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
alfa-Terpineol
Vanilline

21

4 Health assessment

4.1 Evaluation basis
Incense sticks are manufactured from incense mass of dried pulverised herbs
and wood kept together with a binding agent. The incense sticks contain or isadded different forms of aromatic (perfumed) or stimulating compounds that
often are herbs or extracts from plants, wood, etc.
The burning of incense sticks causes the emission of a strong smoke andfragrance. Because the burning in general takes place in confinedenvironments (e.g. closed rooms) the influence may be heavy.
Since incense sticks are not labelled, which substances they are manufactured
from the smoke and the added stimulating substances may pose a healthproblem.
Incense sticks can be purchased in specialised shops or on the Internet. The
labelling usually concerns the country of origin (China, Indonesia, India, etc.),
which fragrance is dominant or which effect the fragrances are stated to haveor affect (headaches, stress, or similar).
After the qualitative analyses are performed, the results are evaluated. Data on
the individual substances such as threshold limit values, effect levels, noobserved adverse effect level (NOAEL) or lowest observed adverse effect level(LOAEL), or other relevant data are used, as they are available. If data areunavailable, alternatively information from analogous substances or data
based on structure analyses on the chemical substance (QSAR: quantitative
structure analysis relationship) may be used. A comparison with the EUclassification criteria is performed.
The exposure of the consumer is evaluated on basis of consumer scenarios.
The principles for the evaluation will be based on the EU revised Technical
Guidance Document (EC 2003) for risk assessments. The exposed
consumers will in consideration of realistic worst case be adults with a bodyweight of 70 kg and children with a body weight of 10 kg.
The primary exposure route for incense is considered to be via inhalation (i.e.
inhalation of vapours and aerosols).
The exposure will depend on contact parameters such as frequency andduration of the use of the product, the amount of product used at each eventand the concentration of the contained chemical substances. Because mostoften one incense stick is used at a time, the consumer scenario will be basedon 1 incense stick burned in a room of limited volume of 20 m 3 with an airchange (ventilation) of 0.5 times per hour. The burning duration of theindividual incense sticks varies between 25 to 50 minutes (cf. table 3.6).
Therefore, to be able to compare the incenses, an exposure during theburning of one incense stick in a 20 m3 room is calculated as µg substance per22incense stick (µg/incense stick) and the exposure per hour by continuous
burning for one hour (µg/hour).
For the evaluation of the level of exposure, different scenarios based on themeasured emission are calculated in a box model (standard room of 20 m 3with an air change of 0.5 times/hour). This will be discussed in a separate
section.
4.1.1 Method
Of the chemical substances found in the emissions from the incense it wasevaluated which substances appeared to be the most problematic. The
selection was made in agreement with the Danish Environmental Protection
Agency. Data on the individual substances were then procured from available
sources with the purpose of a health hazard evaluation based on known
information from previous Danish and foreign monographs, reviews, etc. The
data on toxicity found were then compared with the concentrations estimatedin the used scenarios.
The methodology used is approximately the same as recommended inconnection with risk assessment in the European Union (EU) i.e. Technical
Guidance Document (TGD 2003). In the TGD the potential risk to theconsumer is estimated as the ratio between the predicted exposure
concentration (PEC) and the predicted no-effect concentration (no-adverseeffect level (NOAEL). NOAEL is usually based on mammalian data otherthan humans: typically rats, mice and rabbits. Therefore, safety factors are
introduced to cover differences extrapolating from other animals to humans.
This is expressed either by attaching a fixed safety factor (SF) or by
expressing the margin of safety (MOS), which represents the distance of theestimated concentration to the NOAEL. Typically MOS is preferred to be
above 100.
The safety factor is interpreted as being a margin of safety applied to a
NOAEL to produce a value below which exposures are presumed to bewithout significant health risk (i.e. safe). The safety factor is traditionallycomposed of a factor 10 for extrapolation between species (animal to human,
intraspecies variation), a factor 10 to protect the most sensitive individuals of
the population (e.g. children: interspecies variation). A third factor is applied
depending on the data and may vary. For instance it is 10 if LOAEL (lowest
observed adverse effect level) is used instead of NOAEL. The total safety
factor is a result from multiplication of the three factors.
The effect level divided by the safety factors or the assessment factor is used
to evaluate whether there is reason of concern (concern level) or a further
refinement of methodology or data is necessary. Thus the evaluation may be
expressed on basis of concentration divided by the safety factor or MOS(humans).
The classification authorised in Denmark (Miljøministeriet 2002), which is an
implementation of the EU classification (28th amendment to EU directive
67/548/EEC), is used in the evaluation. For the evaluation of each compoundis used the threshold limit values obligatory for the working environment in
Denmark (Arbejdstilsynet 2002) applied with a safety factor of 100. The
safety factor is derived by recalculating threshold limit value from the working
environment based on 8 hours per day for 5 days a week to indoor values at

23

24 hours a day for 7 days a week (24/8×7/5 = 4.2), applying an extra safety
factor of 10 for sensitive individuals and an extra factor of 2: a total of 100.
This means that a safety margin of 100 is used.
The threshold limit value for the working environment (Arbejdstilsynet 2002)
is only valid where the chemical substances are used in the production. The
threshold limit values are based on 8-hour time weighted average (a working
day). It is important to note that the threshold limit value does not include
consumers at home.
Other parameters included for the health evaluation were:
ADI:

Acceptable Daily Intake. A value calculated from NOAEL by an
official authority as an acceptable daily intake (mg/kg bodyweight/day. ADI is usually based on chemical substances in food.

C-value:

Contribution value: The C-value is defined in Miljøstyrelsen(2002) as the total maximal allowed contribution to the air
pollution from an enterprise to the environment outside theproduction site.

RfC

Reference concentration. RfC is an inhalation reference
concentration based on the assumption that a threshold limit value
for certain toxic effects exists. The value is based on NOAEC
from inhalation studies of subchronic or chronic character andincludes safety factors. The value is given in mg/m3.

RfD

Reference dosis. RfD is an oral reference dosis based on theassumption that a threshold limit for certain toxic effects exists.
The value is based on NOAEL from subchronic or chronic studies
using oral administration and includes safety factors. The value isgiven in mg/kg body weight/day.

TDI:

Tolerable Daily Intake. Almost identical to ADI but usually basedon chemical pollutants.

4.1.2 Evaluation methodology
Effect level
The effect level for each incense is based on evaluation of individual
substances. The established Danish threshold limit values are used when they
exist. When no Danish threshold limit values exist, foreign threshold limit
values are used including description of their background, if available.
The used threshold limit values for the measured substances are presented inAppendix B with the classification.
The indoor air quality depends of several factors (ventilation, temperature,etc.) and other sources. In this report only the contribution from incense isconsidered but it should be noted that other sources to the same chemicalcompound may exist in the consumer´s residence (e.g. by smoking, cooking,volatiles from paint, lacquers, carpets, etc.).

24

The exposure of the consumer in the home is besides the concentration in theindoor air also dependent on the exposure duration. Because the exposure
duration may vary considerably, a maximal exposure of 1 hour is assumed.
However, the ventilation is included using an assumed air change in theindoor scenarios of 0.5 times per hour, i.e. 50% of the air is exchanged every
hour.
Inhalation
Exposure to the substance via inhalation may occur from inhalation ofvapours and aerosols. The vapours are sampled on XAD2, DNPH andcharcoal filters. The aerosols are sampled on Whatman Glass fibre filters,
which also sample particles like smoke, soot, etc.
The exposure period may theoretically extend from the acquisition orpurchase of the incense until it is used. The substances, to which consumer is
exposed during the holding period, may approximately be assumed to be thesubstances observed in the “head-space” analyses.
The exposure via inhalation is expressed as the concentration of the chemical
substance in the air in the breathing zone and expressed as an average
concentration over a reference period, e.g. 8 hours for the working
environment. For the consumers of incense the exposure period may be fromthe time, which 1 incense stick takes to burn to considerably longer time if
more incense is burned and the duration for all emission products to beventilated out of the room/home.
For estimation of the exposure via inhalation, the inhalation rate must be
known, the size of the room and the emission rate of the substance to theroom or the concentration in the room.
The inhalation rate for an average adult is set to 20 m3/day corresponding to
0.83 m3/hour (standard in TGD 2003) and for a child to 3 m3/day
corresponding to 0.125 m 3/hour.
The concentration in closed rooms is assumed to be higher than in ventilatedrooms. For the calculation of the concentration in the room it is assumed thatthe substance is emitted instantly to the entire room and is homogeneously
dispersed. The size of the standard room is set to 8 m2 and the height 2.5
meter, i.e. the volume of the room is 20 m3.
The concentration in inhaled air can then be calculated according to theequation:

Cinh =
Cinh
Qprod
Qair
Vroom

Q prod × Qair
Vroom

( mg / m3 )Concentration in inhaled air
Quantity of incense (product) used in the room
Quantity substance emitted from the incense to
the room
Volume of the room

mg/m3
g
mg/g
m3

Used: 20 m3

Amount of inhaled substance is then (TGD 2003):

25

I inh =
I inh
Fresp
Cinh
Qinh
Tcontact
NeventBW

Fresp × Cinh × Qinh × Tcontact
BW× N eventAmount inhaled substance
Inhalable or respirable fraction of thesubstance
Concentration in the air
Inhalation rate for adultDuration of exposure
Number of events
Body weight( mg / kg BW / day )mg/kg bw/d
set to 1 (i.e. 100%)mg/m3
m3/hourhours
kg(adult: 0.83 m3/hour)(usually per day)
(Used:
Adult: 70 kg
Child: 10 kg

As a starting point as previously mentioned a scenario of a room with thevolume 20 m3 is used. The size of the room is deliberately assumed small
considering the realistic “worst case” but including an air change of 0.5 times
per hour.
In return it could be argued that the incense does not distribute itself evenly
throughout the room or instantly. A scenario using an air volume of 2 m 3around the exposed person may be more realistic. However, such a highconcentration would probably be of short duration and present large
variations in the exposure. Therefore it was chosen to maintain a distribution
in 20 m3 as a reasonably high ”average” of what would be expected as normal
during use of 1 incense unit (incense stick or cone) which may take 25 to 50
minutes.
Product evaluation
A comparison of each product was not the purpose of this study. The survey
was to focus on which substances could be found in a representative selectionof incense types and if they could be expected to cause any problems to theconsumer of incense.
An attempt of comparison has been performed anyway considering only therange observed in the study. For comparison a common unit is needed andthe effects from the emitted substances are widely different. Therefore, acomparison based on the emission of volatile organic compounds and theemission of aerosols is used. The aerosol emission expresses the amount ofparticle material emitted during burning of incense. Refer to chapter 5 forfurther details.

26

27

5 Evaluation of the emission
To evaluate the potential pollution in rooms in which incense is burned asimple theoretical box model may be used. A room with a known air volume
and air change is used.
In this study, the following assumptions are used in the calculations:
Room volume:
Air change:

20 m3
0.5 times per hour, i.e. 10 m 3/h

It is presumed that the ventilated air is without pollutants and that the emitted
pollution is homogeneously mixed in the room. The model is shown in figure
5.1.

Room of 20 m3

Fresh air, 10 m3

Figure: 5.1: Box model

Burning incense results in gradually increasing pollution until an equilibrium
concentration is reached typically after a few hours where emissions from theburning incense equals the amount ventilated out of the room. The course as
shown in figure 5.2 will be normal if the pollution emission is constant.

0,30

0,25

voc

Conc. mg/m3

0,20

0,15

0,10

Aerosol

0,05

0,00
0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Hours

Figure 5.2 Theoretical course of the air concentration of aerosols and VOC in aroom of 20 m3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour as defined in the text28

At burning of incense it is presumed that only one stick/cone is burned. The
burning duration of the examined products was between 25 and 59 minutes.
The course of pollution in the room is shown for all incenses in Appendix C.
Below is shown examples of graphs of the lowest and the highest emissions ofpollutants, respectively.
In table 5.1, the results from the individual tests are presented. In the table,
the results of total aerosol determined gravimetrically, total volatile organic
components (TVOC) from the list (cf. appendix) and the sum of pollutants
are summarised. Because the burning period varies between incense
sticks/cone, the results are presented as mg/hour and as mg/unit (i.e.
mg/incense stick or mg/incense cone).
Table 5.1 Emission of aerosols and vapours (TVOC: Total VOC)
Lab.
Total
TVOC gas
Sum
Total
TVOC gasno.
aerosol
mg/h
aerosol +aerosol
mg/unitmg/h
gas mg/h
mg/unit1
121.155
30.009151.164
50.61913.517245.61018.86364.47330.66812.960461.531
12.78274.31341.3028.351
8164.191
33.032
197.223
136.265
29.25510
109.729
14.814124.543108.64212.66712
31.16410.15641.32016.4994.252

Sum
aerosol + gas
mg/unit64.13643.62849.653165.520121.30920.751

From table 5.1 it can be observed that the total pollution from incense perunit (incense stick or cone) varies between 41 and 197 mg/hour (Lab. no. 12
and 8, respectively). Thus, the variation between the selected incense sticks
was large.
The emission mg/h is presented to enable comparison of the emissions fromthe examined products. The emission mg/unit (incense stick or cone) ispresented to calculate the pollution that will be generated in the room (boxmodel).

Figure 5.3 Example of the course of pollution from the incense with the least aerosol
and VOC emission29

In figure 5.3 is shown that the maximal aerosol concentration was found to
0.69 mg/m 3. Total VOC (TVOC) was found to 0.22 mg/m3. For comparison
the same scale as in the next figure (figure 5.4) has been used.

Figure 5.4 Example of the course of pollution from the incense with the largest
aerosol and VOC emission

In figure 5.4 is shown that the maximal aerosol concentration was found to be
5.13 mg/m 3 and TVOC was found to 1.03 mg/m 3.
The aerosol part in the performed tests was between 70 and 88% of the total
pollution.
The aerosols consist of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials such as
VOC, resins, ashes, soot, etc. Some of the VOCs were identified, cf. appendix
C.
The vaporous/gaseous pollution consists of VOCs. A large number ofcompounds were identified (cf. appendix B). Some of these VOCs areclassified as hazardous if inhaled (e.g. acrolein), possible carcinogenic (e.g.
formaldehyde) to carcinogenic (benzene). These compounds were found inhigh to very high amounts in all tests (cf. table 5.2). Therefore, the course of
the concentration evolution of these compounds in a known room (boxmodel) for an 8-hour period has been shown for Lab. no. 1 in figure 5.5 andLab. no. 8 in figure 5.6.
Table 5.2 Emission of benzene, formaldehyde and acrolein per hour and per unit (oneincense stick or cone)Lab. Benzene Formaldehyde
Acrolein
Benzene Formaldehyde
Acrolein
no.
mg/h
mg/h
mg/h
mg/unitmg/unitmg/unit
1
1.48
11.35
2.27
0.62
5.28
1.06
2
1.46
1.77
0.96
0.98
1.27
0.69
4
1.11
4.40
1.05
0.75
2.82
0.68
8
8.98
5.98
1.00
7.45
5.92
0.99
10
0.70
6.06
1.74
0.69
4.83
1.39
12
0.50
3.42
0.65
0.27
1.19
0.23

30

Figure 5.5 Concentration course from burning one incense cone as example of highformaldehyde concentration

Figure 5.6 Concentration course from burning one incense stick as example of highbenzene concentration.

The threshold limit values for the working environment (according toArbejdstilsynet 2002) are:Substance
BenzeneFormaldehyde
Acrolein
Organic dust total (Aerosols)

Threshold limit value(TLV), mg/m3
1.7
0.4
0.12
3

equivalent to(µg/m3 )
1700
400
120
3000

Acrolein was measured to maximum 59 µg/m 3 (lab. no. 10).
Formaldehyde was measured to maximum 205 µg/m3 (lab.no. 8).

31

Benzene was measured to maximum 281 mg/m 3 (lab.no.8).
Evaluation of results
Based on several measurements performed by e.g. the Danish Technological
Institute typical levels of the below mentioned compounds are measured
indoors in residences to:
Substance
BenzeneFormaldehyde
Acrolein
TVOC
Organic dust total (Aerosols)

Indoor levels, µg/m3
3 – 1030 – 50<1
100 – 500
50 – 100

The threshold limit value for aerosols (organic dust, total) is set to 3 mg/m 3(Arbejdstilsynet 2002). This value is valid for production enterprises. For
normal residences typical values are 0.05-0.10 mg/m3 at “non-smoking” andtypically 0.3-0.5 mg/m 3 at “smoking” homes. This means that the maximal
found aerosol concentrations using both calculation methods (per incense
stick or cone and burning per hour, cf. table 5.3) exceed the threshold limit
value in Lab. no. 1, 8 and 10 in relation to mg/m3/hour and for Lab. no. 8 and
10 in relation to mg/m3/incense stick, which must be considered unacceptable
for the indoor climate.
Tabel 5.3 Maximal concentrations calculated using the box model during burningfor 1 hour and 1 incense stick/cone, respectively
Lab. no.
Aerosol
TVOC
Aerosol
TVOC
Max. conc.
Max. conc.
Max. conc.
Max. conc. mg/m3/
mg/m3/hour
mg/m3/hour
mg/m3/incense
incense unit
unit
1
4.77
0.48
2.20
0.22
2
1.79
0.47
1.27
0.34
4
2.42
0.29
1.59
0.19
8
6.46
0.99
5.13
0.78
10
4.32
1.08
3.80
0.95
12
1.23
0.03
0.69
0.02

The aerosol values for incenses not mentioned here can be found in Appendix
C.
Based on the box model it may take up to 8 hours before the concentration ofaerosols has declined to a typical indoor level.
Based on the box model it may take up to 6-8 hours before the concentrationlevel of acrolein has declined to a typical indoor level.
Based on the box model it may take up to 4 hours before the concentrationlevel of formaldehyde has declined to a typical indoor level.
Based on the box model it may take up to 8 hours before the concentrationlevel of benzene has declined to a typical indoor level.
It is concluded that the burning of incense may cause a significant increase of
the indoor air pollution when the incense is burned indoors.

32Assessment of the amount of aerosol from incense compared to cigarettesmoke
The total amount of aerosol from burning of incense may be compared to thetotal amount of aerosol formed when a cigarette is burning in an ashtray.
The aerosol amount from a cigarette (”Prince”) is measured and the emission
and concentrations calculated as for the incense (results in table below).
Following (measured) assumptions were used:
Burning period for 1 cigarette:
Aerosol amount emitted:

15 min.
34.1 mg

Table 5.4 Summary of the aerosol emission per incense or cigarette unit and per hour,
respectively, and maximal concentration that arises in a room of 20 m3 with fresh airchange of 0.5 times/hour (box model).
Lab. noEmission
EmissionMax. conc.
Max. conc.
Corresponding
mg/unitmg/hour
mg/m3/hour mg/m3/unit
to no. ofcigarettes
1
50.6
121.2
4.77
2.20
1.5
2
30.7
45.6
1.79
1.27
0.9
4
41.3
61.5
2.42
1.59
1.2
8
136.3
164.2
6.46
5.13
4.0
10
108.6
109.7
4.32
3.80
3.2
12
16.4
31.2
1.23
0.69
0.5
Prince
34.1
136.4
5.40
1.60
cigarette

From the table is shown that there is a large difference in the amount ofsmoke emitted from the incense stick. The lowest emission is from lab. no. 12
and highest is lab. no. 8. A comparison of the amount of smoke from burningof one incense stick /cone to cigarettes the results varied between 0.5 to 4
cigarettes (cf. last column in table).
In figure 5.7 is presented the aerosol emission course, comparable to the
incenses33

Figure 5.7
Top: Aerosol emission from the burning of one cigarette (in ashtray)
Bottom: Aerosol emission during one hour constant burning of cigarettes34

6 Substance evaluations
In this section, the specific chemical substances selected by the Danish
Environmental Protection Agency to be of interest in this context have been
evaluated. It concerns:
Aldehydes

Aromatic
carbohydrates

Other aromatics
Terpenes

Acetaldehyde
Acrolein (Acrylaldehyde)
Formaldehyde
FurfuralBenzeneStyreneTolueneXyleneBenzofuran
4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl
Vanillin
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
alfa-Terpineole

The evaluation is based on the principles and methods mentioned in theprevious section. The evaluations are concluded for each substance with anassessment of whether they may be of concern to the consumer of incense
based on the variations found in the selected samples of incense.

6.1 Aldehydes
Aldehydes are typically volatile organic compounds characterised by theirirritating properties. Aldehydes irritate skin, eyes and the upper respiratory
tract. The low molecular weight aldehydes, the halogenated aliphatic
aldehydes, and the unsaturated aldehydes are particularly irritating. The
mucous membranes of the nasal and oral passages and the upper respiratory
tract are affected, producing a burning sensation, an increased ventilation rate,
bronchial constriction, choking, and coughing. The eyes tear, and a burning
sensation is noted on the skin of the face. During low exposures, the initial
discomfort may abate after a few minutes (5 to 10 minutes) if the exposure isceased but the sensation will recur if exposure is resumed after theinterruption (Clayton and Clayton 1981).

35

6.1.1 Acetaldehyde
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure
Molecular weight
Synonyms

Acetaldehyde
75-07-0200-836-8
C2 H4 OO

CH3

44.05 g/mol
Ethyl aldehyde
EthanalAcetic aldehyde

The melting point is -123ºC. The boiling point is 20.1ºC. The water solubility
is high (miscible) to 106 mg/l at 25ºC (Riddick et al. 1986). The vapour
pressure is 120.2 kPa at 25ºC (902 mmHg, Boublik et al. 1984). The
octanol/water partition coefficient is measured to log Kow 0.5 (Sangster1989).
Classification
Acetaldehyde is classified in the List of dangerous substances(Miljøministeriet 2002).
Fx;R12Extremely flammable
Carc3;R40
Possible risks of irreversible effects
Xi;R36/37
Irritant. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system
OriginAcetaldehyde is used in the production of a long series of chemical
substances.
Acetaldehyde may also be formed during combustion processes fromgasoline, diesel and organic material. The latter may contribute to the
explanation of the findings in all incense types during burning.
HealthSome data have been found on acute toxicity. Of those are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
660 mg/kg
IPCS: 1995
Acute oral, mouse
LD 50
1230 mg/kg
IPCS 1995
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 0.5 h 38000 mg/m 3 Appleman et al. 1982
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 4 h24000 mg/m 3 Appleman et al. 1982
Acute exposure to acetaldehyde vapour may irritate the eyes, skin and therespiratory tract. Long-term or chronic exposure has been shown to damage
the respiratory tract in rats. In hamsters, chronic exposure to acetaldehyde
produced changes in the nasal mucosa and trachea, growth retardation andincreased kidney weight (IPCS 1995).
In a study on human volunteers exposed to different concentrations ofacetaldehyde in air, it was observed that a concentration of 45 mg/m 3 did not
induce significant irritation (IPCS 1995).
Of studies with prolonged exposure a study on irritation in rats was found.
The rats were exposed to acetaldehyde for 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for
4 weeks. NOAEL was 273 mg/m 3 (Appleman et al. 1986).

36

An increased incidence of nasal tumours in rats and laryngeal tumours inhamsters has been observed following inhalation exposure to acetaldehyde.
Acetaldehyde was therefore classified by IARC in group 2B: Possible
carcinogenic to humans on the basis of sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity inexperimental animals and inadequate evidence in humans (IARC 1999).
Acetaldehyde may cause effects on the central nervous system, respiratory
tract and kidney resulting in chronic alcohol-like intoxication and a loweringof consciousness. The effects may be delayed (IPCS 1995).
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 25 ppm equivalent
to 45 mg/m3 with notation LK. L denotes that the threshold limit value is aceiling value that at no time must be exceeded. K means that the substance isadopted on the list of substances, which are considered carcinogenic(Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
Based on irritation in humans a tolerable concentration is assessed of: 45
mg/m 3/20 = 2 mg/m 3 = 2000 µg/m3 where no effects were observed in humanvolunteers and 20 is the safety factor (10 intraspecies variation and 2 for low
data quality (IPCS 1995)).
Based on a 4 weeks rat study (Appleman et al. 1986) with NOAEL 273
mg/m 3 and a safety factor of 1000 (10 for interspecies, 10 for intraspecies and
10 for non-chronic study and the seriousness of the effect (carcinogenicity)) a
tolerable concentration of 0.3 mg/m3 = 300 µg/m 3 was derived (IPCS 1995).
The inhalation reference concentration value (RfC) is by US-EPA set to 9
µg/m 3 based on degeneration of olfactory epithelium in rats. NOAEL was 273
mg/m 3. The exposure was 6 hours per day in 5 days/week for 4 weeks(Appleman et al. 1986). Recalculated to 24 hours exposure/day for 7
days/week is: 273×6/24×5/7 = 48.75 mg/m3. When corrected for respiration
rate of 0.17 m3/day for rats and 20 m3/day for humans and for the exposurearea in the extra-thoracic region of 11.6 cm2 in rats and 177 cm2 in humans
results in: 48.75×0.17/20×177/11.6 = 8.7 mg/m3 (NOAEL, HEC - humanequivalent concentration). Using a safety factor of 1000 (10 for intra- and 10
for interspecies and 10 for subchronic to chronic extrapolation) a RfC valueof 9 µg/m3 is derived (US-EPA, IRIS 1991).
Absorption
Acetaldehyde is absorbed into the body when inhaled (IPCS 1995). No values
were found and therefore 100% absorption is assumed.
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense coneand burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
C inhalation = 4478 / 20 = 224 µg/m3 (incense ID no. 8).
The remaining exposure concentrations have been calculated from a boxmodel using an air change of 0.5 times per hour (table 5.1).
Adult

37

Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (141×0.83×1)/70 = 1.67 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8)
Inhalation, 1 hour = (276×0.83×1)/70 = 3.27 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 1)
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (141×0.125×1)/10 = 1.76 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8)
Table 6.1 Emission, air concentration and uptake by inhalation of acetaldehyde
ID Emission
C Inh. C max inh, C max inh, Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent.
incl
adult
child
vent.
µg/unit µg/hour µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
3267
7022
163
127
276
1.51
1.59
3.27
2
2690
3763
135
102
148
1.21
1.28
1.75
4
1472
2294
74
60
90
0.71
0.75
1.07
8
4478
4523
224
141
198
1.67
1.76
2.35
10
2048
2569
102
89
101
1.06
1.11
1.20
12
1070
2107
103
46
83
0.55
0.58
0.98
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

Because no threshold limit values for effects from the amount taken up by the
body was found, they have not been considered.
Considering the exposure via inhalation, the estimated concentrations are
below the threshold limit value for working environment of 45 mg/m3 with amargin of safety (MOS) above 163. Therefore, it is evaluated that no
immediate health risk to the exposure from acetaldehyde existed.
The risk is also evaluated small in relation to a NOAEC of 9 mg/m 3 and theremaining threshold limit values referred to above.
However, the RfC of 9 µg/m3 (an American inhalation RfC based on
carcinogenicity) was exceeded. The course of the inhalation exposure byburning one incense cone, which was the incense type that resulted in thehighest emission of acetaldehyde, is presented in the figure below.

38

Figure 6.1 Box model presentation of the course of exposure from acetaldehyde
during burning of one incense cone, top graph (the incense type that emitted themost acetaldehyde). The buttom graph is the same incence burning continuously for
one hour (timer = hours, Konc. mg/m3 = Conc. mg/m3).

On basis of the box model’s graphic presentation of the maximal emission
from incense type ID no. 1, it will take up to 6 hours after the burning of an
incense cone before the concentration is reduced to 9 µg/m 3 (the RfC value)
assuming an air change of 0.5 times per hour (cf. figure 6.1, top graph).
Conclusion
The largest amount of acetaldehyde was emitted from the incense cone (Lab.
ID no. 1) with emissions of approximately twice the remaining incense types.
Although acetaldehyde is known for being an irritant to the eyes andrespiratory tract the threshold limit values were not exceeded during burningof one piece of incense (stick or cone).
However, it is recommended not to expose oneself to chronic exposure as theconcentration may exceed the threshold limit value for chronic exposure of 9
µg/m 3 significantly.

39

6.1.2 Acrolein
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure
Molecular weight
Synonyms

Acrolein107-02-8
203-453-4
C3 H4 OO

CH2

56.06 g/mol
Acrylaldehyde
2-Propenal

The melting point is –87.7ºC. The boiling point is 52.6ºC. The watersolubility is 212000 mg/l at 25ºC. The vapour pressure is 36.5 kPa at 25ºC
(274 mmHg, Daubert and Danner 1985). The octanol/water partition
coefficient is measured to log Kow –0.01 (Hansch et al. 1995).
Classification
Acrolein is classified in the List of dangerous substances (Miljøministeriet2002):
F;R11
Highly flammable
Tx;R26
Very toxic by inhalation
T;R24/25
Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed
C;R34
Causes burns
N;R50
Very toxic to aquatic organisms
OriginAcrolein is manufactured as pure substance from propene but is also anintermediate in the manufacture of acrylic acid and several other chemicalcompounds. Acrolein may also be formed during incomplete combustion ofoil products and organic material (ECB 2001). Incomplete combustion may
add to the explanation of the findings of acrolein from burning of incenses.
HealthSince the exposure is primarily via inhalation, those data are mainly used in
the evaluation.
A number of data on acute toxicity were recovered of those are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
42-46 mg/kg
ECB
2001
Acute oral, mouse
LD 50
14-28 mg/kg
ECB
2001
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 4 t
18-21 mg/m3 (vapour)
ECB
2001
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 1 t
65 mg/m 3 (vapour)
ECB
2001
3
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 30 min 300 mg/m (vapour)
ECB
2001
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 10 min 750 mg/m 3 (vapour)
ECB
2001
The toxicity by inhalation is dependent on the duration of the exposure: thelonger time the more toxic (cf. table above). By inhalation, eyes and nasal
irritation and reduced inhalation rate were observed (ECB 2001).

40

Parent et al. (1992a) administered acrolein in water daily via gavage to rats,
70/sex/group, at dose levels of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg bw/day. Dosing
volume was 10 ml/kg. The exposure period was 2 years. LOAEL was 0.5
mg/kg/day in both sexes and NOAEL 0.05 mg/kg/day.
Feron et al. (1978) exposed 6 rats/sex/concentration, 10 Syrian golden
hamsters/sex/concentration and 2 Dutch rabbits/sex/concentration for 6hours/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks to 0, 0.4, 1.4 or 4.9 ppm (equivalent to0, 0.9, 3.2, or 11 mg/m 3) acrolein in a whole-body exposure chamber. Threemale and three female rats died during exposure at the highest dose.
Histopathological changes in the nasal cavity, lung, larynx and trachea were
graded as slightly, moderately or severely affected. Based on this a LOAEL
was set to 0.9 mg/m 3. In the study, the rats were the most sensitive species.
Acrolein vapours affect aggressively and irritating to mucous epithelium. In
animal studies, the LC 50-value was found at approx. 20 mg/m3 for rats. In
controlled human studies, eye irritation was observed at 0.13 mg/m3 andrespiratory irritation at 0.34 mg/m 3 after 5-10 minutes exposure.
Concentration levels of 1-2 mg/m3 induced severe irritation with tears after
only a few seconds. The acute toxic potential of acrolein is assessed to be themost critical effect, as the substance due to its high reactivity directly affects
the mucous epithelium surfaces (Miljøstyrelsen 2002).
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 0.05 ppm
corresponding to 0.12 mg/m 3 (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
An irritation threshold limit value is based on sensory irritation in mice wherea RD50 of 40 mg/m 3 was observed (RD50 is the inhalation concentration thatmakes half the test animals to change their respiration rate). The irritation
limit value was calculated to: RD50 × 0.03/40 = 0.03 mg/m3 (Larsen et al.
1999).
The RfD-value 0.5 µg/kg/day is based on a study on reduced survival with a
NOAEL 0.05 mg/kg/day and the application of a safety factor of 100: i.e.
0.05/100 = 5×10-4 mg/kg/day (Parent et al. 1992).
The RfC-value 0.02 µg/m3 is based on a subchronic rat inhalation study(Feron et al. 1978). In the study, a LOAEL 0.4 ppm equivalent to 0.9 mg/m 3,
was observed. The LOAEL was adjusted from the study where the exposure
was 6 hours/day, 5 days/week to continuous exposure as follows: 0.9 mg/m3 ×
6/24× 5/7 = 0.16 mg/m3. The adjusted LOAEL was then recalculated to a“human exposure equivalent concentration” by correction of the inhalation
rate of 0.2 m3/day for rats and 20 m 3/day for humans and the exposure area ofthe extra-thoracic region of 15 cm 2 in rats and 200 cm2 in humans. This
would result in: 0.16×0.2/20× 200/15 = 0.021 mg/m 3 (NOAEL, HEC human equivalent concentration). Applying a safety factor of 1000 (10 for
intra- and 10 for interspecies variation and 10 for adjustment from subchronic
to chronic exposure duration) would give a RfC value of 0.02 µg/m3 (USEPA, IRIS).
The human data on eye irritation at 0.13 mg/m3 after a few minutes of
exposure could be used as starting point for a threshold limit value
calculation. Applying a safety factor of 10 to extrapolate from effect level tono-effect level and a further safety factor of 10 to consider differences in41

individual sensitivity to acrolein would result in a threshold limit value of0.001 mg/m 3. Thus, for acrolein a contribution value (C-value) of 0.001
mg/m 3 was set (Miljøstyrelsen 2002).
Absorption
The absorption via inhalation in dogs was dosis independent and varied
between 82 and 84% (ECB 2001).
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
C max inhalation = 1388 / 20 = 69 µg/m3 (ID no.10)
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (60.3×0.83×1)/70 = 0.71 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 10)Inhalation, 1 hour = (89.3×0.83×1)/70 = 1.06 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 1)
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (60.3×0.125×1)/10 = 0.75 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 10)
Table 6.2 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of acrolein
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin roomincl incl
adult
child
vent. vent.
µg/unit µg/ho
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
ur
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
1056
2270
52.8
41.1
89.3
0.49
0.51
1.06
2
686
959
34.3
26.6
37.7
0.32
0.33
0.45
4
675
1052
33.8
27.3
41.4
0.32
0.34
0.49
8
987
997
49.3
31.2
39.2
0.37
0.39
0.46
10
1388
1741
69.4
60.3
68.5
0.71
0.75
0.81
12
332
654
16.6
14.5
25.7
0.17
0.18
0.30
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit for the working
environment of 120 µg/m3 but only with a margin of safety of 1 to 2, which isconsidered unsatisfactory when considering consumers and not a working
environment.
The C-value of 1 µg/m3 is exceeded.
The estimated exposure concentrations exceed the RfC value of 0.02 µg/m3,
which was based on a NOAEL 0.02 mg/m 3.
The absorption via inhalation is (compared with the oral RfD) exceeded formost incense types already by burning one incense stick or cone for both
adults and children.

42

Conclusion
The emissions of acrolein indicate an exceeding of what is consideredreasonable during burning of all incenses. The odour threshold value of 407µg/m 3 was not exceeded which means that there was no direct warning by
smell. However, the concentrations of the substance are below the limit value
for eye irritation of 130 µg/m 3.
Chronic effects can not be excluded at prolonged exposure. And this is where
the exceeding of the threshold limit values based on chronic data become
critical.
To avoid health problems, ventilation during or after the burning of incenses
should be a principal rule.
6.1.3 Formaldehyde
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure
Molecular weight
Synonyms

Formaldehyde
50-00-0
200-001-8
C H2 OO CH2
30.03 g/mol
Formalin (formaldehyde 37% solution)
Methaldehyde
Methylene oxide
Oxymethylene

Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature. The melting point is -92ºC. The
boiling point is -19ºC. The water solubility is high. The information varies but
the most realistic level is between 400,000 mg/l (at 20ºC) and 550,000 mg/l
because polymers are formed at ≥55% solutions (the solution becomes
opalescent, IPCS 2002). The vapour pressure is high: 518 kPa at 25ºC
(Boublik et al. 1984) in its pure form (gas). The vapour pressure for a 37%
solution is 202.6 Pa at 20ºC. The octanol/water partition coefficient ismeasured to log Kow 0.35.
Air concentrations associated with sensory irritation is generally above 0.3 to
0.5 ppm (0.3 to 0.6 mg/m3) (IPCS 1989, 2002).
Classification
Formaldehyde is classified in the List of dangerous substances(Miljøministeriet 2002):
Carc3;R40 R43 Possible risks of irreversible effects. May cause
sensitization by skin contact
T;R23/24/25
Toxic. Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if
swallowed
C;R34
Corrosive. Causes burns
It is noted that concentrations 1-5% are classified Carc3; R40 R43 andconcentrations 0.2 to 1% classified R43.
Origin43

Formaldehyde is used in several products and processes. Only the most
relevant to this project are mentioned.
Formaldehyde is added to several consumer products as preservative toprevent microbial destruction of the product. Formaldehyde is contained inseveral colorants, either in the manufacture or as preservative. Hatch andMaibach (1995) has mentioned 9 resins, which release different amounts offormaldehyde.
HealthFormaldehyde is toxic to humans and the compound is suspected to becarcinogenic. In epidemiological studies on humans exposed to formaldehyde
in the working environment, no causal relation between formaldehyde
exposure and nasal-or lung tumours could be observed. Based on the data offormaldehyde’s mode of action, formaldehyde is probably not carcinogenic tohumans at low exposures, especially at exposure conditions that do not induce
cytotoxic effects (IPCS 1989).
Formaldehyde is an eye and skin irritant.
Acute toxicity
Several data on acute toxicity exist. Of these are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
600 mg/kg
Acute oral, mouse

LD 50

42 mg/kg

Acute dermal, rabbit
Acute inhalation, rat

LD 50
LC 50, 4 h

270 mg/kg
578 mg/m 3 (480ppm)
497 mg/m 3 (412ppm)

Acute inhalation, mouse LC 50, 4 h

IUCLID
2002
IUCLID
2002/RTECS
IPCS 1989
IPCS 1989
IPCS 1989

Relating to acute inhalation toxicity the mentioned values of LC 50 below 1
mg/l (4 h exposure), which is a low value, indicate that the compound is toxic
by inhalation of the pure substance.
Several long-term and chronic studies exist. The results are thoroughly
discussed in several references, e.g. IPCS (1989 and 2002).
Repeated oral administration via drinking water to rats over 2 years showed ahighest dosis without permanent effects (NOAEC) of 260 mg/l,
corresponding to 15 and 21 mg/kg body weight for male and female rats (Tilet al. 1989).
Inhalation between 3 days to 2 years showed a NOAEC of 1.2 mg/m3 (1ppm) with lesions of the nasal epithelium in rats (CICAD 2002).
Formaldehyde is known for its ability to cause sensitisation (allergy).
Especially formaldehyde is recognised as being allergenic via skin contact andrespiratory system (Thomsen 1990).
Formaldehyde is suspected to be carcinogenic to human. However, there islimited evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity but there is sufficientevidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde in44inhalation studies. IARC, therefore, has considered that formaldehyde isprobably carcinogenic to humans and placed the substance in group 2A(IARC 1995).
Threshold limit values
For formaldehyde, the Danish working environment authorities(Arbejdstilsynet) has set a norm value of 0.15 mg/m3. In buildings in use, theconcentration in the indoor air varies between 0.01 and 0.20 mg/m 3,
depending on its sources. This is at concentrations around the WHO
guidance value of 0.1 mg/m 3. Very sensitive persons can smell formaldehyde
and even react with mucous and especially eye irritation at concentrations as
low as 0.06 mg/m 3. Concentrations above 0.05 mg/m3 may induce anincreased incidence of symptoms and inconvenience. The Danish working
environment authorities (Arbejdstilsynet) accepts a maximal concentration offormaldehyde of 0.15 mg/m3 in indoor climate. However, the threshold limit
for industrial working environment is higher: 0.4 mg/m3 (Arbejdstilsynet:
www.at.dk, 2003).
The threshold limit value for the working environment (TLV) is 0.4 mg/m3
with notation HK. H means that the substance can be absorbed through theskin. K means that the substance is adopted on the list of substances that may
cause cancer (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
The RfD-value 0.2 mg/kg/day is based on reduced weight gain andhistopathological changes observed in a 2-year oral administration rat study.
LOAEL was observed to be 82 mg/kg/day and NOAEL 15 mg/kg/day (Til etal. 1989). Applying a safety factor of 100 an oral reference dose (RfD) was
calculated to 0.2 mg/kg/day.
Evaluation
Formaldehyde is known to be allergenic by contact both via inhalation andskin (Thomsen 1990). The concentrations that in the long term may elicit
allergic reactions are unknown. The presence of formaldehyde can be a
problem for persons who already are allergic to formaldehyde. It is to be
expected that allergic persons may react to even small concentrations but nostudies on the subject were found.
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 5922 / 20 = 296.1 µg/m 3
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (210×0.83×1)/70 = 2.5 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
10)
Inhalation, 1 hour = (447×0.83×1)/70 = 5.3 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 1)
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (210×0.125×1)/10 = 2.63 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 10)45

Table 6.3 Emission, air concentration and absorption via inhalation of formaldehyde
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
5281
11352
264
206
447
2.44
2.58
5.30
2
1266
1771
63
49
70
0.58
0.61
0.83
4
2823
4399
141
114
173
1.35
1.43
2.05
8
5922
5982
296
187
235
2.22
2.34
2.79
10
4826
6055
241
210
238
2.49
2.63
2.82
12
1735
3417
87
76
134
0.90
0.95
1.59
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was of the same order as the occupational
threshold limit value of 400 µg/m3 with a margin of a factor <1 to about 6,
which is considered unsatisfactory when applied to consumers.
Conclusion
Formaldehyde is suspected to be carcinogenic by inhalation. The
concentrations estimated for inhalation must be considered unacceptable
relating to the referred exposure scenarios as the calculated exposure
concentrations are of the same order as or close to the threshold limit value set
for industrial working environment.
The norm value set by the national working environment authorities forindoor climate 150 µg/m3 is exceeded on several accounts even for scenarios
including ventilation.
The oral RfD value 200 µg/kg bw/day is not exceeded. However, due to theuncertainty by extrapolating from intake of formaldehyde administered via
drinking water to absorption via inhalation, the other values based oninhalation studies were given precedence in the evaluation.
It is concluded that the threshold limit for indoor climate was exceeded inseveral cases and therefore a health risk can not be excluded. Ventilation after
burning of incenses is recommended.

