Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions of burning incense have been investigated on the quality of surrounding air. However, thereduction of PM and PAHs from burning incense has received little attention. In the present study, two types of incense were made in the laboratory. Five to thirty percent of Asiatic Clam Shell (ACS) was added to Liao and Chen wood flours, which are popular incense materials. Experimental results indicate that the reduction of emissions of PM and PAHs from burning incense increased with increasing amount of ACS additive. Mean PM reductions for 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0% of ACS were 11, 15, 26, and 40%, respectively. Mean PAH reductions were 9, 15, 22, and 28% for particle-phase PAHs, respectively, and 5, 21, 22, and 30% for benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration, respectively. These results may be attributed to ACS acted as filler in the burning incense. ACS was substituted for organic material in the incense reducing PM and PAHs emissions from the smolder. The findings of this study may serve as a guide to producing safer and less-polluting incense.

Key words: Incense, Asiatic Clam Shell, PM, PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration.