Essential oils can pose a significant risk to children if not handled and stored properly. Anything that can be ingested is potentially dangerous for little ones, and recent data shows a concerning uptick in emergency room visits due to essential oil poisoning among kids. The popularity of brands like DoTerra, coupled with the proliferation of online sales, has resulted in these oils becoming a common household item.
According to Health Day, incidents of toxic exposure to essential oils have doubled between 2011 and 2015, with children accounting for four out of five cases. “In children, poisoning often happens when they attempt to swallow the oil, which can lead to choking and aspiration into the lungs, resulting in pneumonia. It only takes a small amount—less than half a teaspoon—to cause this harm,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, a specialist at the Tennessee Poison Center. She also points out that using essential oils improperly on the skin can lead to poisoning as well.
While essential oils themselves can be safe, their common methods of application and storage can create dangerous situations for children. Many oils come in easily opened vials that lack child-proof caps. Their pleasant scents can entice children, leading them to ingest oils that they may later reject due to their taste.
As noted by Poison Control.org, “Many essential oils can lead to skin rashes or can be harmful if absorbed or ingested.” Alarmingly, the proper testing of these oils for safety is often lacking, despite their use in vaporizers, on skin, and even in mouth. Health Day identifies several essential oils, such as camphor, lavender, and tea tree, as highly toxic. These oils can cause a range of symptoms, including agitation, hallucinations, and even seizures.
Another critical point is that anyone can sell these oils. When purchasing from a friend on social media, it’s important to remember that they may not have any formal training in safe practices. Anecdotal blogs promoting the benefits of these oils do not replace scientific research, which is often limited due to the classification of these products as “fragrances” or “cosmetics.” In 2014, DoTerra faced scrutiny for marketing their oils with medicinal claims, prompting the FDA to remind them that such assertions are not permissible without proper oversight and regulation.
If a product is marketed as having medicinal benefits, it should be packaged and stored accordingly, with child-proof tops and clear warnings about potential hazards. The idea that natural products are inherently safe can mislead parents, as evidenced by the increasing number of ER visits related to these oils.
Essential oils can indeed be toxic, particularly for children. When storing these items in homes with kids, it’s crucial to treat them with the same caution as any other potentially harmful substance—keep them out of reach and ensure they are stored safely.
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Summary
The rise in essential oil poisoning cases among children highlights the need for greater awareness and caution. Essential oils should be stored safely, just like any household product that could pose a risk to kids. Parents must understand the potential dangers associated with these oils and treat them with the appropriate level of care.