46

6.1.4 Furfural
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

Furfural
98-01-1
202-627-7
C5 H4 O2O
O

Molecular weight
Synonyms

96.09 g/mol
2-Furaldehyde
2-Furancarboxaldehyde
Furfuraldehyde

The melting point is –36.5ºC. The boiling point is 161.7ºC. The watersolubility is 83000 mg/l at 20ºC. The vapour pressure is 295 Pa at 25ºC (2.21mmHg, Daubert and Danner 1989) or 144 Pa at 20ºC (CICAD 2000). The
octanol/water partition coefficient is low with a measured log Kow 0.41
(Hansch et al. 1995).
Classification
Furfural is classified according to the List of dangerous substances(Miljøministeriet 2002):
Carc3;R40
Possible risks of irreversible effects
Xn;R21
Harmful. Harmful in contact with skin.
T;R23/25
Toxic. Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed
Xi;R36/37
Irritant. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system
It is noted that the classification is dependent on the concentration:conc.>=25%:
20%<=conc.<25%:
5%<=conc.<20%:
1%<=conc.<5%:

Xn;R21 T;R23/25 Xi;R36/37 Carc3;R40
T;R23/25 Xi;R36/37 Carc3;R40
T;R23/25 Carc3;R40
Xn;R20/22 Carc3;R40

OriginFurfural is used in the manufacture of resins and several other products.
Furfural is added to several products as taste and or fragrance additive.
Furfural is present in several foods as a natural part or as a contamination.
Furfural is found in essential oils from a series of plants such as citronella(Cymbopogon nardus), camphor (Cinnnamomum camphora ), lavender(Lavendula vera), lime (Citrus aurantifolia ) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum,
Sassafras officinale),.
Furfural may also be formed by thermal decomposition of carbohydrates,
which may contribute to an explanation of the findings in all incenses during
burning.
HealthFurfural is acute toxic to humans and the substance is suspected to becarcinogenic.
Several data on acute toxicity have been found. Of these are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
122 mg/kg
CICAD 2000

47

Acute oral, mouse
Acute inhalation,rat
Acute inhalation,
rat

LD 50
LC 50, 4 h
LC 50, 1 h

1333mg/kg
940 mg/m 3 (235ppm)
756 mg/m 3 (189ppm)

JECFA 1999
CICAD 2000
CICAD 2000

Irritation of the respiratory system and lung damages is observed at single andrepeated exposure via inhalation (CICAD 2000).
No reports on irritation to eyes and respiratory tract at exposure to 40 mg/m 3(10 ppm) during 8 hours or at 80 mg/m3 during 4 hours were found (CICAD
2000).
In a 13 weeks inhalation study, Syrian golden hamsters were exposed to
furfural vapours for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week in 13 weeks. NOAEL was 20
ppm equivalent to 77 mg/m 3 (JECFA 1999, CICAD 2000).
A 13 weeks diet toxicity study on rats is performed. At 82 mg/kg changes in
the liver in 5 out of 10 male rats were observed while there were no changes at
53 mg/kg bw/day (measured concentrations). NOAEL was therefore set to 53
mg/kg bw/day (JECFA 2001).
A 90 days rat study from the American National Toxicology Program (NTP)
was found. On basis of reduced body weight increase and histopathology a
LOAEL was set to 11 mg/kg bw/day. As this was the lowest concentration
used, no NOAEL could be established (NTP 1981 study referenced in IRIS
2003).
Absorption
The absorption of vapour via lungs and skin is demonstrated. At the exposureof 30 mg/m3, between 75 and 82% was absorbed via the lungs (JECFA 1999).
In the evaluation 100% are used, as more specific data were not retrieved.
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 2 ppm equivalent to
7.9 mg/m 3 with notation HK meaning penetrable to skin and under suspicion
of being carcinogenic (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
The ADI 0.5 mg/kg bw/day is set on the basis of NOAEL 53 mg/kg in the 13
weeks rat study and applying a safety factor of 100 (JECFA 2001).
The RfD-value is set on the basis of the 90-days rat study by NTP. Based on
LOAEL 11 mg/kg/day and applying a safety factor of 3000 (10 for inter- and10 for intraspecies variation, 10 for extrapolating from subchronic to chronic
data and a factor of 3 for using a LOAEL) an oral reference dosis (RfD) of
11/3000 = 0.003 mg/kg bw/day was derived (IRIS 2003).
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 333 / 20 = 16.7 µg/m3 (ID no. 10)
Adult

48

Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (12×0.83×1)/70 = 0.14 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
10)
Inhalation, 1 hour = (13×0.83×1)/70 = 0.15 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 10)
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (12×0.125×1)/10 = 0.15 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 10)
Table 6.4 Emission, air concentration and absorption via inhalation of furfural
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
229
547
11.5
10
22
0.12
0.13
0.26
2
92
138
4.6
4
5
0.05
0.05
0.06
4
82
122
4.1
3
5
0.04
0.04
0.06
8
86
103
4.3
3
4
0.04
0.04
0.05
10
333
336
16.7
12
13
0.14
0.15
0.15
12
43
82
2.2
2
3
0.02
0.03
0.04
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit value for theworking environment of 7.9 mg/m 3 with a factor of >350, which is considered
acceptable.
Considering absorption via inhalation the amounts were below the RfD-valueof 3 µg/kg/day. Because the value was calculated including a safety factor, nofurther safety is applied.
Conclusion
Furfural is considered not to have adverse effects to the health of theconsumer at the estimated concentrations.

6.2 Aromatic hydrocarbons
6.2.1 Benzene
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

Benzene71-43-2
200-753-7
C6 H6

Molecular weight
Synonyms

78.11 g/mol
Benzol49

Cyclohexatriene
The melting point is 5.5ºC. The boiling point is 80.1ºC. The water solubility
is 1800 mg/l at 25ºC. The vapour pressure is 13.3 kPa at 25ºC. Octanol/waterpartition coefficient is measured to between log Kow 1.56 and 2.15 (IPCS
1993).
Classification
Benzene is classified in the List of dangerous substances (Miljøministeriet2002):
Carc1;R45
May cause cancer
F;R11Highly flammable
T;R48/23/24/25
Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged
exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if
swallowed
NOTE:
The classification has been changed since then. Benzene is included in the 29th revision list
(ATP 2003) with a more rigorous classification. This means that it is not yet implemented
in Danish regulation but probably will be at the next revision of the List of dangerous
substances:
F;R11
Highly flammable
Carc. Cat. 1; R45
May cause cancer
Mut. Cat. 2; R46
May cause heritable genetic damage
T; R48/23/24/25
Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
Xn;R65
Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.
Xi;R36/38
Irritant. Irritating to eyes and skinOriginBenzene is extracted from oil products of which benzene is a component or asa side-product from the manufacture of other chemical substances. The use ismainly as an intermediate in the manufacture of several chemical compounds.
Benzene can also be formed by combustion of organic material, which may
contribute to an explanation of its presence during burning of all incense
tested.
HealthSeveral data on acute toxicity were found. Of these are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
810-10000 mg/kg ECB 2003
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 4 h44500 mg/m 3
ECB 2003
High concentrations of benzene vapours are irritating to the mucous
membranes of the eyes, nose and respiratory tract (ECB 2003).
From the toxicological point of view, areas of concern are mutagenicity,
carcinogenicity, repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity.
In a 13 weeks study, 50 rats/sex/group were exposed to benzene vapour(whole body exposure) at concentrations of 3.2, 32, 96 or 960 mg/m³ (1, 10,30 or 300 ppm) for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks. Only at thehighest dosis effects were observed on the blood system (haematologicaleffects on the peripheral blood circulation) and reduced weight of the thyroid.
No other effects were observed. Based on this the NOAEC was set to 96
mg/m³ (Ward et al. 1985).

50

Rothman et al. (1996) has performed a cross-sectional study of 44 workers
exposed to a range of benzene concentrations and 44 age- and gendermatched unexposed controls, all from Shanghai, China. The median (range)
concentration in an 8-hour working period (TWA: Time Weighted Average)
was 23 (3.2–64) mg/m3. LOAEL was observed to be 7.6 ppm equivalent to24.3 mg/m 3 (IRIS).
Benzene is a known human carcinogen based upon evidence presented innumerous occupational epidemiological studies. Significantly increased risksof leukaemia, chiefly acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), have beenreported in benzene-exposed workers in the chemical industry, shoemaking,and oil refineries (ECB 2003).
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 0.5 ppm equivalent
to 1.6 mg/m3 with notation HK (penetrable to the skin and carcinogenic)(Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
The reference values are based on Rothman et al. (1996).
The median concentration, 8-hour TWA was 23 mg/m3. The found TWA
was adjusted from a working day with a respiration volume of 10 m3 to 24
hours respiration volume of 20 m3/day and recalculated from 5 days to 7
days/week continuous exposure: 23 mg/m 3 ×10/20 m3 ×5/7 days = 8.2 mg/m3.
The value is then applied a safety factor of 270 based on an application factor
10 for intraspecies variation, 3 for subchronic to chronic extrapolation, 3 foreffect level extrapolation and 3 for data deficiencies: RfC = 8.2/270 = 0.03
mg/m 3 (IRIS).
For comparison, an inhalation RfC based on LOAEL 7.6 ppm from Rothman
et al. (1996) study was also calculated. Recalculation and adjustment as above
to continuous exposure resulted in a LOAEL of: 24.3×(10/20 m 3)×(5/7 days)= 8.7 mg/m 3. The adjusted LOAELADJ was divided by a safety factor of 900(10 for using LOAEL in stead of NOAEL, 10 for intraspecies variation, 3 forsubchronic to chronic extrapolation and 3 for data deficiencies), which gives a
RfC value: 8.7 mg/m3 / 900 = 0.009 mg/m 3 (IRIS).
The oral RfD value 4.0 x 10-3 mg/kg/day is based on a recalculation frominhalation exposure 8.2 mg/m 3 (Rothman et al. 1996) to 1.2 mg/kg bw/day.
The calculation was performed as: 23 mg/m 3 ×10/20 m 3 ×5/7 days = 8.2
mg/m 3. Assuming that the absorption via inhalation was 50% and 100% via
oral intake, an extrapolation from inhalation to ”oral” intake may be
estimated: 8.2 mg/m 3 ×20 m 3/day ×0.5 (50%) / 70 kg = 1.2 mg/kg bw/day.
Applying a safety factor of 300 (10 for intraspecies variation, 3 for effect level,
3 for subchronic to chronic and 3 for data deficiencies) a RfD value:
1200/300 = 4 µg/kg bw/day is derived (IRIS 2003).
Absorption
Benzene is easily absorbed via inhalation and skin contact (ECB 2003).
Inhalation studies in rodents suggested that the uptake of benzene by thelungs was related to the concentration in a non-linear manner. For inhalation
exposures, the mean percentage of inhaled 14C-benzene absorbed andretained in the tissues and blood during a 6-hr exposure decreased from 33%
to 15% in rats, and from 50% to 10% in mice, as the exposure concentration
was increased from approximately 26 to 2600 mg/m³ (8 to 812 ppm). Greater

51

absorption of benzene at lower concentrations by mice than rats is partiallyexplained by physiological differences in respiratory rate and tidal volume(Sabourin et al. 1987).
An inhalation study with the exposure to 150-352 mg/m³ (47-110 ppm) ofbenzene for 2-3 hours showed that during the first five minutes of exposure
78-80% were extracted from the inhaled air, but after one hour, the extraction
was reduced to approximately 50% (range 20-60%) (Srbova et al. 1950
summarised in ECB 2003).
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3. The
absorption is set to 50%.
Calculation example:
Maximal concentration in room, Cmax inh = 7451 / 20 = 373 µg/m3 (ID no.
8)
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (281×0.83×0.5)/70 = 1.67 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8)
Inhalation, 1 hour = (353×0.83×0.5)/70 = 2.09 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 8)
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (281×0.125×0.5)/10 = 1.76 µg/kg bw/day
Table 6.5 Emission, air concentration and absorption via inhalation of benzene
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
619
1482
31.0
26.9
58.3
0.16
0.17
0.35
2
976
1464
48.8
40.6
57.6
0.24
0.25
0.34
4
748
1114
37.4
28.9
43.8
0.17
0.18
0.26
8
7451
8978
372.6
281
353
1.67
1.76
2.09
10
693
700
34.7
24.2
27.5
0.14
0.15
0.16
12
266
502
13.3
11.1
19.8
0.066
0.069
0.12
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit value for theworking environment of 1.6 mg/m 3 in most cases but above for one of the
incenses. This is evaluated to be unsatisfactory when the concentration
concerns consumers in an ordinary home and not the working environment.
Relating to the inhalation the concentrations are above the RfC value 9 µg/m 3.
Some of the values are above and one value up to 10 times above the RfC
value 30 µg/m 3.

52

The lowest margin of safety (MOS) = LOAEL/max. exposure = 8200/281 =30, which is considered insufficient.
The RfD value 4 µg/kg bw/day was not exceeded.
It should be noted that benzene is a known carcinogenic substance where nosafe level for exposure may be established (CSTEE 2003). An increased riskof cancer is estimated by the Dutch to concentrations above 20 µg/m3 (Baars
et al. 2001). Based on the Dutch value use of most of the tested incenses
could be considered in that risk class.
Conclusion
Benzene is a carcinogen. The estimated limit for uptake was not exceeded but
the calculated exposure concentrations are very close to and in a single caseabove the derived reference values.
Benzene is in its last phases of the risk assessment in the EU (ECB 2003)
where an air quality limit value of 5 µg/m3 has to be implemented by January
2010. The value is set as low as it is assumed practical possible and reasonable
to achieve within the time framework.
On the other side it should also be remembered that the exposure to benzene
during refilling gasoline might cause concentrations in the breathing zone of
1.3 mg/m 3. Smokers are exposed to concentrations that may remind of thelevels emitted from incense. According to WHO smokers may take up as
much as 1.8 mg benzene/day compared to non-smokers approx. 0.05 mg/day(IPCS 1993).
It is concluded that the exposure to incense may contribute significantly to theintake of benzene if ventilation after burning incense is not performed.
6.2.2 Styrene
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure
Molecular weight
Synonyms

Styrene100-42-5
202-851-5
C8 H8
CH2

104.15 g/mol
Benzene, ethenyl
Ethenylbenzene
Phenylethylene
Vinylbenzene

The melting point is –30.6ºC. The boiling point is 145.2ºC. The watersolubility is 300 mg/l at 25ºC. The vapour pressure is 867 Pa at 25ºC. The
octanol/water partition coefficient is measured to log Kow 3.02 (ECB 2002).
Classification
Styrene is classified in the List of dangerous substances (Miljøministeriet2002):
R10
Flammable

53

Xn;R20
Xi;R36/38
conc.>=12.5%:

Harmful: Harmful by inhalation
Irritant: Irritating to eyes and skin
Xn;R20 Xi;R36/38

OriginStyrene is manufactured from benzene produced in the oil industry. Styrene isused to a large extent in the plastic- (polystyrene) and rubber industry but
also in many other products. The findings of styrene in all incenses during
burning may be because styrene can be formed during combustion of organic
material.
HealthStyrene is not acute toxic.
Several data on acute toxicity have been found. Of these are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
5000 mg/kg
IPCS 26, 1983
Acute inhalation, rat LC 50, 4 h41000 mg/m 3
Koch 1984
The problematic health effect is that styrene is considered neurotoxic.
Affecting the neurological development seems to be the most sensitive
endpoint observed. In young rats exposed to 260 mg/m 3 effects were observed
on behaviour and biochemical parameters in the brain (Kishi et al. 1992 in
WHO 2000).
In occupationally exposed humans minor effects were observed such as
effects on verbal abilities and disturbances to the vision at air concentrationsof 107-213 mg/m 3. When the lowest value for precautionary reasons is used
and recalculated from working hours to continuous exposure with a factor 2.4
and apply a further safety factor of 10 for inter-individual variation and 10 for
extrapolating from LOAEL to NOAEL, a value of 107/(4.2×10) = 0.26
mg/m 3 (weekly average) is derived (WHO 2000).
Mutti et al. (1984) examined in a cross-sectional study the neuropsychological
function in 50 workers whose mean duration of styrene exposure was 8.6 (SDof 4.5) years. Styrene exposure was assessed by the authors to correspond to
air concentrations ranging from 10-300 ppm as a mean daily exposure. The
concentration-response relationship between urinary metabolite concentration(mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid levels normalised to creatinine in"morning-after" urine). A significant effect level was observed in the subgroupwhose urine contained 150-299 mmole urinary metabolites/mole creatinine.
Workers with metabolite concentrations of up to 150 mmoles/mole appeared
to have no significant effects. This level is therefore designated as the NOAEL
in this study. The authors state that this level of urinary metabolites
corresponds to a mean daily 8-hour exposure to air styrene of 25 ppm (106mg/m 3). 95% confidence interval is calculated for an 8-hour exposure at 100
ppm and the lower limit of the confidence calculation was 88% of the mean
styrene exposure. This factor applied to the correction of NOAEL: 25 ppm ×0.88 = 22 ppm (94 mg/m3).
In a subchronic oral study on dogs where the effect of styrene on red blood
cells and the liver was studied after oral administration for 560 days, LOAEL
was observed at 400 mg/kg/day and NOAEL set to 200 mg/kg/day (Quast etal. 1979).

54

In a 2-year three-generation rat study, rats were exposed to 125 mg/l
(corresponding to 7.7 mg/kg/day for males and 12 mg/kg/day for females) and
250 mg/l (corresponding to 14 mg/kg/day for males and 21 mg/kg/day forfemales) in drinking water. The body weight was affected at 21 mg/kg/day,while male and female reproduction was not affected. Therefore, NOAEL
was 14 mg/kg/day for males and 12 mg/kg/day for females (Van Appeldoorn
et al. 1986).
There are only weak indications that styrene should be carcinogenic, however,
IARC has evaluated the substance as possible carcinogenic to humans andplaced the substance in group 2B (inadequate evidence in humans and limited
evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of styrene: IARC
1994, WHO 2000). Apparently, the carcinogenicity potential of styrene isrelated to the metabolite styrene oxide, which is quickly transformed intostyrene glycols (WHO 2000).
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 25 ppm equivalent
to 105 mg/m3 with notation LHK. L means that the threshold limit value is aceiling value, which at no time must be exceeded. H means that the substance ispenetrable to the skin. K means that the substance is adopted on the list of
substances that may be carcinogenic (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
WHO has given a 24 hours air quality guideline value of 800 µg/m3 (IPCS
1983).
The inhalation RfC-value is set on basis of effects to the central nervous
system (Mutti et al. 1984) with a NOAEL 94 mg/m 3 (cf. above). The value iscalculated to continuous exposure and assuming that 10 m 3 air was the
respiration rate during the working hours: 94 mg/m 3 × 10/20 m3/day × 5/7
days = 34 mg/m 3 (NOAEL HEC, human equivalent concentration). The
safety factor of 30 was based on the application of 10 for intraspecies
variation and 3 for data deficiencies, thus, RfC = 34/30 = 1 mg/m3 (IRIS).
The oral RfD-value is based on a subchronic oral study on dogs for 560 days
where NOAEL was observed to 200 mg/kg/day (Quast et al. 1979). Applying
a safety factor of 1000 (10 for inter-, 10 for intraspecies variation and 10 for
extrapolation subchronic to chronic effects) the resulting RfD is: 200/1000 =0.2 mg/kg bw/day (IRIS).
TDI is 120 µg/kg bw/day. A Dutch value (Van Appeldoorn et al. 1986, cf.
above) is based on a 2-year rat study with a safety factor of 100 (Baars et al.
2001).
The odour limit value is 70 µg/m3 in WHO (2000).
Absorption
Styrene is absorbed easily from the lungs. In different studies uptake has beenmeasured to vary between 45 and 93% (IPCS 1983).
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:

55

Cmax inhalation = 582 / 20 = 29.1 µg/m3 (ID no. 4).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (21×0.83×1)/70 = 0.25 µg/kg bw/day
including ventilation (ID no. 4).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (34×0.83×1)/70 = 0.41 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 4).
Child
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (21.3×0.125×1)/10 = 0.27 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 4).
Table 6.6 Emission, air concentration and uptake by inhalation of styrene
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalatio
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
n,in room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
1 hourµg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
88
211
4.4
4
8
0.05
0.05
0.09
2
207
310
10.4
9
12
0.11
0.11
0.14
4
582
867
29.1
21
34
0.25
0.27
0.41
8
493
594
24.7
19
23
0.23
0.24
0.27
10
215
217
10.8
8
9
0.09
0.10
0.11
12
69
130
3.5
3
5
0.04
0.04
0.06
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit value for theworking environment of 105 µg/m 3 but only with a factor of approx. 3, whichis considered insufficient.
Relating to inhalation, the concentrations are below the RfC-value 1 mg/m3
and below WHO´s air quality value of 0.26 mg/m 3.
Relating to the amount taken up the oral RfD was 0.2 mg/kg bw/day. Most of
the calculated values were a factor of 500 to 1000 below. The calculated
values lie with a factor of more than 300 times below the found TDI value of
0.12 mg/kg bw/day.
Conclusion
Based on the calculated scenarios there is not expected to be any health risks
to the consumers due to the presence of styrene in the incense.

56

6.2.3 Toluene
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

Molecular weight
Synonyms

Toluene108-88-3
203-625-9
C7 H8
CH3

92.15 g/mol
methylbenzene
phenylmethane

The melting point is -95ºC. The boiling point is 111ºC. The vapour pressureis 3800 Pa at 25ºC. The water solubility is 515 mg/l. The octanol/waterpartition coefficient log Kow is experimentally determined to 2.65 (ECB2003).
Classification
Toluene is classified in the List of dangerous substances (Miljøministeriet2002):
F;R11
Highly flammable
Xn;R20Harmful. Harmful by inhalation
NOTE:
Toluene is included in the 29th revision list (ATP 2003) with a more rigorous classification.
This means that it is not yet implemented in Danish regulation but probably will be at thenext revision of the List of dangerous substances:
F;R11
Highly flammable
Repr.Cat.3; R63
Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
Xn;R48/20-65
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation, may cause lung damage if swallowed.
Xi;R38
Irritant. Irritating to skin
R67
Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness

HealthToluene is irritating to the skin and harmful to the health. Toluene issuspected to be reprotoxic, i.e. possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
Acute toxicity
Of acute data, several have been found. Of them is mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
5500 mg/kg
Kimura et al.
1971
Acute dermal, rabbit
LD 50
12400 mg/kg
Smyth et al. 19693
Acute inhalation, rat
LC 50 (6 h) 22 mg/l (22 g/m ) Bonnet et al.
1982
Acute inhalation, mouse LC 0 (6 h) 24 mg/l (24 g/m 3) Bonnet et al.
1982
Data on acute toxicity via inhalation were between 22 and 24 g/m3, which do
not present any immediate reason for concern. However, it was also observedthat toluene even at low concentrations (from 285 mg/m3) may induce
headaches, dizziness, irritation and sleeplessness (ECB 2003).

