Is backflow incense safe? Smoke, pets, children and fire

Backflow incense is still incense, so it isn't risk-free. It produces smoke and fine particles just like normal cones and sticks. The waterfall effect doesn't change that. If you choose to burn it, the sensible approach is the same as for any incense: ventilate the room, keep it away from children and pets, use a stable heat-resistant burner, and never leave it unattended.

This guide sets out the practical points. It isn't medical advice. If you have specific health worries, speak to a doctor, or a vet for your pets.

Smoke indoors

What's in incense smoke

When incense burns, it releases smoke. Smoke contains fine particles and other combustion products. That's true of every kind of incense, whatever the brand, scent or price.

Backflow smoke looks different because it sinks, but it's the same smoke. It still spreads through the room over time.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the most useful thing you can do.

• Burn incense in a reasonably sized room, not a small closed space.
• Air the room after burning. Open a window for a while once the cone is out.
• If you want a draught-free spot for the backflow effect, keep the burner away from the window but open one elsewhere in the room or the house.
• Don't burn cone after cone for hours. One cone typically burns for around 10–15 minutes, depending on size. That's plenty for most people.

There's a trade-off here. Backflow works best in still air, but you also want fresh air. Positioning the burner in a still corner and ventilating afterwards gets you both.

People with breathing problems

If you, or anyone you live with, has asthma or another breathing condition, ask a doctor before burning incense indoors. The same goes during pregnancy or if there's a newborn in the home.

Pets

We often get asked whether backflow incense is safe for cats or dogs. We can't tell you it is, and we won't describe any incense as "safe for cats" or "pet-friendly".

What we can say:

• Pets share your air. They're often smaller and spend more time close to the floor, which is where backflow smoke tends to settle.
• Birds are especially sensitive to airborne particles. Many owners avoid burning anything in the same room as birds.
• Keep it out of reach. A curious cat on a shelf or a dog's tail at coffee-table height can knock over a lit burner.
• Give them a way out. Don't burn incense in a room where a pet is shut in.
• Ask your vet. If your pet has breathing problems, asthma, or is elderly, talk to your vet before burning incense at home.

Children

• Keep lit incense and burners well out of reach, on a high, stable surface.
• Store unburnt cones and lighters where children can't get to them. Cones aren't food, and small children put things in their mouths.
• Don't let children light or handle burning incense.
• Burners can be hot on top for a while after the cone goes out. Let them cool before anyone touches them.

Fire safety

A backflow cone smoulders rather than flames, but it's still a burning object.

• Never leave it unattended. Stay in the room until the cone is fully out. Don't burn incense when you're going to sleep or leaving the house.
• Use a proper burner. Resin and ceramic burners are designed to hold a smouldering cone. Don't improvise with plastic, wood or paper.
• Stable, heat-resistant surface. Place the burner on a tile, coaster or tray, on a level surface where it can't tip.
• Clear space around it. Keep it away from curtains, books, cards, dried flowers, Christmas decorations and anything else that could catch.
• Check it's out. Before you empty the burner, make sure the cone and ash are fully out and cold.

Ash and residue

Cone burners and ash catchers help keep hot ash contained. Ash can stay hot for a while after the glow seems to have gone, so let it cool completely before tipping it into the bin.

Some backflow burners leave a light oily residue on whatever they sit on. A coaster or tray protects your furniture and makes cleaning easier. See how to clean a backflow incense burner.

Storing cones

• Keep unburnt cones sealed, in a dry cupboard, out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep them away from heat sources.
• Store lighters and matches separately and safely.

Dry storage also helps the cones work better. Damp cones are a common reason backflow incense stops working.

A quick safety checklist

Before you light:

• Is the room ventilated, or can you air it afterwards?
• Is the burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface?
• Is it out of reach of pets and children?
• Is anything that could burn well clear of it?
• Will you be in the room until it's finished?

If the answer to all of those is yes, you're taking the sensible precautions.

What we do and don't claim

We sell backflow incense for its scent and for the look of the flowing smoke. We don't make any claims about health, wellbeing, sleep or stress, and we don't call any incense non-toxic. If you've seen those claims elsewhere, treat them with caution.

Further reading

• How to use a backflow incense burner
• How backflow incense works

Browse our backflow incense burners, backflow cones, or cone burners and ash catchers. Everything ships from a UK warehouse; see delivery and returns.