Impact of Prolonged Heavy Incense Smoke Exposure on Pulmonary Function Assessed by Spirometry in Chinese Temple Workers

Background Burning incense is a common practice in Chinese temples during religious ceremonies. The incense smoke contains cytotoxic substances such as Volatile Organic Compounds and PM2.5, which can harm respiratory cells and tissues and trigger inflammatory responses involving IL-6 and COX-2. However, there are limited studies that have specifically assessed the impact of prolonged exposure to heavy incense smoke on pulmonary function, as measured by spirometry, in Chinese temple workers. Research Objectives: To examine the impact of prolonged heavy incense smoke exposure on pulmonary function assessed by spirometry in Chinese temple workers. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional, analytical comparative design with unpaired categorical data, conducted in January 2025. Participants were recruited through a research questionnaire, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. They were informed about the spirometry testing process and performed the test under the supervision of trained enumerators. Data were processed and analysed using SPSS Statistics version 30.0, with chi-square tests applied to examine associations. Results Among 51 subjects, 82.4% exposed to heavy incense smoke showed decreased lung function. Spirometry indicated 56.9% had restrictive, 9.8% obstructive, and 33.3% normal lung function. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between heavy incense smoke exposure and reduced lung function (p < 0.001; OR = 8.56). Additionally, after stratification for incense exposure, male gender (p = 0.002; OR = 21) and smoking behaviour (p = 0.003; OR = 70) were also significantly associated. Conclusion A significant relationship was found between exposure to incense smoke and lung function. Chinese temple workers with heavy incense smoke exposure are 8.56 times more likely to have reduced lung function. Additional influencing factors to decreasing lung function in heavily exposed workers to incense smoke include smoking behaviour and gender.