Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)

Burning Arabian incense (Bakhour) is a common indoor practice in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf region. However, the chemical composition of this substance has never been studied. Three different Bakhour brands were selected for this study. A complete chemical profile for the raw samples was d...

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Main Authors: Yehya Elsayed, Sarah Dalibalta, Ioline Gomes, Nagelle Fernandes, Fareedah Alqtaishat
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2016-07-01
Series:Journal of Saudi Chemical Society
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319610314001598
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author Yehya Elsayed
Sarah Dalibalta
Ioline Gomes
Nagelle Fernandes
Fareedah Alqtaishat
author_facet Yehya Elsayed
Sarah Dalibalta
Ioline Gomes
Nagelle Fernandes
Fareedah Alqtaishat
author_sort Yehya Elsayed
collection DOAJ
description Burning Arabian incense (Bakhour) is a common indoor practice in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf region. However, the chemical composition of this substance has never been studied. Three different Bakhour brands were selected for this study. A complete chemical profile for the raw samples was determined using carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry techniques. A wide range of elements and compounds were identified, many of which are hazardous to health. Nitrogen was found in all samples which should raise concerns due to the known health implications of amines, nitrogen oxides and nitrites. In addition toxic metals such as cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc were also determined in all samples. The amounts of these metals are equivalent to those in raw tobacco, where they are known to pose health risks. Three types of solvents (acetone, dichloromethane and toluene) were used for the extraction of organic compounds. Carcinogens, toxins and irritants were found along others of different health implications. Isolation of these compounds provides preliminary evidence on the harmful consequences of being exposed to Bakhour.
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spelling doaj.art-3ddc92e1d147400caa766287d44a22ae2022-12-21T19:03:52ZengElsevierJournal of Saudi Chemical Society1319-61032016-07-0120446547310.1016/j.jscs.2014.10.005Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)Yehya ElsayedSarah DalibaltaIoline GomesNagelle FernandesFareedah AlqtaishatBurning Arabian incense (Bakhour) is a common indoor practice in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf region. However, the chemical composition of this substance has never been studied. Three different Bakhour brands were selected for this study. A complete chemical profile for the raw samples was determined using carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry techniques. A wide range of elements and compounds were identified, many of which are hazardous to health. Nitrogen was found in all samples which should raise concerns due to the known health implications of amines, nitrogen oxides and nitrites. In addition toxic metals such as cobalt, copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc were also determined in all samples. The amounts of these metals are equivalent to those in raw tobacco, where they are known to pose health risks. Three types of solvents (acetone, dichloromethane and toluene) were used for the extraction of organic compounds. Carcinogens, toxins and irritants were found along others of different health implications. Isolation of these compounds provides preliminary evidence on the harmful consequences of being exposed to Bakhour.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319610314001598BakhourArabian incenseChemical analysisHazardous materials
spellingShingle Yehya Elsayed
Sarah Dalibalta
Ioline Gomes
Nagelle Fernandes
Fareedah Alqtaishat
Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)
Journal of Saudi Chemical Society
Bakhour
Arabian incense
Chemical analysis
Hazardous materials
title Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)
title_full Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)
title_fullStr Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)
title_full_unstemmed Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)
title_short Chemical composition and potential health risks of raw Arabian incense (Bakhour)
title_sort chemical composition and potential health risks of raw arabian incense bakhour
topic Bakhour
Arabian incense
Chemical analysis
Hazardous materials
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319610314001598
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