Incense
Incense is a product that creates a smell when it is burned. Incense poisoning can occur when someone sniffs or swallows liquid incense. This can be by accident or on purpose. Solid incense is not considered poisonous.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
The ingredients in liquid incense that can be harmful are:
- Aromatic oils
- Nitrates
- Nitrites (including amyl nitrite)
Where Found
Liquid incense is sold on the internet and in stores under a variety of brand names. Nitrates such as amyl nitrate may be sold as video head cleaners, liquid incense, air fresheners or deodorizers, or cleaning products, but they are also often purchased for the purpose of getting 'high.'
Liquid incense that is breathed in (inhaled) is often called a "popper."
Symptoms
elow are symptoms of liquid incense poisoning in different parts of the body.
EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT
- Blurred vision
- Burning pain in the throat
- Burns to the eye
HEART AND BLOOD
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
LUNGS
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
- Convulsions
- Euphoria, a feeling of intoxication
- Impaired judgment
- Seizures
- Stupor (decreased level of consciousness)
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
SKIN
- Blue skin or fingers
- Rash
Home Care
Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to. If the liquid incense is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the person swallowed liquid incense, give them water or milk right away, unless a provider tells you not to. DO NOT give anything to drink if the person has symptoms that make it hard to swallow. These include:
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- A decreased level of alertness
Before Calling Emergency
Have this information ready:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Take the liquid incense with you to the hospital, if possible.
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.
The person may receive:
- Blood and urine tests
- Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs, and a breathing machine (ventilator)
- Chest x-ray
- ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
- Endoscopy -- camera placed down the throat to look for burns in the esophagus and the stomach.
- Fluids through a vein (by IV)
- Laxatives
- Medicine called an antidote to reverse the effect of the poison
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well someone does depends on how much liquid incense they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.
Abusing liquid incense is as dangerous as taking other illicit drugs, and it may cause death.
References
Aronson JK. Nitrates, organic. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier B.V.; 2016:192-202.
Levine MD. Chemical injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 55.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 11/2/2023
Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