57

An inhalation value for human with a LOEL 25 mg/m3 has been found(Lewis 1999).
Toluene is recommended classified as reprotoxic, category 3 (27th ATP, cf.
above), meaning that indications have been observed of possible risk of harmto the unborn child. Indications that repeated contact may cause allergic
contact dermatitis has also been observed.
In a 13 week study on mice a LOAEL of 312 mg/kg/day was observed (WHO
2000).
A 90-days oral study on rats was found with a NOAEL of 625 mg/kg/day anda 2-year rat inhalation study with a NOAEC 300 ppm (1125 mg/m 3) (ECB2003).
In humans experimentally exposed to toluene a concentration at and above 75
ppm (285 mg/m3) resulted in headache, dizziness, a feeling of intoxication,
irritation and sleeplessness. A NOAEC of 40 ppm (150 mg/m 3) is set forthese effects (ECB 2003).
A study concerning the neurological effects in occupationally exposed
persons. No NOAEL could be established. LOAEL was observed to be 332
mg/m 3 (88 ppm). LOAEL adjusted to continuous exposure was: 332 ×10/20
× 5/7 = 119 mg/m3 (Foo et al. 1990).
In a 2-year rat study with chronic inhalation a degeneration of the nasal
epithelium was observed (NTP, 1990). NOAEL could not be established.
LOAEL was 2261 mg/m3 (600 ppm). Recalculating LOAEL to 24 hour/day
and 7 days a week results in: 2261 mg/m 3 × 6.5/24 hours × 5/7 days = 437
mg/m 3. Adjusting the effect in the extra-thoracic region assuming that the
respiration rate for rats was 0.27 m 3/day and that the epithelium in rats was
11.6 cm2 and 177 cm 2 in humans, a resulting value would be: 437 × (0.24/20
m3/day) × (177/11.6 cm2) = 79 mg/m 3.
In humans, toluene is a known respiratory irritant with central nervous system(CNS) effects. Available studies could not provide NOAEL concentrations
for either of these effects that should have been used in the evaluation of apotential basis for the RfC calculation. Consequently, the study of Foo et al.
(1990) was used for the CNS effects, and that of the National Toxicology
Program (NTP, 1990) for the irritant effects. Because the CNS effect was
judged to be a more severe and relevant endpoint, the LOAEL for this effectwas used to derive the RfC. Further, this effect is supported by a number ofother occupational studies that show effects around 100 ppm.
Absorption
Data have been found on the dermal exposure and the uptake fraction is low.
Dermal uptake at exposure to toluene vapours is measured to approx. 1% of
the amount of toluene taken up via inhalation at exposure to the same
concentrations (Riihimäki and Pfäffli 1978, Piotrowski 1967).
Uptake via inhalation is studied in humans. The uptake after 3 hours of
exposure when at rest was approx. 50% of the inhaled amount of toluene.
During work the uptake may be significantly higher. It was concluded that
toluene is fast taken up by inhalation and that the amount depended on the
respiration rate.

58

Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 94 mg/m3 equivalent
to 25 ppm (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
The inhalation RfC-value 0.4 mg/m3 is based on the Foo et al. 1990 study
mentioned above where a LOAEL was found and recalculated to 119 mg/m 3.
Applying a safety factor of 300 (10 for intraspecies variation, 10 for
extrapolating from LOAEL to NOAEL and 3 due to data deficiencies) resultsin RfC = 119/300 = 0.4 mg/m 3.
The TDI value 223 µg/kg bw/day is based on LOAEL 312 mg/kg/day in a 13
week study on mice (WHO 2000).
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 1252 / 20 = 62.6 µg/m3 (ID no. 8).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (47×0.83×1)/70 = 0.56 µg/kg bw/day
including ventilation (ID no. 8).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (59×0.83×1)/70 = 0.70 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 8).
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (47×0.125×1)/10 = 0.59 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8).
Table 6.7 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of toluene
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
, 1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl
adult
child
vent.
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
518
1239
25.9
22
49
0.26
0.28
0.58
2
814
1221
40.7
34
48
0.40
0.43
0.57
4
602
897
30.1
23
35
0.27
0.29
0.42
8
1252
1508
62.6
47
59
0.56
0.59
0.70
10
598
604
29.9
21
24
0.25
0.26
0.28
12
236
446
11.8
9
18
0.11
0.11
0.21
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was below the occupational threshold limit valueof 94 mg/m3 with a safety factor of >1500, which is assumed to be sufficient.
The RfC value 400 µg/m 3 is not exceeded.
The RfD value 223 µg/kg bw/day is not exceeded.

59Conclusion
The emission of toluene from incense did not reach concentrations that cause
concern for the consumers of incense sticks.
However, it should be noted that the amount of toluene in air could also be
caused by other sources than incense. The actual indoor air concentration of
toluene may therefore be higher than the estimated concentration.
6.2.4 Xylene
Xylene is used as solvent and in the production of colorants. Xylene consistsof a mixture of the three isomers: o-, m-, and p-xylene with m-xylene as thedominant part (ratio approx. 20:40:20, respectively).
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure
Molecular weight
Synonyms

Xylene1330-20-7
205-535-7
C8 H10C6 H4 (CH3)2
106.16 g/mol
Dimethylbenzene (3 isomers o-, m-, and p-xylene)
Methyltoluene
Xylol

Name

CAS no.

ortho-xylene (1,2dimethylbenzene)

95-47-6meta-xylene (1,3dimethylbenzene)

108-38-3

para-xylene (1,4dimethylbenzene)

106-42-3

EINECS
no.
202-422-2

StructureCH3
CH3

203-576-3

H3C
CH3

203-396-5
H3C

CH3

The boiling point of xylene (mixture) is 138.5ºC. The vapour pressure is1065 Pa at 25ºC (7.99 mmHg) (Daubert and Danner 1985). The watersolubility is 106 mg/l at 25ºC (Yalkowski and Dannenfelser 1992). The
partition coefficient log Kow is experimentally determined to 3.12 (Hansch etal. 1995).
Classification
Xylene (and isomers) is adopted on the List of dangerous substances andclassified (Miljøministeriet 2002):
R10
Xn;R20/21
Xi;R38Flammable
Harmful. Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin
Irritant. Irritating to skin

HealthSeveral acute and chronic data are found. Of these are mentioned:
Acute oral, rat
LD 50
3608 mg/kg (o-xylene)
5011 mg/kg (m-xylene)

60

IPCS
1997

Acute dermal,
rabbitAcute inhalation,
rat
Chronic tests;
Oral rat, 2 years,
Inhalation, rat

LD 504029 mg/kg (p-xylene)
12180 mg/kg

LC 50 (6 h)4330 ppm (o-xylene)
5796 ppm (m-xylene)
4591 ppm (p-xylene)

NOEL

250 mg/kg

LOAEL (6 h/d, 20
d)

870 mg/m 3 (200 ppm)

IPCS
1997
IPCS
1997
IPCS
1997
Hass and
Jacobsen
1993

ATSDR (1995) points out that both animals and human data indicate thatthe mixtures of xylenes, m-, o- and p-xylene, all results in similar effects butthat the single isomers are not necessarily equally potent in relation to a
specific effect. Therefore, the evaluation is based on xylene mixture.
Prolonged exposure to organic solvents may cause brain damage. Generally,
concentrations around 100 ppm are observed to be the NOEL for brain
damages. 10 mg/m3 is observed to be NOEL for teratogenic effects in animalstudies (Hass and Jacobsen 1993).
Korsak et al. (1992) exposed groups of 12 rats to toluene, m-xylene, or a 1:1
mixture for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week at a concentration of 0 or100
ppm for 6 months or 1000 ppm for 3 months. In a second study, Korsak et al.
(1994) exposed groups of 12 Wistar rats by inhalation to 0, 50, or 100 ppm
m-xylene, n-butyl alcohol or a 1:1 mixture for 6 hours per day, 5 days per
week for 3 months and evaluated similar endpoints as in the earlier study(Korsak et al., 1992). Sensitivity to pain was assessed by placing the animal ona hot plate (54ºC) and measuring the time until the animal starts licking its
paws. Rats exposed to 50 or 100 ppm m-xylene alone had statisticallysignificantly increased sensitivity to pain at the end of the 3 months exposure
period. LOAEL is set to 100 ppm and NOAEL 50 ppm.
Condie et al. (1988) has performed an oral rat study. A LOAEL of 150
mg/kg/day could be established but the effects were minor and there was no
reason to believe that the NOAEL would be very different. The study is
supported by NTP (1986), which in a chronic oral rat study observed a
NOAEL of 179 mg/kg/day (cf. RfD below).
Xylenes are not classified for their carcinogicity. IARC has placed xylenes inGroup 3, i.e. ”not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans” (IARC
1999).
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 25 ppm equivalent
to 109 mg/m3 with notation H (penetrable to the skin) (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
The TCA (tolerable concentration in air): 870 µg/m3 (Baars et al. 2001).
TCA is a guidance threshold limit value based on LOAEL 870 mg/m3 (200ppm) observed in an inhalation study where the critical endpoint was
reproduction toxicity (Hass and Jacobsen 1993) and the application of asafety factor of 1000 (IPCS 1997).

61

The LCI-value 100 µg/m 3 is based on an animal study with a NOEL for
teratogenic effect of 10 mg/m3 (LCI = NOEL/10×10×1) (Larsen et al.1999).
The RfC: 0,1 mg/m 3 is based on Korsak et al. (1992). In the study, impaired
motor co-ordination was observed with a NOAEL 50 ppm equivalent to 217
mg/m 3, which was recalculated to 217 mg/m3 × 6/24 hours × 5/7 days = 39
mg/m 3. Applying a safety factor of 300 (10 for inter- and 10 for intraspecies
variation and 3 for LOEL extrapolation to NOEL): 39/300 = 0.1 mg/m 3.
The TDI (tolerable daily intake): 150 µg/kg bw/day (based on Condie et al.
1988).
The oral RfD-value 0.2 mg/kg /day is based on a 2-year rat study where rats
were administered xylene mixture daily for 5 days per week. A LOAEL wasobserved at 500 mg/kg/day and a NOAEL at 250 mg/kg/day (NTP 1986).
Adjusted to chronic exposure the NOAEL value corresponded to 250 × 5/7
days = 179 mg/kg/day. Applying a safety factor of 1000 the RfD is derived at:
RfD = 179/1000 = 0.2 mg/kg bw/day.
Absorption
Uptake via inhalation is found to be approx. 60% (ATSDR 1995, IPCS
1997). Because no further information was found, the evaluation is based on
100% absorption.
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 425 / 20 = 21.3 µg/m3 (ID no. 8).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (16×0.83×1)/70 = 0.19 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
8).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (20×0.83×1)/70 = 0.24 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 8).
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (16×0.125×1)/10 = 0.20 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8).
Table 6.8 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of xylene
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc..
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
153
365
7.7
7
14
0.08
0.09
0.17
2
347
521
17.4
15
21
0.18
0.19
0.25
4
331
493
16.6
13
20
0.15
0.16
0.24
8
425
512
21.3
16
20
0.19
0.20
0.24
10
318
321
15.9
11
13
0.13
0.14
0.15
12
81
152
4.1
3
6
0.04
0.04
0.07
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

62

Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.

The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit value for theworking environment of 109 mg/m 3 with a factor of more than 5000, which isassumed to be sufficient.
The calculated air concentrations are below the found threshold limit values
and the absorbed amounts are far below the oral RfD value of 0.2 mg/kg/day.
Conclusion
There is no reason to believe that a health risk exists to consumers of incense
sticks related to the emission of xylenes from incense.
6.3 Other aromatics (and benzyl derivatives)
6.3.1 Benzofuran
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

Benzofuran
271-89-6
205-982-6
C8 H6 OO

Molecular weight
Synonyms

118.14 g/mol
Benzo(b)furan
2,3-Benzofuran
Coumarone
1-Oxindene

The melting point is <–18ºC. The boiling point is 174ºC. The water solubility
is estimated to 535 mg/l at 25ºC (QSAR). The vapour pressure is 58 Pa at
25ºC, 0.44 mmHg (Chao et al. 1983). The octanol/water partition coefficientis measured to log Kow 2.67 (Hansch et al. 1995).
Classification
Benzofuran is not classified in the List of dangerous substances(Miljøministeriet 2002). In the advisory List for self-classification(Miljøstyrelsen 2001) the following is suggested:
Xn;R22 R43
Harmful. Harmful if swallowed. May cause sensitization
by skin contact
OriginBenzofuran is used in the manufacture of coumaron-indene resins and several
other chemical compounds. The production is based on carbon tar oil.
Several resins used in the manufacture of incense sticks may contain op to
10% benzofuran (Ullman: Furan and derivatives)
Benzofuran can also be formed during combustion of gasoline, diesel andwaste (Budavari 1989). This may further contribute to an explanation of thefindings of benzofuran during burning of incense.

63

HealthNo studies on effects from inhalation of benzofuran could be found.
Only a few data on acute toxicity could be found. Of these are mentioned:
Mouse,
LD50
500 mg/kg
NIOSH- MSDS
intraperitoneal
Very little information on the possible adverse effects to humans could befound. In rats and mice orally administered large quantities over a shortperiod, liver and kidney damages were observed. Experimental animals
exposed over a prolonged period to moderate levels showed liver, kidney, lungand stomach damages (NTP 1989).
In the American NTP programme, 14 days, 13 weeks and 2-year studies on
mice and rats has been performed (NTP 1989). In the 14 days studies miceand rats were orally administered the doses 60, 120, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg
bw/day. All animals exposed to 1000 mg died. On basis of especiallynephrotoxic effects a LOAEL was established at 500 mg/kg/day and a
NOAEL of 250 mg/kg/day. In the 13 weeks studies a NOAEL was establishedthat with a few exceptions were 120 mg/kg/day for mice. The exception
covers that in tests tumours were observed in liver, lung and stomach at 60
mg/kg/day, which was the lowest dosis. NOAEL was 60 mg/kg/day for rats.
The 2-year mice- and rats tests were performed at the doses 30, 60 and 120
mg/kg/day administered orally by gavage, 5 days per week for 103 weeks.
LOAEL was observed at 30 mg/kg/day but because serious kidney damages
were observed in the rats study at 30 mg/kg/day, which was the lowest
exposure level this LOAEL could not be used to establish a NOAEL(ATSDR 1992).
No studies relating to effects by inhalation were found.
IARC has evaluated that there is insufficient evidence for carcinogenicity inhumans while there were sufficient evidence on carcinogenicity inexperimental animals. IARC has placed benzofuran in group 2B: Benzofuran
is a possible carcinogenic to humans (IARC 1995).
Threshold limit values
No threshold limit values for benzofuran were found.
The American OEHHA (1999) suggests a maximal allowed daily intake of
0.05 µg/day (No Significant Risk Level (NSRL), OEHHA 1999).
Absorption
No data found.
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 512 / 20 = 25.6 µg/m3 (ID no. 8).
Adult

64

Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (19×0.83×1)/70 = 0.23 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
8).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (24×0.83×1)/70 = 0.28 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 8).
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (19×0.125×1)/10 = 0.24 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8).
Table 6.9 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of benzofuran
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
94
225
4.7
4
9
0.05
0.05
0.11
2
303
545
15.2
13
18
0.15
0.16
0.21
4
8
512
617
25.6
19
24
0.23
0.24
0.28
10
208
210
10.4
7
8
0.08
0.09
0.09
12
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
-: not detected.

Since no established threshold limit values or similar were found, LOAEL 30
mg/kg/day may be used even though serious effects at this lowest tested level
were observed. The estimated uptakes via inhalation were all below 0.3 µg/kg
bw/day This means that there is a margin of safety of 30 000/0.3 = 100 000
between LOAEL and the estimated maximal uptake level.
Most chemical furan-compounds appear to have similar effects: cell damages,
especially in kidneys and liver. For tetrahydrofuran a temporary TDI of 10µg/kg bw/day and a Tolerable Concentration in Air, TCA-value, of 35 µg/m3
was found (Baars et al. 2001). For furfural an oral RfD-value of 0.003
mg/kg/day (cf. above, section 5.1.4) was found. The proximity of these values
supports a threshold limit value of approx. 1 to 10 µg/m3.
Conclusion
Based on the limited available information it is assumed that no healthconcern to the consumers is to be expected from the emission of benzofuran
from burning of incense.

65

6.3.2 4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl (4,4'-bi-o-toluidine)
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl
119-93-7
204-358-0
C14 H16 N2
CH3
H2N

NH2

H 3C

Molecular weight
Synonyms

212.30 g/mol
4,4'-bi-o-toluidine
3,3-Dimethylbenzidine
3,3'-dimethyl-1,1'-Biphenyl -4,4'-diamine
Bianisidine

The melting point is 131.5ºC. The boiling point is 339ºC. The watersolubility is 1300 mg/l at 25ºC (Yalkowsky and Dannenfelser 1992). The
vapour pressure is 23 mPa (1.7×10-4 mm Hg, US-EPA 1993, ASTER
database). The octanol/water partition coefficient is measured to log Kow
2.34 (Hansch et al. 1995).
Classification
4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl is classified under the name 4,4'-bi-otoluidine in the List of dangerous substances (Miljøministeriet 2002):
Carc2;R45
Xn;R22
N;R51/53

May cause cancer
Harmful. Harmful if swallowed.
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse
effects in the aquatic environment

Origin4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl is used as an intermediate in the
production of dyes and pigments (RTECS 2003). The substance is especiallyused in the production of azo-colorants. NIOSH lists 480 colorants, which isbased on 4,4-diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl (using the synonym 3,3dimethylbenzidine, NTP 1991).
Azo-colorants containing o-toluidine regulated as regards uses in leather
goods and textile that may come into contact with the skin or mouth (Danish
Statutory Order on banning import, sale and use of certain azo-colorants:”Bekendtgørelse om forbud mod import, salg og anvendelse af visse
azofarvestoffer, BEK nr 755 af 15/08/2003”). According to the Statutory
Order the use of azo-colorants is banned in textiles and leather goods that
may come into direct contact with the human skin or mouth for a prolonged
period, if these azo-colorants, which may release one or more of the aromatic
amines listed in annex 2 of the Statutory Order, are present at concentrations
above 30 ppm in the finished goods or in the coloured parts thereof.
HealthAcute exposure to high concentrations of 4,4-diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1biphenyl may irritate the nose and throat.

66

No information on the acute effects of 4,4-diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl
in animals was found.
Effects on liver, kidney, gall bladder, bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes andbody weight are observed in rats chronically exposed to 4,4-diamine-3,3dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl hydrochloride in drinking water (NTP 1991).
No data on effects to humans were available. IARC has assessed thatsufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals existed and placed thesubstance in group B2: The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC
1987).
ACGIH (2002) states that the substance is a confirmed animal carcinogenwith unknown relevance to humans and applies a skin notation.
Threshold limit values
NIOSH has recommended an exposure limit value (REL: recommended
exposure limit) of 0.02 mg/m 3 as a 60 minutes ceiling value with skinnotation, i.e. the substance is penetrable to the skin (NIOSH 2001).
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 139 / 20 = 7 µg/m3 (ID no. 10).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (3×0.83×1)/70 = 0.036 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
10).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (4×0.83×1)/70 = 0.047 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 10).
Child
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (3×0.125×1)/10 = 0.038 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 10).
Table 6.10 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of 4,4-diamine-3,3dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
2
18
20
0.9
1
1
0.012
0.013
0.012
4
20
30
1.0
1
1
0.012
0.013
0.012
8
10
139
141
7.0
3
4
0.036
0.038
0.047
12
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
-: not detected.

67

The calculated concentrations in the room air were below the recommended
ceiling value of 20 µg/m 3 by NIOSH. Because no other limit values wereavailable this value was used in this context.
An NTP study on 3,3-dimethylbenzidine dichloride administered orally via
drinking water to rats exists. The results were evaluated to be invalid to derive
a RfD and a RfC value. The 2-year study was stopped after 14 months
because the number of test animals exposed to 1.8-12.9 mg/kg bw/day was
reduced too much after a strong development of neoplasm in most groups(NTP 1991).
Conclusion
The estimated concentrations were below the NIOSH recommended
exposure limit and on basis of this no immediate health risk is assumed from
4,4-diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl emitted from the incense.
6.3.3 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
7786-61-0
232-101-2
C9 H10 O2
O CH3
H2C
OH

Molecular weight
Synonyms

150.18 g/mol
4-ethenyl-2-methoxy- phenol
4-Vinylguaiacol
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxystyrenep-Vinylcatechol-o-methyl ether

The melting point is estimated to 50ºC. The boiling point is estimated to
247ºC. The water solubility is estimated to 926 mg/l at 25ºC. The vapour
pressure is estimated to 1 Pa at 25ºC (0.0077 mmHg). The octanol/waterpartition coefficient is estimated to log Kow 2.24 (QSAR estimates).
Classification
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol is not classified in the List of dangerous substances(Miljøministeriet 2002).
Origin2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol is a natural fragrance in plants and fruit and is often
recovered from juice (e.g. Maarse 1996).
2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol is used as fragrance and flavour in perfumes andfoods.
HealthNo studies on the effects via inhalation of 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol wereavailable.
Threshold limit values

68No threshold limit values are found but the molecule resembles vanillin withthe methyl group replaced by oxygen (cf. section 5.3.4). Therefore, the same
threshold limit value is used. By JECFA vanillin is placed in structure class I
i.e. applied a group-ADI of 0.05 mg/kg.
Absorption
Because no information was found, 100% adsorption is assumed.
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 130 / 20 = 6.5 µg/m3 (ID no. 1).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (5×0.83×1)/70 = 0.06 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
1).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (12×0.83×1)/70 = 0.14 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 1).
Child
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (5×0.125×1)/10 = 0.06 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
1).
Table 6.11 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of 2-methoxy-4vinylphenol
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl
adult
child
vent.
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
130
312
6.5
5
12
0.06
0.06
0.14
2
35
52
1.8
1
2
0.01
0.01
0.02
4
20
29
1.0
0.7
1
0.01
0.01
0.01
8
78
94
3.9
2
4
0.02
0.03
0.05
10
12
55
105
2.8
2
4
0.02
0.03
0.05
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
-: not detected.

