A medical doctor and health advocate, Dr. Jamila Aliyu Dikko, has raised concerns over the habitual use of incense, describing it as “very dangerous” due to toxic chemicals released when burned.
In a viral video from her programme, Dr. Dikko explained that many incense sticks are coated with synthetic fragrances containing phthalates, parabens, and other harmful substances.
According to her, when these materials are burned, they release smoke that can gradually damage lung cells.
She warned that the health impact may be comparable to smoking, or even worse in some cases, because users often inhale the smoke directly and repeatedly.
“Smoke is never good for the lungs, whether it smells nice or smells bad,” she said. “Inhaling smoke into your lungs is definitely going to damage your cells. And if you do that over time, it’s as good as smoking.”
Dr. Dikko further revealed that she is aware of at least three to four cases in Northern Nigeria where women developed lung cancer despite never smoking.
In one case, she said doctors initially assumed the patient was a smoker, until it was discovered she was a heavy incense user who regularly exposed herself to dense smoke.
She also pointed to benzene, a known carcinogen found in incense smoke, as a major health risk.
As a precaution, she advised that if incense must be used, it should be burned in well-ventilated, empty rooms and the space thoroughly aired out before re-entry.
She also recommended safer alternatives such as essential oil diffusers for home fragrance.
Dr. Dikko urged the public to treat indoor smoke exposure seriously, stressing that repeated inhalation over time could have long-term health consequences.
