Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Effects on Indoor Air Quality of Burning Chemicals (Scented Candles and Incense Sticks)

태우는 생활화학제품(향초와 인센스 스틱)의 사용이 실내 공기질에 미치는 영향

  • Eun-Ah Park (Department of Health, Environment & Safety, Eulji University) ;
  • Seungyeon Eo (Department of Health, Environment & Safety, Eulji University) ;
  • Yerin Oh (Department of Health, Environment & Safety, Eulji University) ;
  • Na-Youn Park (Department of Health, Environment & Safety, Eulji University) ;
  • Myoungho Lee (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Younglim Kho (Department of Health, Environment & Safety, Eulji University)
  • 박은아 (을지대학교 보건환경안전학과) ;
  • 어승연 (을지대학교 보건환경안전학과) ;
  • 오예린 (을지대학교 보건환경안전학과) ;
  • 박나연 (을지대학교 보건환경안전학과) ;
  • 이명호 (서울대학교 보건대학원 환경보건학과 ) ;
  • 고영림 (을지대학교 보건환경안전학과)
  • Received : 2023.11.27
  • Accepted : 2024.01.22
  • Published : 2024.02.28
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Abstract

Background: The use of scented candles and incense sticks, both of which are household products that are burned for indoor deodorization and calming effects, is increasing. Fine dust has been designated as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect air pollution and can cause diseases. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect on indoor air quality by measuring PM2.5 and VOCs generated when burning scented candles and incense sticks. Methods: Scented candles and incense sticks were selected as household products to burn. As for the target sample, top-selling products (five types of scented candles, five types of incense sticks) were purchased online. The PM2.5 concentration according to time was measured immediately next to the sample and three meters away from each other in an enclosed space using a real-time aerosol photometer. VOCs were collected as samples under the same conditions using Tenax tubes and were quantitatively analyzed by TD-GC/MS. Results: In the case of scented candles, the concentration of PM2.5 did not increase during combustion and after being extinguished by placing a cover on the candle. For the incense sticks, the concentration of PM2.5 averaged 1,901.27 ㎍/m3. After burning scented candles and incense sticks, some VOCs concentrations were increased such as ethyl acetate and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene). Conclusions: Therefore, when using scented candles, extinguishment by placing a cover on the candle can be expected to reduce PM2.5. It is advisable to avoid using incense sticks because PM2.5 concentration increases from the start of combustion.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 결과물은 환경부의 재원으로 한국환경산업기술원의 생활화학제품 안전관리 기술개발사업의 지원을 받아 연구되었습니다(2022002970005).

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