The maximal estimated uptake from air was below the group-ADI value of 50µg/kg bw/day with a further safety margin of approx. 350, which is consideredsufficient.
Conclusion
2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol is not considered a health problem during use of
incense at the measured concentrations.

69

6.3.4 Vanillin
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

Vanillin
121-33-5
204-465-2
C8 H8 O3
O CH3
O
OH

Molecular weight
Synonyms

152.15 g/mol
4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde
3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde
4-hydroxy-m-anisaldehyde
methylprotocatechuic aldehyde
vanillaldehyde

The melting point is 81.5ºC. The boiling point is 284ºC (Kirk-Othmer 1991).
The vapour pressure is 0.016 Pa at 25ºC (0.00012 mmHg) (Yaws 1994,
HSDB) or 0.33 Pa (OECD 1996). The water solubility is 11000 mg/l at 25ºC
(Yalkowsky and Dannenfelser 1992). The octanol/water partition coefficientlog Kow is measured to 1.23 (OECD 1996).
Classification
Vanillin is not classified (Miljøministeriet 2002).
OriginVanillin is present as a natural compound in plants and is identified in plantoils, balsams, resins and wood. The best known natural source is the plant
Vanilla planifolia in the Orchid family (Kirk-Othmer + Ullman).
Vanillin is also manufactured synthetically from guaiacol but mainly fromlignin which is the main component in waste from sulphite pulp in the paperindustry (Hocking 1997).
Vanillin is used in foods (”vanilla”), pharmaceuticals and in the cosmetics andperfume industry.
Vanillin has been identified in smoke from burning wood and in cigarettesmoke (OECD 1996).
Health
Vanillin is a phenol aldehyde with reactive aldehyde- and hydroxyl moieties in
the molecule.

70

Acute toxicity:
Acute oral, rat
Acute oral, mouse
Acute oral, rat

LD 50
LD 50
LD 50

3925 mg/kg
4333 mg/kg
1580 mg/kg

Acute oral, guinea pigs

LD 50

1400 mg/kg

Acute, inhalation, rat

LC 0 (4h)

41.7 mg/m 3

OECD, SIDS 1996
ECB 2000
Kirwin and Galvin
1993
Kirwin and Galvin
1993
ECB 2000 (IUCLID)

Acute, inhalation, mouse

LC 0 (2h)

41.7 mg/m 3

ECB 2000 (IUCLID)

Acute toxicity was not observed after inhalation of vapours from saturated
solutions. However, irritation was observed after application to the skin andmucous membranes (Kirk-Othmer, vol 23 1983).
A 30 days inhalation test with exposure for 4 hours/day, 5 days a week tosaturated vapours at 20ºC showed no mortality but reduction in body weightand effects to liver and to the haemoglobin level (ECB 2000).
A 4 months inhalation study showed that 15 mg/m3 (LOAEL) affected nervesand cardiovascular systems, liver and blood systems. Therefore, NOAEL is
set to 0.5 mg/m3 (ECB 2000).
Several diet toxicity tests are performed and summarised in IUCLID (ECB
2000) and SIDS (OECD 1996). The most essential ones are presented
below:In a 14 weeks study with intragastric administration of 300 mg vanillin/kg torats, twice weekly, produced no adverse effects.
Rats fed diets containing vanillin at levels of 20 mg/kg/day for 18 weeks had
no adverse effects while 64 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks caused growth depression
and damage to the myocardium, liver, kidney, lung, spleen and stomach.
Rats fed diets containing vanillin for 13 weeks exhibited growth depression
and enlargement of the liver, kidney and spleen at dosage levels 5% (2500mg/kg/day*), mild changes at 1% (500 mg/kg/day*), and no changes at 0.3%(150 mg/kg/day*).
Four to six week old rats maintained for 91 days on diets containing vanillin
exhibited no adverse effects at rates of 3000 ppm (150 mg/kg/day*), mild
adverse effects at 10,000 ppm (500 mg/kg/day*) and growth depression andenlargement of the liver, kidney and spleen at 50,000 ppm (2500mg/kg/day*).
Rats fed dietary levels of vanillin of 10,000 ppm (500 mg/kg/day*) for 16
weeks, 1000 ppm (50 mg/kg/day*) for 27-28 weeks, 20,000 or 50,000 ppm(1000 or 2500 mg/kg/day*) for 1 year, or 5000, 10,000, or 20,000 ppm (250,500, or 1000 mg/kg/day*) for 2 years exhibited no adverse effects on growthor haematology and produced no macroscopic or microscopic changes intissues (Hagan et al. 1967).
Rats fed for 5 weeks on a diet of vanillin at 0.5 g/kg of the diet showed
symptoms of intoxication, including decreases in adrenal vitamin C and inliver protein (Kirwin and Galvin 1993).
*Based on a food factor of 0.05 for a 0.35 kg rat (US-EPA 1985).
The highest NOEL from the 1-year repeated dose toxicity rat study with oral
administration was 50000 ppm corresponding to 2500 mg/kg/day. NOEL in
the 2 years rat study was 1000 mg/kg bw/day. The latter value from Hagan etal. (1967) is used by WHO to derive an ADI-value.
Teratogenicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity tests are performed that were
all negative, i.e. there was no indications of such effects (OECD 1996).

71Threshold limit values
A threshold limit value for the working environment was not available(Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
CLV (Concentration limit value) of 1.5 mg/m3 (vapour, aerosol), May 1990
(state Standard of USSR according to OECD 1996).
An ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) of 10 mg/kg has been agreed between
FAO/WHO and EU (OECD 1996) based on NOEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day
from a 2-year rat study (Hagan et al. 1967).
JECFA has placed vanillin in structure class I together with other terpenoid
substances, i.e. vanillin is applied a group-ADI of 0.05 mg/kg/day.
Absorption
No data were available on adsorption. Therefore, 100% adsorption is used.
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 797 / 20 = 40 µg/m3 (ID no. 10).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (24×0.83×1)/70 = 0.28 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
10).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (28×0.83×1)/70 = 0.33 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 10).
Child
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (24×0.125×1)/10 = 0.30 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 10).
Table 6.12 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of vanillin
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl vent.
adult
child
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
70
168
3.5
6
14
0.07
0.08
0.17
2
47
70
2.4
2
3
0.02
0.03
0.04
4
95
140
4.8
4
6
0.05
0.05
0.07
8
448
540
22.4
14
21
0.17
0.18
0.25
10
797
805
39.9
24
28
0.28
0.30
0.33
12
40
75
2.0
2
3
0.02
0.03
0.04
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
-: not detected.

From the table above it can be observed that none of the amounts taken up
vía inhalation results in a dose above the ADI of 50 µg/kg bw/day. Therefore,
no health risks are anticipated for the consumers from the exposure to vanillin
emitted from burning incense.

72

The WHO suggested ADI of 10 mg/kg bw/day was not exceeded.
Conclusion
Vanillin causes no health risk at inhalation of the amounts found by analysis of
the selected incenses.

6.4 Terpenoids
Terpenes are naturally made from isoprene which are formed as a part ofplant (and animal) biosynthesis. They are found anywhere in nature and infoods. Terpenes exist in essential oils. Terpenes may origin from the use ofplant oils and resins in the incense mixtures as fragrance, base substance orsolvent.
A small part of commercial pine oil is still made from natural sources but themain part is synthetically produced by hydrating pinene. Synthetic pine oil iscomposed of tertiary terpinoide alcohols.
Terpenes are generally irritating to the mucous membrane. Turpentine frompine trees is sensitising to the skin. Sensitising is, however, not confirmed forthe individual terpenes except for 3-carene, CAS no. 13466-78-9 (ASS
2000).
alfa-Terpineol (cf. below) and linalool (3,7,-dimethyl-1,6-octadiene-3-ol,
CAS. no.: 78-70-6) are probably the most common terpenoide alcohols whichappear to a varying degree in all plants (FFHPVC-TC 2001). The primary
exposure to the two mentioned substances is from spices, carrots, orange
juice, fruit, wine and tea (Stofberg and Grundschober 1987).
Terpenes found in analyses:
Name
Camphene
CedrolChemical name
2,2-dimethyl-3-methylene- Bicyclo 2.2.1
heptane,3R-(3.a.,3a.b.,6.a.,7.b.,8a.a.) - octahydro3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-Methanoazulen6-ol

CAS no.
79-92-5
77-53-2

Cedrandiol
62600-05-9
Isoborneol
exo-1,7,7-trimethyl-Bicyclo 2.2.1 heptan-2-ol
124-76-5
Isobornylacetat exo-1,7,7-trimethyl-Bicyclo 2.2.1 heptan-2-ol
125-12-2eacetateLilial4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-methyl80-54-6
Benzenepropanalb-Myrcene
7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-Octadiene
123-35-3
a-Terpineol(p-menth-1-en-8-ol)
98-55-54-trimethyl-3-Cyclohexene-1-methanolb-Terpinol
1000150-761
Thujopsene
470-40-6

73

Terpenoide primary alcohols are found in essential oils. Terpenes are formed
naturally via the isoprene pathway, which is a natural part of the plant
biosynthesis and therefore commonplace in plants.
Some closely related terpenoids were found. The chemical category called”terpenoide tertiary alcohols and related esters” includes terpenoide aliphatic
tertiary alcohols and related acetate esters and the alicyclic tertiary alcohol
alfa-terpineol.
Terpenoids identified by the analyses were:Name in the analyses
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol(synonym)(Linalool)

3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-oktadien-3-ol,
acetate
3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol(Linalylacetate)

3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octenaltrans-Cinnamaldehyde(Geraniol)(Dihydromyrcenol)(Citronellal)

Eugenol
alfa-Terpineol
alfa-Terpinyl acetate

4-trimethyl-3-Cyclohexen1-methanol
4-Trimethyl-3-cyclohexen1-methanol acetate

CAS no.
78-70-6
10281-557
115-95-7
106-24-1
18479-588
1117-61-9
106-23-0
14371-109
97-53-0
98-55-5
80-26-2

The group has been examined by the U.S. Flavor and Fragrance Industry,
which together with other manufacturers of flavour and fragrances has formed
a consortium for the purpose: the Flavor and Fragrance High Production
Volume Consortia (FFHPVC). The Terpene Consortium, which participatesin FFHPVC co-ordinates the test programme and has compiled information
on physical-chemical data, toxicity, etc.
The melting points are <0ºC, the boiling points are typically about 200230ºC. The vapour pressure is typically at 3-10 Pa and log Kow around 3.
The acute toxicity is low with LD 50-values for rats at the level 3000-6000
mg/kg (FFHPVC). Dermal LD 50 values for rabbits are low with values around2500-5000 mg/kg. Inhalation ED 25 values are low but no levels are mentioned(FFHPVC).
Reproduction toxicity studies are performed with geranial and neral.
Assuming that they are slightly more toxic than the corresponding alcohols,
the aldehydes may be used for a conservative evaluation of the toxicity of thealcohols (geraniol and nerol are trans and cis isomers of 3,7.dimethyl-2,6octadien-1-ol, respectively). In a two-generation reproduction study on rats amaternal NOAEL of 50 mg/kg/day was found.

74

In an inhalation study groups of female rats were exposed to 85 ppm (vapour
and aerosol) of a geranial/neral mixture for 6 hours/day during day 6-15 of theperiod of gestation. NOAEL was 35 ppm (FFHPVC).
Additives to foods are evaluated by an expert committee under WHO:JECFA. JECFA (1998) has prepared a grouping of additives to foods andapplied TDI (human intake threshold) values:
Class

Limit value of intake/person/dayµg/kg bw/day*Class I:
1800 µg/day
Class II:
540 µg/day
Class III:90 µg/day*: assumed 60 kg in JECFA 1998

30 µg/kg bw/day
9 µg/kg bw/day
1,5 µg/kg bw/day

In an evaluation of effects to health of esters of terpenoide alcohols in foods,
26 terpenoid esters on basis of structure similarities were placed together inClass I.
A group of analogous terpenoids (geranyl acetate, citral, citronellol andlinalool) has been given an ADI of 0.05 mg/kg bw/day (JECFA 1998).
6.4.1 alpha-Terpineol
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structurealpha-Terpineol
98-55-5
202-680-6
C10 H18 O
OH
H3 C

CH3
CH3

Molecular weight
Synonyms

154.25 g/mol
4-trimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-methanol
1-methyl-4-isopropyl-1-cyclohexene-8-ol
p-menth-1-en-8-ol
alpha-terpinenol

The melting point is 40ºC. The boiling point is 220ºC (Lewis 1999). The
vapour pressure is 5.6 Pa at 25ºC (0.042 mmHg, Li and Perdue 1995). The
water solubility is 710 mg/l at 25ºC (Li and Perdue 1995). The partition
coefficient log Kow is experimentally measured to 2.98 (Li and Perdue 1995).
Classificationalpha-Terpineol is not classified under its own name but the substance is amono-terpene. Terpenes are found in essential oils. Terpenes may arise fromthe use of plant oils and resins in the incense manufacture and as solvent.
Terpenes are in general irritating to mucous membranes. Turpentine frompines is sensitising to the skin. The sensitising has however not been
confirmed for individual terpenes except 3-carene, CAS no. 13466-78-9(ASS 2000).
When alpha-terpineol is considered as vegetable turpentine (Miljøministeriet2002), the classification is:75Turpentine, oil
CAS number:
8006-64-2
EF number:
232-350-7Classification:
R10
Xn;R20/21/2265
Xi;R36/38 R43
N;R51/53

Flammable
Harmful. Harmful by inhalation, in contact
with skin and if swallowed. May cause lungdamage if swallowed
Irritant. Irritating to eyes and skin. May cause
sensitization by skin contact
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause longterm adverse effects in the aquatic
environment

Originalpha-Terpineol is a natural part of plants (Burdock 2001) and has only beenfound as volatile component in essential oils, fruit and fruit juice. alphaTerpineol is also found in tobacco smoke (HSDB). Only a minor fraction of
the consumed alpha-terpineol is manufactured from plant oils. The majorpart of alpha-terpineol is manufactured synthetically, i.e. by hydration ofpinene from turpentine.
Extracted alpha-terpineol is used as fragrance and flavour in perfume,cosmetic and food industries.
alpha-Terpineol has previously been used as pesticide due to the effect of thesubstance as insecticide and microbiocide (US-EPA/OPP 1998).
Healthalpha-Terpenoid is a monoterpene. Based on pine oils terpineols are irritating
to eyes and mucous membranes (Gosselin et al. 1984). According to Lewis(1996) heating releases acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Acute toxicity:
Acute oral, rat
Acute oral,mouse

LD 50 4300 mg/kg The Good Scents Company:
MSDS 07/22/2003.
LD 50 2830 mg/kg FFHPVC-TC 2001

Threshold limit values
Threshold limit values for the working environment is 25 ppm equivalent to
140 mg/m 3 using the value for high boiling aromatic hydrocarbons (terpenes,
turpentine) (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
On the basis of data, no limits for effects (NOAEL) for the specified
substance could be established.
TDI: 30 µg/kg bw/day based on class I terpenoids (JECFA 1998).
Absorption
No data on skin absorption were available but the fat solubility of alfaterpineols based on log Kow indicates that adsorption after inhalation is a
probable exposure route. Besides HSDB contains information that thesubstance after inhalation could be measured in the blood stream.
Evaluation76

At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 1004/ 20 = 50.2 µg/m3 (ID no. 8).
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (38×0.83×1)/70 = 0.45 µg/kg bw/day (ID no.
8).
Inhalation, 1 hour = (48×0.83×1)/70 = 0.57 µg/kg bw/day (ID no. 8).
ChildInhalation, 1 piece of incense = (38×0.125×1)/10 = 0.48 µg/kg bw/day (IDno. 8).
Table 6.13 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of alpha-terpineol
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc.
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl
adult
child
vent.
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
394
942
19.7
17
37
0.20
0.21
0.44
2
4
8
1004
1210
50.2
38
48
0.45
0.48
0.57
10
12
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
-: not detected.

alpha-Terpineol is observed in 2 of the products at aconcentration above thedetection limit.
The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit value for theworking environment of 140 mg/m 3 with a safety factor of approx. 2800,
which is considered sufficient.
In relation to the JECFA group-ADI value of 0.05 mg/kg bw/day the marginof safety included a further factor 100, which is considered sufficient.
There was no concern relating to the TDI value of 30 µg/kg bw/day,therefore, it is assessed not to cause any health risk.
Conclusionalpha-Terpineol causes no health risk to the consumer at exposure andinhalation at the amounts estimated from the analyses of the selected incenses.

77

6.4.2 3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
IdentificationName
CAS no.
EINECS no.
Molecular formula
Molecular structure

3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
18479-58-8
242-362-4
C10 H20 O
HO

CH 3

CH 3
CH 2

H3C

Molecular weight
Synonyms

154 g/mol
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
Dihydromyrcenol

The melting point is estimated to -13ºC. The boiling point estimated to
190ºC (QSAR). The vapour pressure is 12.0 Pa at 25ºC (Estimated, IUCLID
2000b). The water solubility is estimated to 252 mg/l at 25ºC (QSAR,FFHPVC-TC 2001). The partition coefficient log Kow is estimated to 3.47
(QSAR 1995, FFHPVC-TC 2001).
Classification
3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol is not classified under its own name but thesubstance is a terpenoid primary alcohol. Terpenoids are found in essential
oils. The terpenoids may origin from the use of plant oils and resins in the
incense manufacture and as a solvent.
When 3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol is considered as a turpentine oil, theclassification is (Miljøministeriet 2002):
Turpentine, oil, vegetable
CAS no.:8006-64-2
EF no.:
232-350-7Classification:
R10
Xn;R20/21/2265
Xi;R36/38 R43
N;R51/53

Flammable.
Harmful. Harmful by inhalation, in contact withskin and if swallowed. May cause lung damage if
swallowed
Irritant. Irritating to eyes and skin. May cause
sensitization by skin contact
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term
adverse effects in the aquatic environment

Origin3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol is a natural substance as mentioned above but canbe produced synthetically by hydrohalogenation and hydrolysis of 2,6dimethyl-2,7-octadien, a thermal degradation product of pinanehydroperoxide which is formed from alfa-pinene (FFHPVC-TC 2001).
3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol is a fragrance, which is used in consumer products
such as cosmetics, perfumes or other odorous products (IUCLID 2000b).
HealthAcute toxicity:
Acute oral, rat

78

LD 50

3600 mg/kg

IUCLID
2000b

3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol is assumed to have an acute toxicity as the otherterpenes, i.e. low.
3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol was slightly skin irritating in a rabbit study
performed according to EEC B4 (acute toxicity, skin irritation) but not
sufficient to result in a classification irritant. In a human study using a 4%
solution there was no skin irritation after 48 hours, the closed patch test was
performed on 25 humans (IUCLID 2000b).
3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol was moderately eye irritating in a rabbit Draize
test. The substance was not sensitising in patch test on humans (IUCLID
2000b).
On basis of data no effect levels (NOAEL) could be established for thesubstance
Threshold limit values
The threshold limit value for the working environment is 25 ppm equivalent
to 140 mg/m3, based on high boiling aromatic hydrocarbons (terpenes,
turpentine) (Arbejdstilsynet 2002).
Absorption
No data were available on skin absorption but the fat solubility of 3,7dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol (based on the estimated log Kow) indicates that
adsorption after inhalation is a probable exposure route.
Evaluation
At inhalation, the initial evaluation assumes the burning of one incense stickor cone, and the burning of incense for one hour in a room of 20 m 3.
Calculation example:
Cmax inhalation = 1514 / 20 = 75.7 µg/m3
Adult
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (63×0.83×1)/70 = 0.75 µg/kg bw/day
Inhalation, 1 hour = (89×0.83×1)/70 = 1.06 µg/kg bw/day
Child
Inhalation, 1 piece of incense = (63×0.125×1)/10 = 0.79 µg/kg bw/day
Table 6.14 Emission, air concentration and uptake via inhalation of 3,7-dimethyl-7octen-2-ol
ID Emission
C inh
C max inh C max inh Inhalation, Inhalation, Inhalation,
no.
1 pc.
1 pc..
1 hour
1 pc.,
1 pc.,
1 hourin room incl vent. incl
adult
child
vent.
µg/unit µg/hou µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/kg
µg/kg
µg/kg
r
bw/d
bw/d
bw/d
1
2
1514
2271
75,7
63
89
0,75
0,79
1,06
4
8
10
12
C inh 1 pc. in room: Concentration of the substance from burning 1 piece of incense distributed in
the room without ventilation.

79

Cmax inh, 1 pc.: The maximal concentration in the room from burning 1 piece of incense based on
the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
Cmax inh, 1 hour: The maximal concentration in the room from burning incense for 1 hour basedon the box model, i.e. including ventilation.
-: not detected.

The maximal concentration was below the threshold limit value for theworking environment of 140 mg/m 3 but with a safety factor of more than
1500, which is considered sufficient.
Relating to the JECFA group-ADI value of 0.05 mg/kg bw/day for terpenoids,a further safety factor of approx. 50 could be applied, which is consideredsufficient.
There was not a problem with the WHO TDI value of 30 µg/kg bw/day.
Therefore, the substance is considered not to cause any health risk.
Conclusion
3,7-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol causes no health risk even at 100% absorption via
inhalation of the concentrations estimated from the analyses of the selected
incenses.

80

6.5 Summary
The results of the evaluation of the single substances are summarised below.
The results are based on the burning of one incense unit (incense stick orcone).

