ISLAMABAD: Agarbattis (incense) are an important part of religious rituals. Its smell can make you feel calm. But, the smoke that emits out from the agarbattis can be more harmful than cigarette smoke and may also cause cancer.

According to the Chinese study, the smoke that comes out from agarbattis has tiny particles which disperse in air, contain toxic particles which can harm our body at a cellular level. A study confirmed that its smoke contain toxins like mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic that can lead to cancer, Health news reported.

This can cause a gene to mutate which leads to bring changes in the DNA. On breathing, it gets trapped in the lungs which can lead to an inflammatory reactions and cause irritation in the respiratory passage.

Agarbatti contain extra fine particles like artificial fragrances that can be dangerous for your body.