A friend sent me two pieces of this to sample; it takes a bit longer to heat up, but it does not have chemical odors. In fact, this bamboo charcoal emits a pleasant, subtle fragrance of its own before incense is placed upon it.

LOVE THESE!!!!

I like the charcoal. I'd give the rating 4/5 stars because they are a lot smaller than anticipated which means I'd use them quickly or try alternative methods to not use the charcoal so quickly. I wish they were bigger in size so the resin could lay on top more securely. Overall, there is not toxic fumes released which is good.