Essential oils can pose a significant hazard to children if not handled and stored properly. While many parents turn to these oils for their purported benefits, the unfortunate reality is that incidents of child poisoning due to essential oils are on the rise. The increasing popularity of brands like DoTerra, paired with the vast network of online sellers, has led to more oils finding their way into homes.
According to Health Day, between 2011 and 2015, the number of children exposed to toxic levels of essential oils has doubled, with a staggering four out of five cases involving kids. “Poisoning in children often results from ingesting the oil, which can lead to choking and aspiration into the lungs, resulting in pneumonia. It takes less than half a teaspoon to cause this kind of harm,” explains Dr. Emily Hart, a pediatric specialist at the National Poison Control Center. Children may also face risks from the inappropriate application of these oils to their skin.
The danger lies not in the essential oils themselves but in how they are typically used and stored. Many essential oils come in easily opened vials that lack child-proof caps. Their appealing scents can entice children to taste them, only to realize they don’t taste as pleasant. As noted by Poison Control.org, “Many essential oils can lead to skin rashes, and some can be toxic if absorbed through the skin or ingested.” Unfortunately, few essential oils have undergone the rigorous testing that medicines are subjected to, despite their common use in various ways, including ingestion and topical application.
Health Day highlights several essential oils known to be highly toxic, including camphor, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen. These oils can cause severe symptoms ranging from agitation and hallucinations to seizures, chemical burns, and even liver failure. It’s crucial to remember that anyone can sell these oils, so purchasing from an acquaintance or an online retailer might not guarantee safety or proper understanding of their use.
In 2014, DoTerra faced scrutiny for marketing its oils with medicinal claims. The FDA issued a warning stating that some of these products might be classified as prescription drugs due to their potential toxicity and the need for professional supervision during their use. If something is marketed as “medicinal,” it should be packaged with the same care as actual medicines, including child-proof caps and clear warnings. Just because these oils are derived from plants does not mean they are inherently safe.
To ensure safety, essential oils should be treated like any other potentially hazardous substance in homes with children—stored securely out of reach. For more information on safe practices, check out this informative post on Cervical Insemination.
In summary, while essential oils are often touted for their natural qualities, they can pose significant risks to children if not handled properly. Parents should be vigilant, understanding that these products can be harmful and must be stored safely.
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