Substance

Table 6.15 Summary of analyses, exposures and evaluation
No.
Analysis
Exposure
Uptake via
Evaluation(20 m3 +inhalation
vent.)µg/unitµg/m3µg/kg bw/day

Acetaldehyde

6/61070-4480

46-141

0.71-1.67

No health risk at acute but may
not be excluded from chronic
exposure

Acrolein

6/6330-139015-60

0.32-0.71

Health risk at acute andchronic exposure can not be
excludedFormaldehyde

6/6

1266-5922

49-2100.58-2.5

Health risk can not be excluded

Furfural

6/643-3302-12

0.05-0.14

No health risk

Benzene

6/6

266-7451

11-2810.07-1.67

Health risk at acute andchronic exposure can not be
excludedStyrene

6/6

69-582

3-21

0.04-0.25

No health risk

Toluene

6/6

236-1252

9-47

0.11-0.56

No health risk

Xylene6/681-4253-16

0.04-0.19

No health risk

Benzofuran

4/6

94-5124-19

0.05-0.23

No health risk

4,4-Diamine-3,3-dimethyl-1,1biphenyl

3/6

18-1391-3

0.012-0.036

No health risk

2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol

5/6

20-1301-5

0.01-0.06

No health risk

Vanillin

6/640-4482-24

0.02-0.30

No health risk

alfa-Terpineol

2/6

374-1004

17-38

0.20-0.45

No health risk

2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol

1/6

1514

63

0.75

No health risk

81

82

7 Discussion and conclusion

7.1 Discussion
Incense to most consumers is related to ceremonial and/or religious purposesof different kinds, shamanism, healing, etc. The consumers of incense
probably do not always think that the use may contribute significantly tochanges in the indoor climate (apart from the desired effect) by release of aseries of chemical substances to the indoor air and a considerable smoke
development during the use.
Of the originally purchased 36 different types, 12 types were selected foranalysis by ”head-space”, i.e. an analysis of which substances were released
from the incense. The release was accelerated by heating the incense to 100ºC
for an hour. Of the 12 types, 6 were selected for analysis of substances
emitted during the use of the incense.
This study showed that apart from the more or less fragrant substances thatwere released from the unignited incense, further substances were emitted
during the use (burning) of the incense.
Of the many identified compounds it was evaluated that some were aromaticcompounds and that some also could be attributed to an incomplete
combustion of chemical substances.
This study does not aim at an evaluation of whether the released fragrances
have the effects stated on the labelling or in the advertisements for thedifferent incenses, it concerns solely a strict health assessment for the
consumer of incense.
The individual substances that were selected for a closer evaluation include
several typical combustion products. It is among those that the most harmful
substances were found and at the same time the ones that presented thelargest emissions during the use of the incense.
The aldehydes: acetaldehyde, acrolein and formaldehyde were emitted fromall the analysed incenses in amounts that were evaluated to pose potential
health risks at the estimated concentrations. The room volume in the scenario
was set to 20 m 3 but even in larger rooms a health risk during use could not be
excluded.
A short termed airing (ventilation) of the smoke after the burning would
undoubtedly help to reduce the concentration of harmful substances. At thesame time it must be remembered that the fragrance, which may have been
the desired purpose will remain in sufficient amounts still to be smelled.
Benzene was the most health hazardous substance found from the tests.
Benzene is known to be carcinogenic to humans. Benzene was emitted fromall the tested incenses in amounts of 266 to 7451 µg/incense unit of approx. 1gram. The estimated concentrations assuming instant distribution in a83

ventilated room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour was 11 to281 µg/m 3. The concentrations taken up via inhalation were calculated to
0.07-1.67 µg/kg bw/day by burning of just one incense stick or cone per day.
The result is compared with other studies. For instance Löfroth et al. (1991)
found that burning of incense cone and stick emitted 420 to 440 µg benzene/g
burned incense. The incense sticks and cones used in this study weighapprox. 1 gram (varying between 0.4 and 1.4 g) and the level is therefore
within the found variation. The threshold limit values for uptake via inhalation
were not exceeded but the calculated exposure concentrations were very close
to the effect concentrations evaluated by international organisations.
Several of the identified substances were classified irritant and harmful toinhale. Some of the substances were classified as under suspicion of being
carcinogenic (cf. Appendix B).
In a literature search studies were found that showed a connection between
exposure to smoke from incense and diseases such as cancer, asthma andcontact dermatitis.
In an epidemiological study, a correlation between the use of incense andleukaemia in children was found. An increased risk of leukaemia was observedin children whose parents burned incense during pregnancy and while
attending the newly born (Löwengart et al. 1987, Van Steensel-Moll 1985). Ina study on brain tumours in children, an increased risk to children whoseparents burned incense in the home was observed (Preston-Martin et al.
1982).
In a study on 414 children aged 0.7-13 years in Qatar, the burning of incense
was found to be a contributing factor in astigmatic incidences (Dawod andHussain 1995).
In a study on the influence of several factors on respiratory illnesses andsymptoms in 4000 children from Taiwan, coughing was found to be
associated with burning of incense (Yang et al. 1997). The authors argue thatit may be related to formaldehyde, which is measured in Chinese incense (Linand Wang 1994) and also refer to studies that show connection between
formaldehyde and coughing (Daugbjerg 1989 and Broder et al. 1988).
Mutagenic properties in the smoke from incense are studied in several
references. By comparing the mutagenic effect from incense, formaldehyde
and acetaldehyde to Salmonella typhimurium T102 it was observed that thesmoke from incense contained several highly active substances with a higher
mutagenic potency than formaldehyde (Chang et al. 1997). The smoke fromincense is also observed to be mutagenic to S. typhimurium TA98, TA100 and
TA104 (Sato et al. 1980, Rasmussen 1987). Since Sato et al. (1980) in astudy on the condensate from 8 Japanese incense sticks (joss sticks, 0.3 g/pc.)
did not find the same mutagenicity in the extracts from incense sticks theauthor thinks that the mutagenic activity is caused by the combustion
products from the included materials. Sato et al. (1980) further finds that the
incense sticks are as much as or more mutagenic than cigarette smoke.
This study showed that the aerosol emission from one piece of incense wascomparable to the aerosol emission from 0.5 to 4 cigarettes.

84

The burning of incense results in an emission of volatile compounds that may
reach uncovered skin and cause contact dermatitis (Roveri et al. 1998).
The scientific committee for cosmetic products has identified 24 substances
as recognised contact allergens (SCCNFP 1999). These substances were later
regulated by Directive 2003/15/EC (EU 2003). Of these substances, thisstudy identified 10 out of 24 substances in the selected incenses:
Table 7.1 Contact allergens from the SCCNFP list found during incense burning
Name in the analysis list (Appendix Name in SCCNFP 1999
CAS no.
B)
2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one
Coumarine
91-64-5
Benzylalcohol
Benzylalcohol
100-51-6
Benzylcinnamate
Benzylcinnamate
103-41-3
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
Linalool
78-70-6
3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
Geraniol
106-24-1
Eugenol
Eugenol
97-53-0
Lilial
Lilial80-54-6d-Limonene
d-Limonene
5989-27-5
2-Methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)-phenol
Isoeugenol
97-54-12-(phenylmethylen)-octanal
Hexyl cinnamaldehyde
101-86-0

Whether the effect from contact allergens is the same at exposure via
inhalation is a little uncertain but they are present or can also be recovered inaerosols, which potentially also may reach the skin surfaces.
Sooting
During the performing of the study several problems arised from the smoke
evolution, which clogged the filters. The sampling period had to be reduced
far below expected due to overload of the absorbent filters.
That sooting may be problematic can be illustrated by a study performed in
Geneva, Switzerland, where it was decided to reduce the heating costs in achurch by insulating the church and close the gravity-operated ventilation
openings. After 3 years the church room was more discoloured thanpreviously after 10-12 years. It was found to be soot from the burning ofcandles and incense (Huynh et al. 1991). The church room formed in abasilica pattern was 368 m long and 60 m wide, a total air volume of 11500
m3 and a maximum height of the dome was >16 m. The annual consumptionof incense used during the high mass was 1 kg. The smoke emitted from the
incense calculated on basis of laboratory simulations to 192 g/year
corresponding to 192 mg/g incense. Examination of the soot and estimationsof the smoke formation showed that the sooting was mainly caused by the
incense (cf. table 7.2).
Table 7.2 Annual consumption of candles and incense by the church and estimatedproduction of smoke and aerosol indoors (Huyunh et al. 1991)
SourceFrequency of use
Consumption (perSmoke produced
year)(g/year)Wax light
Permanently
135000 units
13.5
Large candles
Sunday36 units
6.6
IncenseHigh mass
1 kg
192.0
Total
212.1

85

Sooting in homes from the use of incense may also be expected if this is notaccounted for by airing or ventilation in the home. Based on the gravimetricmeasurements of the aerosols in this study, approximately 150 mg/g incense
was collected.
7.2 Conclusion
The examination of incense sticks showed that it could not be excluded thatcertain health problems may be associated with the use of incense to theconsumer. Other studies support that the smoke from incense may be harmful
to health. It may concern acute effects like irritation of eyes, nose and throat
but at prolonged exposure it may concern contact allergy or perhaps evenmore serious effects.
The study showed that it especially was the combustion products known fromincomplete combustion of organic matter that were problematic. This should
not wonder as the burning takes place as a slow glow burning at temperatures
measured to be around 200 to 360ºC.
It is therefore highly recommended to perform airing of the room during
or/and after the use of incense. This will reduce the concentration of
combustion residues in the air to below the critical concentrations. The
experience is that sufficient fragrance remains with the desired effects.

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Verschueren (1996): Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic
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Wallace LA et al. (1991): Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds
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Subchronic inhalation toxicity of benzene in rats and mice. Am. J. Ind. Med.
7: 457-473.
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Publications, European Series No. 91. World Health Organisation Regional
Office for Europe, Copenhagen.
Yalkowsky SH, Dannenfelser RM (1992): The Aquasol Database of Aqueous
Solubility. Fifth Ed, Tucson, AZ: Univ Az, College of Pharmacy.
Yang CY, Chiu JF, Cheng MF, Lin MC (1997): Effects of indoor
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Yaws CL (1994): Handbook of Vapour Pressure. Vol. 3: C8-C28
Compounds. Houston, Texas, Gulf Publ. Co.

95

96

Appendix A Substances found by
qualitative analyses
Summary of chemical substances found in qualitative analyses (Head-space)
The numbers in the columns present the composition as area percentage ofthe identified components
Ret.time: Retention time in the HPLC analysis
Lab. no: The analysed incenses
Ret.
time
1.6
1.99
2.11
2.3
3.9
4.43
5.85
6.35
6.85
6.92
7.07
7.23
7.38
7.43
7.5
7.6
7.65
7.91
7.91
7.96
7.96
8
8.18
8.25
8.26
8.28
8.44
8.46
8.53
8.55
8.57
8.59
8.71
8.75
8.82
8.86
8.94
9.08
9.12
9.12
9.16
9.25
9.27
9.32
9.38

Component

Lab. no. 1
CAS no.
1838-59-1
78-93-3
141-78-6
64-19-7
71-41-0
108-88-3
544-12-7
100-42-5
80-56-8
100-52-7
1.5
127-91-3
123-35-3
123-66-0
124-13-0
142-92-7

Formic acid-2-propenyl ester
2-Butanon
Ethylacetate
Acetic acid
1-Pentanol
Toluene3-Hexen-1-ol
Styrene
C10H16 eks. Alpha-pinene
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadiene
C10H16
Benzaldehyde
C10H16 eks. beta-pinene
C10H16 eks. Beta-myrcene
Hexanoic acid ethylester
OctanalHexylacetata (Acetic acidhexylester)
C10H16
Terpene C10H16
C10H16
Eucalyptol
470-82-6
Benzylalcohol
100-51-6
C10H16 eks. 3-Carene
13466-78-9
2-Methylbenzenemethanol
89-95-2
Nonanol
143-08-8
2,7- dimethyl-2,7-oktandiol
19781-07-8
C10H16O
Terpene C10H16 e.g.. 2-Carene
C10H16
C10H16
Nitrobenzene
98-95-3
C10H16
C10H16O
Phenylmethylhydrazine
555-96-4
6-octan-1-ol,3,7-dimethyl-,formate 105-85-1
C10H16 e.g. 3-Carene
13466-78-9
C10H16
C10H16O
464-49-3
C10H16O *Camphor 76-22-2
eks. 464-49-3
Acetic acid phenylmethylester
140-11-4
Eks. Bicyclo 2.2.1 heptan, 2-chlor- Eks. 465-30-5
2,3,3-trimethylC10H16
Bornylchloride
464-41-5
C10H18O Bicyclo 3.1.0. Hexan-2- 17699-16-0
ol, methyl-5-(1-methylethyl),(1.alpha.,2.alpha.,5.alpha.)-

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

6

1.5

7

1
5
3

3
3
2.5

2
0.5
18
0.5
0.5

1.5
5
2

0.5
0.5
1
1
1

7
1

2
1.5

2
26
2
9

2

0.5
1

7

2

2.5

3
5
6

23
2

44

0.5
9

1.5

2.5

18
8

17
0.5
2

8

6

4

1
1
1
0.5
6
70
16
3
3
1.5

5

0.5

97

Ret.
time
9.47

Component

Lab. no.
CAS no.
112-14-11Octylacetate (acetic acidoctylester)
9.48 Linalylpropanoate /C10H16
0/9.49 2,7-Dimethyl-2,6-oktadien-1-ol
22410-74-8
9.49 C10H16
26
9.49 C10H18O
9.52 ?
?
9.63 6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-,105-85-1
formate9.65 C13H26O trimethylcyclo-hexyl-2- 3
butanol
9.65 Nerylnitril/geranylnitril C10H15N 101660-61-1
9.68 Dimethylethylcyclohexanol
98-52-2
9.82 C10H16
9.85 C10H16
9.92 Nerylnitril/geranylnitril C10H15N 0/101660-61-1
10.15 C10H16
2
10.16 C10H18O
10.2 Isobornylacetate125-12-2
10.25 C10H16
10.26 C10H16
6
10.55 C10H16
1.5
10.56 4-Tert-butylcyclohexylacetate
32210-23-4
10.68 C10H16
19
10.82 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-cyclohexanol 98-52-2
10.82 4-tert-butylcyclohexylacetate
32210-23-4
10.97 Copaene – C15H24
3856-25-5
11.03 C15H24
Eks. 1102906-4
11.04 C15H24
5208-59-3
11.08 C15H24
Eks. 514-51-2
11.17 C15H24
Eks. 1135-66-6
11.3 C10H12
6707-86-4
1
11.33 C15H24
11.34 C15H24
Eks. 87-44-5
11.47 C15H24 e.g. Thujopsene
Eks. 470-40-6
11.48 C15H24 e.g. Thujopsene
470-40-6
11.59 2-Methoxynaphthalene
93-04-9
11.63 ?
?
11.63 C15H24
Eks. 22567-1711.65 C15H24
11.7 C15H24
Eks. 560-32-7
11.8 BHT – butyleret hydroxytoluene 128-37-0
11.87 C15H24
Eks. 3691-11-0
11.96 C15H22 e.g. Benzene, 1-methyl-4- 16982-00-6(1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentyl)-, (R)12
Lilial C14H20O
80-54-6
12.09 C12H16O3
2050-08-02
12.13 C15H22
Eks. 34143-969
12.38 Diethylphthalate
84-66-2
12.73 C15H24
Eks. 496-61-4
12.97 3-cyclohexen-1-ol, 5-(266465-81-4
butenylidene-4,6,6-trimethyl-,(E,E)- C13H20O
12.97 C15H24
Eks. 88-84-6
12.99 ?
?
13.19 C15H24
Eks. 10219-7513.43 2-phenylmethylenoctanal
101-86-0
SUM in %No. Components
of

98

100
18

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

52
1
3
20

36

2.5

7
3
13

1.5
2.5
2
0.5
1.5

9
3
5

13
11

1.5
12
4

3
2.5

8
35
2

2

25
3

5

21
10

20
9

4
3
4
2

10
13
3
8
4.5
2

7

5
5

9
3

1.5

0.5
1.5
27

31
4

28

27
2

60

18

2
27

6

0.5
1
3
0.5

22

97
29

100
4

97
17

101
10

95
8

98
2

105
10

100
9

93
11

4.5

18

89
15

104
13

Appendix B Substances found during
burning
Component

Chemical substances identified by quantitative analyses of incenseClassification according to Statutory Order 349 (Miljøministeriet 2002). Substancesmarked “[...] self-clas” are classified according to the Danish EPA Advisory list for
self classification of dangerous substances (Miljøstyrelsen 2001)
CAS-no. EINECS Classification
TLV, Notemg/m
3

Acenaphthylene
Acetaldehyde
Acetyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-on
Acroleind-Allose (7283-09-2)
3-Allyl-6-methoxyphenol
Anthracene
AzuleneBenzaldehyde
BenzeneBenzocycloheptatriene
Benzofuran
Benzonitril
Benzophenone
2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutylester
Benzoic acid-ethylester
Benzylalcohol
Benzylbenzoate
Benzylcinnamate
BHT
Biphenyl
Butylcyclohexyl-2,3-dicyano-benzoic acidCamphene
Capsaicin (or ethylhomovallinate 60563-13-5)
CedrolCedrandiol
Cedrylpropylether
Cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamyl / cinnamate
1,3-Cyclohexadiene
3-Cyclohexen-1-methanol-4-trimethyl
DecanalDesaspidinol
4,4-Diamin-3,3-dimethyl-1,1-biphenyl (4,4'-bi-otoluidine)
Dibenzofuran
Diethylphthalate
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
2,6-Dimethoxy-2-propenylphenol(4-(Dimethylamino)-phenyl)-phenylmethanon
N,N-dimethylbenzenamine (N,N-dimethylanilin)
1,1-Dimethylethyl-2-methoxy-4-methyl-3-benzene
2,5-Dimethylfuran
1,5-Dimethyl-4-hexenyl-4-methylbenzene
2,6-Dimethyl-naphthalene
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol, acetate
3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol (geraniol)
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octenal(citronellal)
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol

208-96-8 205-917-1
75-07-0 200-836-8 Fx;R12 Xi;R36/37 Carc3;R40
771-03-9 212-227-4 [Xn;R22] self-clas107-02-8 203-453-4 F;R11 T;R24/25 Tx;R26 C;R34
N;R50
1000126-281
501-19-9
120-12-7 204-371-1
275-51-4
100-52-7 202-860-4 Xn;R22
71-43-2 200-753-7 Carc1;R45 F;R11 T;R48/23/24/25
264-09-5
271-89-6 205-982-6 [Xn;R22 R43] self-clas
100-47-0 202-855-7 Xn;R21/22
119-61-9
91-64-5
87-20-7 201-730-4 [N;R51/53] self-clas
93-89-0
100-51-6 202-859-9 Xn;R20/22
120-51-4 204-402-9 Xn;R22
103-41-3 203-109-3 [N;R50/53] self-clas128-37-0 204-881-4 [Xn;R22 N;R50/53] self-clas
92-52-4 202-163-5 Xi;R36/37/38 N;R50/53
86377-40-4
79-92-5 201-234-8
404-86-4
77-53-2
62600-05-9
1000131-906
14371-10-9

45 LK
0.12

1.6 HK101592-57-4 209-764-1 [Xn;R22] self-clas
98-55-5
112-31-2 203-957-4 [N;R50/53] self-clas437-72-9
119-93-7 204-358-0 Carc2;R45 Xn;R22 N;R51/53
132-64-9
84-66-2
91-10-1
6627-88-9
530-44-9
121-69-7

201-550-6
202-041-1
229-600-2
208-478-4
204-493-5[Xn;R22 R43] self-clas[R43] self-clas[Xn;R22 R43] self-clas
T;R23/24/25 Carc3;R40
N;R51/53
83-66-9 201-493-7 [Xn;R22 N;R51/53] self-clas625-86-5 210-914-3 [Xn;R22] self-clas644-30-4
581-42-0 209-464-0 [Xn;R22 N;R50/53] self-clas
78-70-6
10281-55-7
115-95-7
106-24-1 203-377-1 [N;R50] self-clas
106-23-0 203-376-6 [R43 N;R51/53] self-clas18479-58-8 242-362-4
1117-61-9

3

25 HK

99

Component

CAS-no.

