Essential oils are increasingly popular in households, but they pose a significant risk to children when not used or stored properly. With the growing popularity of brands like DoTerra and an expanding network of online sellers, cases of children being poisoned by essential oils have surged alarmingly.
According to recent reports, between 2011 and 2015, incidents of toxic exposure to these oils doubled, with children being affected in an astonishing four out of five cases. Dr. Emily Carter, a specialist at the Tennessee Poison Center, explains that poisoning often occurs when a child attempts to swallow the oil, leading to choking and potentially causing pneumonia. Alarmingly, as little as half a teaspoon can result in serious harm. Additionally, children have suffered from skin poisoning due to improper application of essential oils.
While essential oils themselves are not inherently dangerous, their common use and storage methods can create hazardous situations. Many essential oils come in easily removable vials that lack child-proof caps. Their pleasant scents can entice children to taste them, only to find that the flavor does not match the aroma, leading to coughing and further complications.
“Many essential oils can cause rashes if applied to the skin,” notes PoisonControl.org. “Few have been tested rigorously like medicines, even though they are often ingested, applied topically, or used in children’s vaporizers.” Health Day has identified several essential oils, such as camphor, clove, and eucalyptus, as highly toxic. Symptoms of poisoning can range from agitation and hallucinations to more severe effects like chemical burns and liver failure.
It’s crucial to remember that anyone can sell essential oils. When purchasing from a friend on social media, it’s unlikely they have the professional expertise required to provide safe guidance. Anecdotal evidence from blogs may not substitute for the robust research that the FDA has yet to conduct on many of these products, which are often classified as “fragrances” or “cosmetics.”
In 2014, DoTerra faced scrutiny for promoting their oils as medicinal, leading the FDA to remind them that such claims are inappropriate without proper regulatory oversight. If essential oils are marketed for medicinal purposes, they should be packaged like medicines, complete with child-proof tops and clear warnings about their potential dangers.
Essential oils can indeed be toxic, especially to children. When storing them at home, treat them as you would any other hazardous substance—always keep them out of reach. For further information on safe practices and alternatives, you can explore this insightful article.
In conclusion, while essential oils can be beneficial, their use around children requires careful consideration and safe handling practices. Resources like Make a Mom and March of Dimes can provide valuable guidance on family planning and safe product use.
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