Cardiology expert warns of three health risks from oud incense

Khaled Al-Nemer, professor of cardiology and arterial catheterization, has warned that burning oud incense—whether natural or enhanced—releases fine particles that enter the bloodstream directly, as well as carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds.

He added that studies on traditional Arabic incense have recorded concentrations of these substances comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, those found in cigarette smoke in similar environments, triggering inflammatory responses in lung cells.

Al-Nemer noted that documented health effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, sinuses, and throat, worsening of asthma attacks, and that the fine particles may enter the circulatory system and contribute to cardiovascular strain with repeated exposure.

He also emphasized that oud incense may not be suitable for every guest, cautioning that hosts risk harming their guests' health by disregarding their conditions, rather than improving their hospitality by excessive use of oud. True generosity, he said, lies not only in what is offered, but in considering guests’ comfort and well-being.