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The Rising Risk: Essential Oils and Kids’ Safety
Essential oils can be a delightful addition to any home, but when it comes to kids, they can pose a serious threat if not handled properly. It’s no shocker that there has been a significant increase in emergency room visits for children suffering from essential oil poisoning. With the surge of companies like DoTerra and a vast online network of sellers, these oils have become a common household item.
According to a report from Health Day, between 2011 and 2015, cases of toxic exposure to essential oils have doubled, with a staggering four out of five incidents involving children. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a specialist at the City Health Poison Center, explains, “Kids often accidentally swallow the oils, leading to choking and potentially causing them to inhale the substance which can result in pneumonia; and believe it or not, it only takes less than half a teaspoon to create such a risk.” In addition to ingestion, children have also been harmed by excessive or improper use of essential oils on their skin.
While essential oils themselves aren’t inherently dangerous, the typical way they’re stored and administered can create hazardous situations for little ones. Many oils come in easily removable vials lacking child-proof caps. Given their enticing scents, children might be tempted to taste them, only to find out they don’t taste nearly as nice.
Notably, “Many essential oils can cause rashes when applied to the skin. Some can be toxic if absorbed through the skin or ingested,” warns Poison Control.org. Unfortunately, these oils haven’t undergone the rigorous testing that medications do, despite their frequent use for various applications, including in children’s vaporizers. Health Day lists several essential oils as “highly toxic,” including camphor, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen. These oils can lead to symptoms ranging from agitation and hallucinations to severe issues like chemical burns or liver failure.
Another concern is that anyone can sell these oils. If you’re purchasing essential oils from a friend on social media, it’s likely they lack the qualifications of a licensed health professional. Anecdotes shared on blogs about these oils’ benefits don’t replace the need for scientific research. The FDA has largely avoided evaluating many of these oils, categorizing them as “fragrances” or “cosmetics.” In 2014, DoTerra faced scrutiny for claiming medicinal benefits, leading to the FDA reminding their sales team that health-related assertions were inappropriate. The FDA even informed one of the company’s founders that their products could be classified as prescription drugs due to potential toxicity and the dangers associated with their use.
If something is marketed as “medicinal,” it should be packaged like medicine—complete with childproof caps and clear warnings regarding its risks. Just because something is labeled as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Parents must be aware that essential oils can be dangerous, and as seen in the rising number of ER visits, proper storage is crucial. Treat these oils with the same caution you would apply to any hazardous household product—keep them out of reach of children.
For more insights on safe practices and handling essentials, check out our other blog post here. And if you’re looking for reliable products, visit Make a Mom for expert recommendations. For anyone navigating the world of pregnancy and fertility, Johns Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources.
In summary, essential oils can be appealing, but they present significant risks to children if not stored and used properly. With increased awareness and caution, we can help ensure our homes remain safe spaces for our little ones.