EINECSClassification

d-Limonene
Ethenylmethylbenzene (25013-15-4/622-97-9)
1-Ethenyl-3-methylbenzene (3-methylstyren)
6-Ethenyl-6-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexene
Ethylbenzene
1-Ethyl-2-methylbenzene
1-Ethyl-3-methylbenzene
4-Ethyl-2-methoxy-phenol
EugenolFormaldehyde

5989-27-5
25013-15-4
100-80-1
5951-67-7
100-41-4
611-14-3
620-14-4
2785-89-9
97-53-0
50-00-0

227-813-5 R10 Xi;R38 R43 N;R50/53
246-562-2 [R43] self-clas202-889-2 [Xn;R22] self-clas

Fluoren-9-one
FuranonFurfural

486-25-9
497-23-4
98-01-1

TLV, Notemg/m
32-Furanmethanol (furfurylalcohol)
Geranylnitril
Hexadecanoic acid
Hexadecanoic acid, methylester
Hexahydro-cyclopenta-2-benzopyran
Hexahydro-methanoazulene
Hexylsalicylate
n-Hexyl salicylate
4-Hydroxybenzamidine
7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-octanal
4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde
4-Hydroxy-3-methylacetophenone
4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-2-methoxyphenol
4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-2-methoxyphenyl-ethyl
1H-Inden, 1-methylene
Isoborneol
Isobornylacetate
LilialLinoleic acid ethylester
2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol
2-Methoxy-naphthalene
2-Methoxy-phenol
2-Methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)-phenol
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
2-Methyl-9.10-anthracendione
a-methylbenzenmethanol
2-Methylbenzofuran
3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentandione
Methyl dihydro-jasmonate
5-Methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde
6-Mehtyl-5-hepten-2-one
1-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-benzene (o-cymene)
2-methyl-3-phenyl-2-propenal
2-Methyl-naphthalene
2-Methylphenol
4-Methylphenol (cresol)
6-Methyl-2-pyrazinylmethanol
a-Methylstyrene
1-Methyl-4-(1,2,2-trimethyl-cyclopentyl)-benzeneb-Myrcene
Naphthalene
Nerylnitrile
Octadecanoic acid
Octahydro-dimethylazulene
Octahydro-methanoazulene
Octahydro-trimethyl-methanoazulene
1,1-oxybis-2-propanol
Patchouli alcohol
Phenanthrene
Phenol100

202-849-4 F;R11 Xn;R20
210-255-1 [N;R51/53] self-clas220-500-4 [Xn;R22] self-clas202-589-1 [Xn;R22 Mut3;R40 R43] self-clas200-001-8 T;R23/24/25 C;R34 Carc3;R40
R43
207-630-7 [Mut3;R40] self-clas207-839-3
202-627-7 Xn;R21 T;R23/25 Xi;R36/37
Carc3;R40
202-626-1 Xn;R20/21/22

98-00-0
101660-61-1
57-10-3
628-97-7
1222-05-5
469-61-4 207-418-4 [N;R50/53] self-clas6259-76-3
1000139-780
107-55-5
134-96-3
876-02-8
458-35-5

120 H
120 H
217 K

0.4 HK7.9 HK
20 H

228-408-6 [Xn;R22 N;R50/53] self-clas205-167-5 [R43] self-clas212-880-5 [R43] self-clas207-277-9 [R43 N;R50] self-clas2471-84-3
124-76-5 204-712-4
125-12-2
80-54-6 201-289-8
544-35-4
93-51-6 202-252-9
93-04-990-05-1 201-964-7
97-54-1 202-590-7
7786-61-0 232-101-2
84-54-8
98-85-1
4265-25-2 224-249-1
765-70-824851-98-7 246-495-9
620-02-0
110-93-0
527-84-4 208-426-0
101-39-3
91-57-6 202-078-3
95-48-7 202-423-8
106-44-5 203-398-6
77164-93-3
98-83-9 202-705-0
16982-00-6 241-061-5
123-35-3
91-20-3 202-049-5
100010890-5
112-79-8
3691-11-0
514-51-2 208-182-5
546-28-1
110-98-5
5986-55-0 227-807-2
1517-22-2
108-95-2 203-632-7[R52/53] self-clas[R43 N;R51/53] self-clas[Xn;R22 R43] self-clas
Xn;R22 Xi;R36/38
Xn;R22 R43] self-clas[Mut3;R40 R43] self-clas[N;R50] self-clas[N;R51/53] self-clas

135[Xn;R22 R43 N;R51/53] self-clas
T;R24/25 C;R34
T;R24/25 C;R34

22 H
22 H

R10 Xi;R36/37 N;R51/53[N;R50/53] self-clas

240

Xn;R22 N;R50/53

50[N;R50/53] self-clas[N;R50/53] self-clas
T;R24/25 C;R34

4H

Component

CAS-no.

EINECSClassification

TLV, Notemg/m
3

Phenylethylalcohol
Phenylethyn
2-(phenylmethylen)-octanal
2-Propenoic acid,3-phenyl,methylester
Santatol, alpha (98718-53-7)
Styrenea-Terpineol (p-menth-1-en-8-ol)
b-Terpinol
Tetradecanal
Tetrahydro-trimethylnaphthalene
Thujopsene
TolueneTricyclonona-3,6-diene
Trihydroxyphenyl-2-pentanone
4-Trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-methanol
Triphenyl-1-pentanol
Undecene
Vanillino,m,p-Xylene60-12-8
536-74-3 208-645-1
101-86-0
103-26-4
115-71-9 204-102-8
100-42-5 202-851-5
98-55-5 202-680-6
1000150-761
124-25-4 204-692-7
475-03-6
470-40-6
108-88-3 203-625-9
6006-24-2
1000116-2
80-26-2 201-265-7
2294-95-3
821-95-4 212-483-7
121-33-5
106-42-3 203-396-5[Xn;R22] self-clas[N;R50/53] self-clas
R10 Xn;R20 Xi;R36/38[Xi;R36/37/38]MSDS

105 LHK[N;R50/53] self-clas
F;R11 Xn;R20

94 H[N;R51/53] self-clas[N;R50/53] self-clas
R10 Xn;R20/21 Xi;R38

109 H

101

102

Appendix C Emission
measurements
Incense, mrk.:

Lavender cone

Background measurement,room
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air

Exhaust, process
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air
839
75
856
1.05
840
70.5
771
464

845
847
846
722

Lab. no. 1

Date:

23. November
2003

Project 1712753
no.

105
105
140
1,970

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air- Concen Substan
Air- Concen- ConcenEmission
amount volume -trationce volume tration tration
amount
CHARCOAL
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
Benzene
<0.1
105
0
138
75
1,840
1,840
1,482
619
2.5-Dimethylfuran
0.36
105
3
9
75
126
122
98
41
Toluene
0.82
105
8
116
75
1,547
1,539
1,239
518
Furfural
<0.1
105
0
51
75
679
679
547
229
2-Furanmethanol
<0.1
105
0
22
75
297
297
239
100
m,p-Xylene
<0.1
105
0
34
75
453
453
365
153
Styrene
<0.1
105
0
20
75
263
263
211
88
Benzaldehyde
<0.1
105
0
10
75
131
131
106
44
Camphene
<0.1
105
0
18
75
240
240
193
81
Benzofuran
<0.1
105
0
21
75
280
280
225
94
Benzylalcohol
<0.1
105
0
31
75
411
411
331
138
D-limonene
<0.1
105
0
60
75
805
805
648
271
N,N-dimethylbenzenamine
<0.1
105
0
5
75
63
63
51
21
Isoborneol
<0.1
105
0
13
75
171
171
138
58
2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol
<0.1
105
0
10
75
137
137
110
46
a-Terpineol (p-menth-1-en-8<0.1
105
0
88
75
1,170
1,170
942
394
ol)
3-Cyclohexen-1-methanol-4<0.1
105
0
0
75
0
0
0
0
trimethyl
Isobornylacetate
<0.1
105
0
33
75
434
434
349
146
4-Trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1<0.1
105
0
62
75
828
828
666
278
methanolBenzoic acid,2-hydroxy-3<0.1
105
0
26
75
343
343
276
115
methylbutylester
n-Hexyl salicylate
<0.1
105
0
9
75
120
120
97
40
Sum VOC on CHARCOAL
10,325

DNPH
Formaldehyde

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air
Concen Substan
Air
Concen- ConcenEmission
amount volume -trationce
volume tration tration
amount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
0.1
105
1
16
1.05 15,238 15,237 11,352
5,281

103

Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Sum aldehydes on DNPH

XAD-2
5-Methyl-2furancarboxaldehyde
PhenolBenzofuran
1,1-oxybis-2-propanol
2-Methoxy-phenol
Cinnamaldehydeb-Terpinol
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol
2-methyl-3-phenyl-2-propenal
Isobornylacetate
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
Eugenol
2-Methoxy-4-1propenylphenol
Vanillin
Naphtalene
Acenaphtylene
Phenanthrene
Antracene
Sum VOC on XAD-2

0.34
0.08

105
105

3
1

9.9
3.2

1.05
1.05

9,429
3,048

9,425
3,047
27,709

7,022
2,270

3,267
1,056

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air
Concen Substan
Air
Concen- ConcenEmission
amount volume -trationce
volume tration tration
amount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
<0.1
140
0
4
70.5
55
55
44
19
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

9
5
7
18
5
2
4
1
6
12
3
6

70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5

134
68
94
257
70
23
58
21
80
174
42
90

134
68
94
257
70
23
58
21
80
174
42
90

108
55
76
207
57
18
46
17
65
140
33
72

45
23
32
87
24
8
19
7
27
58
14
30

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140
140
140

0
0
0
0
0

5
4
0
0
0

70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5
70.5

73
54
6
6
2

73
54
6
6
2
1,306

59
43
5
5
1

25
18
2
2
1

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air
Concen Substan
Air
Concen- ConcenEmission
amount volume -trationce
volume tration tration
amount
GFF
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
<0.1
1,970
0
99
464
214
214
172
72
2.6-Dimethoxyphenol
<0.1
1,970
0
63
464
135
135
109
45
Vanillin
<0.1
1,970
0
167
464
360
360
290
121
3-Acetyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl<0.1
1,970
0
68
464
146
146
118
49
2H-pyran-2-on
2-Methoxy-4-1<0.1
1,970
0
99
464
214
214
172
72
propenylphenol
2H-1-benzopyran-2-on
<0.1
1,970
0
99
464
214
214
172
72
d'Allose
<0.1
1,970
0
292
464
630
630
507
212
2.6-Dimethoxy-2<0.1
1,970
0
99
464
214
214
172
72
propenylphenol
4-(3-hudroxy-1-propenyl)-2<0.1
1,970
0
99
464
214
214
172
72
methoxyphenol
Hexadecanoic acid
<0.1
1,970
0
68
464
146
146
118
49
Octadecene acid
<0.1
1,970
0
146
464
315
315
254
106
2-Hydroxy-1.2<0.1
1,970
0
610
464
1316
1316
1,059
443
bis(4methoxyphenyl)ethanon
Capsaicin
<0.1
1,970
0
710
464
1529
1529
1,231
514
Phenanthrene
<0.1
1,970
0
13
464
28
28
23
9
Sum VOC-aerosol on GFF
5,673
Sum TVOC-aerosol on GFF
7,000
464 15,086 15,086
Total aerosol on GFF

104

60

1,970

30

69,830464 150,496 150,465

Burning time for 1 stick/cone
Weight of incense
Measuring period in minutes
Gram incense burned
Gram incense burned/hour
Total air volumem3
Temperature in glow

25 min.
1.07 g50 min.
2.13 g2.56 g0.67 m3
340-360 degrees

Gram incense burned,
aldehydes
Measuring period in min.,aldehydes
Gram incense burned/hour,aldehydes
Total air volume m3, aldehydes

0.46 g

VOC emission,
CHARCOAL:

8,314 µg/hour

12 min.
2,30 g0,15 m3

3,246 µg/gram incense
3,474 µg/incense
VOC emission, DNPH:

20,643 µg/hour
8,975 µg/gram incense
9,604 µg/incense

VOC emission, XAD-2:

1,052 µg/hour
411 µg/gram incense
439 µg/incense

Sum VOC (charcoal+XAD2+DNPH):

30,009 µg/hour
12,632 µg/gram incense
13,517 µg/incense

VOC emission, GFF:

4,568 µg/hour
1,784 µg/gram incense
1,908 µg/incense

TVOC emission, GFF:

12,147 µg/hour
4,743 µg/gram incense
5,075 µg/incense

Total aerosol emission, GFF:

121,155 µg/hour
47,308 µg/gram incense
50,619 µg/incense

105Boxmodel: 1 A

Catched concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene during
burning of one incense cone (top) and by continuous burning for one hour(bottom).
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

106Boxmodel 1B

Catched concentrations of aerosol, divided on total aerosol, TVOC (total
volatile components) as vapour (“gas”) and aerosol during burning of 1
incense cone (top) and by continuous burning for one hour (bottom). The
amount is given as mg/m3.
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

107

108

Incense, mrk.:

Lemon stick

Background measurement,room
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air

Exhaust, process
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air
830
90
859
0.99
831
90
798
615

CHARCOAL
Benzene2,5-Dimethylfuran
TolueneFurfuralm,p-Xylen + ethylbenzene
StyreneBenzaldehyde
Benzonitrile
a-Methylstyrene
Benzofuran
1-methyl-2-(1methylethyl)benzene
d-Limonene
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
Naphthalene
Nerylnitril
Geranylnitril
Diethylphthalate
Sum VOC on charcoal

DNPH
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Sum aldehydes on DNPH

845
847
846
722

Lab. no. 2

Date:

3. november
2003

Project no. 171275
3

105
105
140
1,970

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air Concen Substanc
Air Concen- Concen- Emissio
amount volume -tration e amount volume tration tration
n
µg
Liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
<0,1
105
0
149
90
1,656
1,656 1,464
976
0.36
105
3
9
90
101
98
87
58
<0.1
105
8
125
90
1,389
1,381 1,221
814
<0.1
105
0
14
90
156
156
138
92
<0.1
105
0
53
90
589
589
521
347
<0.1
105
0
32
90
350
350
310
207
<0.1
105
0
9
90
101
101
89
59
<0.1
105
0
18
90
202
202
178
119
<0.1
105
0
11
90
120
120
106
71
<0.1
105
0
46
90
514
514
454
303
<0.1
105
0
18
90
197
197
174
116
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0,1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

105
105
105
105
105
105
105

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

135
231
176
36
19
25
13

90
90
90
90
90
90
90

1,498
2,569
1,959
403
216
278
144

1,498
2,569
1,959
403
216
278
144
12,430

1,324
2,271
1,732
357
191
246
127

883
1,514
1,154
238
127
164
85

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air
Concen SubstancAir
Concen- ConcenEmission
amountvolume -tration e amount volume tration tration
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
0.1
105
1
2.4
0.99
2,424
2,423 1,771 1,266
0.34
105
3
5.1
0.99
5,152
5,148 3,763 2,690
0.08
105
1
1.3
0.99
1,313
1,312
959
686
8,884

109

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air
Concen SubstancAir
Concen- ConcenEmission
amountvolume -tration e amount volume tration tration
XAD-2
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
<0.1
140
0
1
90
12
12
11
7
Phenol
<0.1
140
0
7
90
76
76
67
45
b-Myrcene
<0.1
140
0
2
90
20
20
18
12
Ethenylmethylbenzene
<0.1
140
0
1
90
13
13
12
8
Azulene
<0.1
140
0
4
90
43
43
38
26
Decanal
<0.1
140
0
8
90
87
87
77
52
Benzocycloheptatriene
<0.1
140
0
1
90
14
14
12
8
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
<0.1
140
0
5
90
58
58
52
35
4-Hydroxy-3<0.1
140
0
0
90
0
0
0
0
methylacetophenon
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
<0.1
140
0
9
90
100
100
89
60
Biphenyl
<0.1
140
0
4
90
40
40
35
24
BHT
<0.1
140
0
24
90
264
264
233
157
Lilial
<0.1
140
0
13
90
146
146
129
87
Dibenzofuran
<0.1
140
0
2
90
20
20
18
12
Methyl dihydrojasmonate
<0.1
140
0
6
90
71
71
62
42
2-(phenylmethylen)-octanal
<0.1
140
0
37
90
416
416
367
247
2-(phenylmethylen)-octanal
<0.1
140
0
7
90
79
79
70
47
Hexahydro-cyclopenta-2<0.1
140
0
5
90
52
52
46
31
benzopyran
4,4-Diamin-3,3-dimethyl1,1<0.1
140
0
3
90
30
30
26
18
biphenyl
Acenaphtylene
<0.1
140
0
1
90
12
12
10
7
Phenanthene
<0.1
140
0
1
90
8
8
7
5
Antracene
<0.1
140
0
0
90
2
2
2
1
Sum VOC on XAD-2
1,563

GFF
2.6-Dimethoxyphenol
Vanillin
LilialMethyl dihydrojasmonate
4-Hydroxy-3,5dimethoxybenzaldehyde
2.6-Dimethoxy-2propenylphenol2(Phenylmethylen)oktanal
Hexahydro-cyclopenta-2benzopyran
Hexadecanoic acid methylester
Trihydroxyphenyl-2-pentanone
Linoleic acid, ethylester
Phenanthrene
Sum VOC-aerosol on GFF
Sum TVOC-aerosol on GFF
Total aerosol on GFF

110

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air
Concen SubstancAir
Concen- ConcenEmission
amountvolume -tration e amount volume tration tration
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
<0.1
1,970
0
44
615
72
72
64
43
<0.1
1,970
0
49
615
79
79
70
47
<0.1
1,970
0
53
615
87
87
77
52
<0.1
1,970
0
102
615
166
166
147
99
<0.1
1,970
0
49
615
79
79
70
47
<0.1

1,970

0

80

615

130

130

115

77

<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970

0
0

889
120

615
615

1,445
195

1,445
195

1,278
172

859
116

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970

0
0
0
0

138
102
382
19

615
615
615
615

224
166
621
31

198
147
549
27

133
99
369
18

3,000

615

4,878

224
166
621
31
3,297
4,878

31,750615

51,626

51,596

60

1,970

30

Burning time for 1 stick/cone
Weight of incense
Measuring period in minutes
Gram incense burned
Gram incense burned/hour
Total air volume m3
Temperature in glow

40 min.
1.17 g60 min.
1.74 g1.74 g0.88 m3
280-290 degrees

Gram incense burned,
aldehydes
Measuring period in minutes,
aldehydes
Gram incense burned/hour,aldehydes
Total air volume m3, aldehydes

0.30 g

VOC emission,
CHARCOAL:

11 min.
1.64 g0.13 m3
10,988 µg/hour
6,315 µg/gram incense
7,389 µg/incense

VOC emission, DNPH:

6,493 µg/hour
3,968 µg/gram incense
4,643 µg/incense

VOC emission, XAD-2

1,382 µg/hour
794 µg/gram incense
929 µg/incense

Sum VOC (Charcoal+XAD2+DNPH):

18,863 µg/hour
11,077 µg/gram incense
12,960 µg/incense

VOC emission, GFF:

2,915 µg/hour
1,675 µg/gram incense
1,960 µg/incense

TVOC emission, GFF:

4,312 µg/hour
2,478 µg/gram incense
2,900 µg/incense

Total aerosol emission, GFF:

45,610 µg/hour
26,213 µg/gram incense
30,669 µg/incense

111

Boxmodel 2ACatched concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene during
burning of one incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour(bottom).
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

112Boxmodel 2 B

Catched concentrations of aerosol, divided on total aerosol, TVOC (total
volatile components) as vapour (“gas”) and aerosol during burning of 1
incense cone (top) and by continuous burning for one hour (bottom). The
amount is given as mg/m3
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

113

114

Incense, mrk.:

Ayurvedisk

Background measurement,room
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air

Exhaust, process
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air
836
62
854
0.69
837
90
769
430

CHARCOAL
Benzen1,3-Cyclohexadien
ToluenFurfural
Xylener, Ethylbenzene
o,m,p-Xylene
Phenylethyne
Styrenebenzaldehyde
1-Ethyl-2-methylbenzene
1-Ethyl-3-methylbenzene
Ethenylmethylbenzene
2-Methylbenzoefuran
AzuleneSum VOC on charcoal

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air Concen Substan
Air Concen- ConcenEmission
e amount volume -trationce volume tration tration
amount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h µg/unit
<0.1
105
0
104
62
1,677
1,677
1,114
748
<0.1
105
0
6
62
92
92
61
41
0.36
105
3
84
62
1,355
1,351
897
602
<0.1
105
0
11
62
184
184
122
82
<0.1
105
0
46
62
742
742
493
331
0.82
105
8
*
62
0
0
0
0
<0.1
105
0
37
62
599
599
398
267
<0.1
105
0
81
62
1,306
1,306
867
582
<0.1
105
0
15
62
238
238
158
106
<0.1
105
0
15
62
238
238
158
106
<0.1
105
0
6
62
92
92
61
41
<0.1
105
0
12
62
192
192
127
86
<0.1
105
0
8
62
123
123
82
55
<0.1
105
0
6
62
92
92
61
41
6,927

DNPH

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air Concen Substan
Air
Concen- Concen- Emissio
e amount volume -trationce
volume tration trationnamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h

Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Sum aldehydes on DNPH

845
847
846
722

0.1
0.34
0.08

Lab. no. 4

Date: 3. november 2003
Project 1712753
no.

105
105
140
1,970

105
105
105

1
3
1

4.6
2.4
1.1

0.69
0.69
0.69

6,667
3,478
1,594

6,666
3,475
1,593
11,734

4,399
2,294
1,052

µg/unit
2,823
1,472
675

115

XAD-2
PhenolEthenylmethylbenzene
4-Mehtylphenol
2-Methoxy-phenol
2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol
4-Hydroxybenzamidine
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
2-Methyl-naphthalen
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
3-Allyl-6-methoxyphenol
2-Propenois acid,3phenyl,methylester
Vanillin
2,6-Dimethylnaphthalen
2-(phenylmethylen)-octanal
4,4-Diamin-3,3-dimethyl1,1biphenyl
Naphtalene
Acenapthylene
Phenanthrene
Sum VOC on XAD-2

GFF
Benzoic acid
2.6-Dimethoxyphenol
Vanillin
3-Phenyl-2-propenoic acid
2-Methoxy-4-1-propenylphenold'Allose
4-Hydroxy-3.5dimethoxybenzaldehyde
Santalol
Desospidinol
Benzylbenzoate
Trihydroxyphenyl-2-pentanon
Benzylcinnanate
Cinnamyl cinnamate
Phenanthren
Sum VOC-aerosol on GFF
Sum TVOC-aerosol on GFF
Total aerosol on GFF

116

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air Concen Substan
Air
Concen- Concen- Emissio
e amount volume -trationce
volume tration trationnamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
<0.1
140
0
8
90
90
90
60
40
<0.1
140
0
1
90
11
11
7
5
<0.1
140
0
1
90
12
12
8
5
<0.1
140
0
5
90
53
53
35
24
<0.1
140
0
2
90
19
19
12
8
<0.1
140
0
10
90
109
109
73
49
<0.1
140
0
4
90
44
44
29
20
<0.1
140
0
1
90
11
11
8
5
<0.1
140
0
7
90
81
81
54
36
<0.1
140
0
1
90
10
10
7
4
<0.1
140
0
3
90
37
37
24
16
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140
140

0
0
0
0

3
4
1
4

90
90
90
90

35
46
17
45

35
46
17
45

23
31
11
30

16
21
7
20

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140

0
0
0

3
1
0

90
90
90

30
7
3

30
7
3
659

20
4
2

13
3
1

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air Concen Substan
Air
Concen- Concen- Emissio
e amount volume -trationce
volume tration trationnamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
<0.1
1,970
0
82
430
191
191
127
85
<0.1
1,970
0
57
430
132
132
88
59
<0.1
1,970
0
76
430
176
176
117
79
<0.1
1,970
0
366
430
852
852
566
380
<0.1
1,970
0
25
430
59
59
39
26
<0.1
1,970
0
44
430
103
103
68
46
<0.1
1,970
0
38
430
88
88
59
39
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

60

1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970

1,970

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

30

101
51
19
114
44
95
7

430
430
430
430
430
430
430

235
118
44
264
103
220
16

4,700

430

10,930

235
118
44
264
103
220
16
2,601
10,93039,860430

92,69892,667

156
78
29
176
68
146
11

105
52
20
118
46
98
7

Burning time for 1 stick/cone
Weight of incense
Measuring period in min.
Gram incense burned
Gram incense burned/hour
Total air volume m3
Temperature in glow

36 min.
0.98 g60 min.
1.46 g1.46 g0.66 m3
300-320 degrees

Gram incense burned, aldehydes
Measuring period in min.,aldehydes
Gram incense burned/hour,aldehydes
Total air volume m3, aldehydes

0.28 g
11 min.

