people also burn incense to worship gods or their ancestors and in
ritual praying for fortune and good luck in temples or their residences.
However, Brauer et al. [1] reported that fragrant incense,
incense smoke, and cooking smoke are primary sources of indoor
particles. The smoke and fragrance emitted fromburning incense are
not easily dispersed indoors. In addition to the 11,573 legally registered
temples in Taiwan (a density of 1 temple per 2000 residents/
262 ha), unregistered temples, altars, and household-scale worship
tables are commonplace [2]. Therefore, burning incense has resulted
in potential allergenic species existing in indoor environments.
Allergy-causing substances, or allergens, can be airborne substances
(e.g., pollens, dust, smoke, chemicals) or other agents. Allergens can
affect the respiratory systemandmay also act on the gastrointestinal
tract, causing asthma, hay fever, nausea and vomiting.