VOC emission, CHARCOAL:

4,600 µg/hour
3,151 µg/gram incense
3,088 µg/incense

VOC emission, DNPH:

7,745 µg/hour
5,071 µg/gram incense
4,969 µg/incense

VOC emission, XAD-2

438 µg/hour
300 µg/gram incense
294 µg/incense

Sum VOC(CHARCOAL+XAD2+DNPH):

1.53 g0.12 m3

12,782 µg/hour
8,521 µg/gram incense
8,351 µg/incense

VOC emission, GFF:

1,727 µg/hour
1,183 µg/gram incense
1,159 µg/incense

TVOC emission, GFF:

7,258 µg/hour
4,971 µg/gram incense
4,872 µg/incense

Total aerosol emission, GFF:

61,531 µg/hour
42,145 µg/gram incense
41,302 µg/incense

117Boxmodel 3 A

Catched concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene during
burning of one incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour(bottom).
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

118

Boxmodel 3 B

Catched concentrations of aerosol, divided on total aerosol, TVOC (total
volatile components) as vapour (gas) and aerosol during burning of one
incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour (bottom). The
amount is given as mg/m3.
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

119

120

Incense, mrk.:

Wild Musk

Background measurement,room
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air

Exhaust, process
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Filter no. Liter air
827
45
855
0.96
828
67.5
797
626

845
847
846
722

Lab. no. 8

Date: 3. november 2003
Project 1712753
no.

105
105
140
1,970

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air Concen- Substan
Air Concen Concen Emissio
e amount volume trationce volume -tration -trationnamount
CHARCOAL
µg
Liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
Benzene
<0.1
105
0
386
45
8,578
8,578
8,978
Toluene
0.36
105
3
65
45
1,444
1,441
1,508
Furfural
0.82
105
8
5
45
107
99
103
Styrene
<0.1
105
0
26
45
568
568
594
Benzaldehyde
<0.1
105
0
10
45
223
223
234
Benzonitrile
<0.1
105
0
10
45
215
215
225
a-Methylstyrene
<0.1
105
0
3
45
62
62
65
Benzofuran
<0.1
105
0
27
45
589
589
617
d-Limonene
<0.1
105
0
9
45
189
189
198
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
<0.1
105
0
15
45
329
329
344
Xylenes
<0.1
105
0
22
45
489
489
512
Benzoic acid-ethylester
<0.1
105
0
55
45
1,233
1,233
1,291
a-Terpineol(p-menth-1-en-8-ol)
<0.1
105
0
52
45
1,156
1,156
1,210
3-Cyclohexen-1-methanol-4<0.1
105
0
0
45
0
0
0
trimethyl
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-oktadien-3-ol,
<0.1
105
0
3
45
59
59
62
acetateTetrahydro-trimethylnaphthalene
<0.1
105
0
3
45
69
69
72
1H-3a,7-Methanoazulene<0.1
105
0
5
45
114
114
120
2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,6Thujopsene
<0.1
105
0
21
45
475
475
497
1-Methyl-4-(1,2,2<0.1
105
0
4
45
80
80
84
trimethylcyclopentylbenzene
Diethylphthalate
<0.1
105
0
173
45
3,853
3,853
4,033
Cedrol
<0.1
105
0
13
45
299
99
313
Sum VOC on charcoal
20,122

DNPH
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Sum aldehydes on DNPH

µg/unit
7,451
1,252
86
493
194
187
54
512
164
286
425
1,071
1,004
0
51
60
99
413
70
3,347
260

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air
Concen- Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissio
e amount volume trationce
volume -tration -trationnamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
0.1
105
1
7.8
0.96
8,125
8,124
5,982
5,922
0.34
105
3
5.9
0.96
6,146
6,143
4,523
4,478
0.08
105
1
1.3
0.96
1,354
1,353
997
987
15,620121

XAD-2
Benzofuran
Benzylalkohol
a-methylbenzenmethanol
Phenylethylalkohol
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
4-Hydroxy-3methylacetophenone
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
2-Methoxy-4-(1propenyl)phenolvinylphenol
Biphenyl
2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one
Naphtalene
Acenaphthylene
Sum VOC on XAD-2

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstanc
Air
Concen- Substan
Air
Concen Concen
Emissione amount volume trationce
volume -tration -tration
amount
ug
liter
µg/m3
ug
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140
140
140
140

0
0
0
0
0
0

2
4
2
4
2
0

67.5
67.5
67.5
67.5
67.5
67.5

34
59
23
59
29
0

34
59
23
59
29
0

36
62
24
62
30
0

30
51
20
51
25
0

<0.1
<0.1

140
140

0
0

2
3

67.5
67.5

32
46

32
46

34
48

28
40

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140
140

0
0
0
0

5
3
2
0

67.5
67.5
67.5
67.5

80
46
36
4

80
46
36
4
448

84
48
37
4

70
40
31
3

Substanc
Air
Concen- Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissio
e amount volume trationce
volume -tration -trationnamount
ug
liter
µg/m3
ug
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h

µg/unit

Background

GFF
Tricyclonona-3.6-diene
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
2.6-Dimethoxyphenol
Vanillin
2-Methoxy-4-1-propenylphenol
2H-1-benzopyran-2-oned'Allose
Diethylphthalate
Cedrol
2.6-Dimethoxy-2-propenylphenol
4-(3-hudroxy-1-propenyl)-2methoxyphenol
Benzylbenzoate
9H-fluoren-9-one
Hexahydro-4-cyclopenta-2benzopyran
2-Methyl-9.10-antracendione
Phenanthrene
Sum VOC-aerosol on GFF
Sum TVOC-aerosol on GFF
Total aerosol on GFF

122

Incense + background

Incense

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970
1,970

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

570
38
113
323
75
300
128
9,788
315
98
338

626
626
626
626
626
626
626
626
626
626
626

911
61
181
516
120
479
204
15,636
503
157
540

911
61
181
516
120
479
204
15,636
503
157
540

953
64
189
540
125
502
214
16,365
527
164
565

791
53
157
448
104
416
178
13,582
437
136
469

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970
1,970

0
0
0

600
83
210

626
626
626

958
133
335

958
133
335

1,003
139
351

833
115
291

<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970

0
0

98
16

626
626

157
26

164
27

136
22

15,000626

23,962

157
26
20,89023,962

98,220626 156,901 156,871

60

1,970

30

Burning time for 1 stick/cone
Weight of incense
Measuring period in min.
Gram incense burned
Gram incense burned/hour
Total air volume m3
Temperature in glow
Gram incense burned, aldehydes
Measuring period in min.,aldehydes
Gram incense burned/hour,aldehydes
Total air volume m3, aldehydes

45 min.
1.35 g45 min.
1.22 g1.63 g0.79 m3
220-240 degrees
0.25 g
11 min.
1.36 g0.14 m3

VOC emission, CHARCOAL:

21,061 µg/hour
12,947 µg/gram incense
17,479 µg/incense

VOC emission, DNPH:

11,502 µg/hour
8,435 µg/gram incense
11,387 µg/incense

VOC emission, XAD-2

469 µg/hour
288 µg/gram incense
389 µg/incense

Sum VOC(CHARCOAL+XAD2+DNPH):

33,032 µg/hour
21,670 µg/gram incense
29,255 µg/incense

VOC emission, GFF:

21,865 µg/hour
13,441 µg/gram incense
18,146 µg/incense

TVOC emission, GFF:

25,080 µg/hour
15,418 µg/gram incense
20,814 µg/incense

Total aerosol emission, GFF:

164,191 µg/hour
100,937 µg/gram incense
136,265 µg/incense123Boxmodel 4 A

Catched concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene during
burning of one incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour(bottom).
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

124Boxmodel 4 B

Catched concentrations of aerosol, divided on total aerosol, TVOC (total
volatile components) as vapour (gas) and aerosol during burning of one
incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour (bottom). The
amount is given as mg/m3.
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

125

126

Incense, mrk.:

Sali Sai Baba

Background measurement, room

Filter no.

Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF
Exhaust, process
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

845
847
846
722
Filter no.
833
857
834
768

Liter
luft
105
105
140
1,970

Lab. no. 10

Date: 3. november 2003
Project 1712753
no.

Liter
air
45
0.96
34
560

CHARCOAL
Benzene2,5-Dimethylfuran
TolueneFurfuralm,p-Xylene
Styrene5-Methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde
6-Mehtyl-5-hepten-2-one
a-Methylstyrene
Benzofuran
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
Benzoic acid, ethylester
2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene
Sum VOC on charcoal

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance
Air Concen Substan
Air Concen Concen Emissio
amount volume -trationce volume -tration -trationnamount
µg
Liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
<0.1
105
0
45
45
1,000
1,000
700
<0.1
105
0
8
45
170
170
119
0.36
105
3
39
45
867
863
604
<0.1
105
0
22
45
480
480
336
0.82
105
8
21
45
467
459
321
<0.1
105
0
14
45
310
310
217
<0.1
105
0
2
45
54
54
38
<0.1
105
0
11
45
240
240
168
<0.1
105
0
5
45
104
104
73
<0.1
105
0
14
45
300
300
210
<0.1
105
0
6
45
134
134
94
<0.1
105
0
4
45
79
79
55
<0.1
105
0
3
45
59
59
41
4,253

DNPH
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Sum Aldehydes on DNPH

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance Air Concen Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissio
amount volume -trationce
volume -tration -trationnamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
0.1
105
1
7.3
0.96
7,604
7,603
6,055
4,826
0.34
105
3
3.1
0.96
3,229
3,226
2,569
2,048
0.08
105
1
2.1
0.96
2,188
2,187
1,741
1,388
13,016µg/unit
693
118
598
333
318
215
37
166
72
208
93
55
41

127

XAD-2
Benzofuran
6-Methyl-2-pyrazinylmethanol
3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol
Phenylethylalcohol
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octenal
3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol
7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-octanal
Vanillin
2H-1-Benzopyran-2-on
2-Methoxy-naphthalene
Diethylphthalate
Benzophenone
Naphtalene
Acenaphylene
Phenanthrene
Benzylbenzoate
1,1-Dimethylethyl-2-methoxy-4methyl-3-benzen
4,4-Diamin-3,3-dimethyl1,1biphenyl
Sum VOC on XAD-2

GFF
5-Hydroxy-2-furancarboxaldehyde
7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal
Vanillin
2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene
2H-1-Benzopyran-2-on
Diethylphthalate
TetradecanalPatchouli alkohol
Benzyl benzoate
1,1-Dimethylethyl-2-methoxy-4methyl-3-benzene
P-Ethoxy-2-diazoacetophenone
Butylcyclohexyl-2,3-dicyano-benzoic
acid
Triphenyl-1-pentanol
4,4-Diamin,3,3-dimethyl-1,1biphenyl
Sum VOC-aerosol on GFF
Sum TVOC-aerosol on GFF
Total aerosol on GFF

128

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance Air Concen Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissio
amount volume -trationce
volume -tration -trationnamount
ug
liter
µg/m3
ug
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h

µg/unit

<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1

140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140
140

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

4
4
2
3
1
2
7
4
9
9
13
2
2
0
0
1
4

34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
34

120
109
69
100
29
69
206
127
253
258
387
50
46
6
3
37
105

120
109
69
100
29
69
206
127
253
258
387
50
46
6
3
37
105

84
76
48
70
20
48
145
89
177
180
271
35
32
4
2
26
73

83
75
48
69
20
48
143
88
175
179
268
34
32
4
2
25
72

<0.1

140

0

4

34

131

131

92

91

2,102
Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstance Air Concen Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissio
amount volume -trationce
volume -tration -trationnamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit<0.1 1,970
0
344
560
615
615
431
426
<0.1 1,970
0
142
560
253
253
177
176
<0.1 1,970
0
502
560
897
897
628
622
<0.1 1,970
0
48
560
85
85
60
59
<0.1 1,970
0
334
560
596
596
417
413
<0.1 1,970
0
1,064
560
1,901
1,901
1,331
1,317
<0.1 1,970
0
80
560
144
144
100
99
<0.1 1,970
0
67
560
120
120
84
83
<0.1 1,970
0
297
560
530
530
371
367
<0.1 1,970
0
613
560
1,094
1,094
766
758
<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970

0
0

100
92

560
560

179
164

179
164

126
115

124
114

<0.1
<0.1

1,970
1,970

0
0

239
113

560
560

427
201

427
201

299
141

296
139

22,000560

39,286

156,786
39,28687,800560 156,786 156,755

60

1,970

30

Burning time for 1 stick/cone
Weight of incense
Measuring period in min.
Gram incense burned
Gram incense burned/hour
Total air volume m3
Temperature in glow

50 min.
1.00 g60 min.
1.01 g1.01 g0.70 m3
220-230 degrees

Gram incense burned, aldehydes
Measuring period in min., aldehydes
Gram incense burned/hour,aldehydes
Total air volume m3, aldehydes

0.23 g
11 min.
1.25 g

VOC emission, CHARCOAL:

2,977 µg/hour
2,947 µg/gram incense
2,947 µg/incense

VOC emission, DNPH:

10,365 µg/hour
8,262 µg/gram incense
8,262 µg/incense

VOC emission, XAD-2

1,472 µg/hour
1,457 µg/gram incense
1,457 µg/incense

Sum VOC (CHARCOAL+XAD2+DNPH):

14,814 µg/hour

0.15 m3

12,667 µg/gram incense
12,667 µg/incense
VOC emission, GFF:

109,750 µg/hour
108,663 µg/gram incense
108,663 µg/incense

TVOC emission, GFF:

27,500 µg/hour
27,228 µg/gram incense
27,228 µg/incense

Total aerosol emission, GFF:

109,729 µg/hour
108,642 µg/gram incense
108,642 µg/incense

129Boxmodel 5 A

Catched concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene during
burning of one incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour(bottom).
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

130Boxmodel 5 B

Catched concentrations of aerosol, divided on total aerosol, TVOC (total
volatile components) as vapour (gas) and aerosol during burning of one
incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour (bottom). The
amount is given as mg/m3.
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

131Incense, mrk.:

Cedar Wood

Background measurement, room

Filter
no.
845
847
846
722

Liter
air
105
105
140
1,970

Filter
no.
842
858
843
770

Liter
air
60
1.05
60
612

Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF
Exhaust, process
Charcoal
DNPH
XAD-2
GFF

Lab. no. 12

Date: 3. november 2003
Project 1712753
no.

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstan
Air Concen- Substan
Air Concen Concen Emissio
ce volume trationce volume -tration -trationnamountamount
CHARCOAL
µg
Liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
Benzene
<0.1
105
0
38
60
633
633
502
Toluene
0.36
105
3
34
60
567
563
446
Furfural
<0.1
105
0
6
60
104
104
82
o,m,p-Xylene
0.82
105
8
12
60
200
192
152
Styrene
<0.1
105
0
10
60
164
164
130
Benzen,1-ethenyl-3-methyl
<0.1
105
0
3
60
52
52
41
Oktahydro-methanoazulene
<0.1
105
0
8
60
130
130
103
Hexahydro-methanoazulene
<0.1
105
0
32
60
536
536
424
Oktahydro-trimethyl-methanoazulene
<0.1
105
0
9
60
156
156
123
Oktahydro-dimethylazulene
<0.1
105
0
7
60
121
121
96
1-Methyl-4-(1,2,2<0.1
105
0
8
60
138
138
110
trimethylcyclopentylbenzene
Cedrol
<0.1
105
0
65
60
1,080
1,080
856
Patchouli alcohol
<0.1
105
0
17
60
285
285
226
Sum VOC on charcoal
4,154

DNPH
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Acrolein
Sum Aldehydes on DNPH

132

µg/unit
266
236
43
81
69
22
54
225
65
51
58
453
120

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstan
Air Concen- Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissiocevolume trationce
volume -tration -trationnamountamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
0.1
105
1
4.7
1.05
4,476
4,475
3,417
1,735
0.34
105
3
2.9
1.05
2,762
2,759
2,107
1,070
0.08
105
1
0.9
1.05
857
856
654
332
8,090

XAD-2
FurfuralFuranon
5-Methyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde
PhenolBenzene,1-ethenyl-3-methyl
3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentandione
2-Methylphenol
4-Methylphenol
Undecene
2-Methoxy-phenol
1H-Inden, 1-methylene
2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol
4-Ethyl-2-methoxy-phenol
2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol
Eugenol
Vanillin
1,5-Dimethyl-4-hexenyl-4methylbenzene
6-Ethenyl-6-methyl-1-(1methylethyl)-3-cyclohexene
Dibenzofuran
Diethylphthalate
Sum VOC on XAD-2

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstan
Air Concen- Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissiocevolume trationce
volume -tration -trationnamountamount
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
<0.1
140
0
6
60
101
101
80
43
<0.1
140
0
2
60
41
41
32
17
<0.1
140
0
3
60
54
54
43
23
<0.1
140
0
6
60
99
99
79
42
<0.1
140
0
1
60
13
13
10
5
<0.1
140
0
1
60
12
12
10
5
<0.1
140
0
1
60
11
11
9
5
<0.1
140
0
2
60
30
30
24
13
<0.1
140
0
1
60
15
15
12
6
<0.1
140
0
5
60
76
76
60
32
<0.1
140
0
2
60
26
26
20
11
<0.1
140
0
5
60
82
82
65
34
<0.1
140
0
2
60
35
35
28
15
<0.1
140
0
8
60
132
132
105
55
<0.1
140
0
1
60
15
15
12
6
<0.1
140
0
1
60
24
24
19
10
<0.1
140
0
1
60
22
22
17
9
<0.1

140

0

1

60

22

22

18

9

<0.1
<0.1

140
140

0
0

2
1

60
60

36
21

36
21
869

29
17
688

15
9
364

Background
Incense + background
IncenseSubstan
Air Concen- Substan
Air
Concen Concen Emissiocevolume trationce
volume -tration -trationnamountamount
GFF
ug
liter
µg/m3
ug
liter
µg/m3
µg/m3
µg/h
µg/unit
2.6-Dimethoxyphenol
<0.1
1,970
0
11
612
18
18
14
7
Vanillin
<0.1
1,970
0
44
612
71
71
56
30
2-Methoxy-4-1-propenylphenol
<0.1
1,970
0
16
612
27
27
21
11
d'Allose
<0.1
1,970
0
55
612
89
89
71
37
1-Methyl-n-vanillyl-2-phenethanamin
<0.1
1,970
0
16
612
27
27
21
11
Cedrol
<0.1
1,970
0
229
612
374
374
296
157
Cedrylpropylether
<0.1
1,970
0
612
0
0
0
0
2.6-Dimethoxy-2-propenylphenol
<0.1
1,970
0
60
612
98
98
78
41
4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl-2<0.1
1,970
0
60
612
98
98
78
41
methoxyphenol
Cedran-diol
<0.1
1,970
0
11
612
18
18
14
7
Desaspidinol
<0.1
1,970
0
27
612
45
45
35
19
Dimethylaminophenylmethanone
<0.1
1,970
0
44
612
71
71
56
30
Naphtalene
<0.1
1,970
0
2
612
3
3
3
1
Acenaphtylene
<0.1
1,970
0
1
612
1
1
1
0
Phenanthrene
<0.1
1,970
0
3
612
5
5
4
2
Sum VOC-aerosol on GFF
945
Sum TVOC-aerosol on GFF
600
612
980
980
Total aerosol on GFF

60

1,970

30

24,100612

39,37939,349133

Burning time for 1 stick/cone
Weight of incense
Measuring period in min.
Gram incense burned
Gram incense burned/hour
Total air volume m3
Temperature in glow

30 min.
0.36 g60 min.
0.68 g0.68 g0.79 m3
200- degrees
210

Gram incense burned, aldehydes
Measuring period in min., aldehydes
Gram incense burned/hour,aldehydes
Total air volume m3, aldehydes

0.13 g
11 min.
0.71 g

VOC emission, CHARCOAL:

3,290 µg/hour
4,838 µg/gram incense
1,742 µg/incense

VOC emission, DNPH:

6,178 µg/hour
8,713 µg/gram incense
3,137 µg/incense

VOC emission, XAD-2

688 µg/hour
1,012 µg/gram incense
364 µg/incense

Sum VOC (CHARCOAL+XAD2+DNPH):

10,156 µg/hour

0.14 m3

14,563 µg/gram incense
5,243 µg/incense
VOC emission, GFF:

748 µg/hour
1,101 µg/gram incense
396 µg/incense

TVOC emission, GFF:

776 µg/hour
1,142 µg/gram incense
411 µg/incense

Total aerosol emission, GFF:

31,164 µg/hour
45,830 µg/gram incense
16,499 µg/incense134Boxmodel 6 A

Catched concentrations of acrolein, formaldehyde and benzene during
burning of one incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour(bottom).
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

135Boxmodel 6 B

Catched concentrations of aerosol, divided on total aerosol, TVOC (total
volatile components) as vapour (gas) and aerosol during burning of one
incense stick (top) and by continuous burning for one hour (bottom). The
amount is given as mg/m3.
The model shows the course of concentration during evolution and removal
in a room of 20 m 3 with an air change of 0.5 times per hour.

136