The Dangers Of Oil Diffusers
You are probably seeing them everywhere these days, oil diffusers.
They seem to be very popular and many stores have them on display, some are even running them with or without the essential oils added. Unfortunately if you are sensitive, have allergies, asthma or other lung issues etc... you're probably not a fan.
I know I'm not, for me at least there are some that aren't to bad but then there are those others that can take your breath away (the smell is so strong), or leave you sufficiently stuffed up with itchy watery eyes and a headache. But that's just me.
Different people can experience a wide range of different and extremely unpleasant symptoms. They can range from irritated itchy and watery eyes, nose and throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, lose of voice, coughing, shortness of breath, trouble breathing and even asthma attacks.
According to the Asthma And Allergy Foundation of America, there is no evidence that essential oils can help allergies or asthma.
As strange as it may seem some people are actually allergic to the very thing suggested to ease symptoms. Take lavender for example I've often seen it recommended for asthma, unfortunately it can cause a sever reaction and bring on an asthma attack in some people.
The problem with the strong odor of these oils is that they contain VOC's (volatile organic compounds). Studies have shown that lavender, tea tree and ecucalyptus when used in a diffuser release VOC's such as Benzene, Toluene, and Terpenes.**
They actually contribute to poor indoor air quality, making you feel sick especially if you suffer with allergies, asthma, etc... . And even if your not sensitive at first you can become sensitive or develop an allergy to these oils with constant continual use. If you do use them they should be used in well ventilated area's and kept away from children and pets. Many of these oils can be dangerous if ingested or used at full strength directly on the skin. So learn and be aware if you decide to use them.
I recently read a story about a woman who had been running her oil diffuser in her home and noticed that her dog was confused, lethargic and acting strangely. When she took him into the vet she discovered how serious things really were. As it turns out, the tea tree oil she had been using in her diffuser is extremely toxic to dogs. Thankfully in time he fully recovered thanks to her vet's good care.
So this cautionary tale made me wonder if we humans can experience reactions to these products. What kind of issues can our furry family members experience?
Well, according to the ASPCA it's best to avoid using oil diffusers anywhere your pets will be, especially birds because of their highly sensitive respiratory systems. Many will also include all exotic animals in this category as well.
Remember, our animals sense of smell is far better than ours and they might not appreciate or like these smells and if they have any respiratory issues these oils can also cause reactions in them as well.
It's also worth noting that concentrated oils should NEVER be applied directly to your cat. Their livers simply do not have the enzyme needed to break down the oil and this exposure can lead to toxicity.
The ASPCA and The Pet Poison Hotline lists the following oils as dangerous to our pets.*
Grapefruit Pine
Lavender Ylang Ylang
Lovage Peppermint
Lemongrass Cinnamon
Mint Pennyroyal
Mexican tea Clove
Spanish Thyme Tea Tree
Scented Geranium
Wintergreen
Sweet Birch
Dogs:
Eucalyptus Pine
Grapefruit Wintergreen
Lemongrass
Tea tree
Melaleuca
Mint
Pennyroyal
Sources:
*cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/health-essential-oils-pets-caution-1.4549013
*petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-dogs/
*petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-cats/
aspca.org/news/latest-home-trend-harmful-your-pets-what-you-need-know
community.aafa.org/blog/asthma-are-essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful
**aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/oil-diffusers-asthma
They seem to be very popular and many stores have them on display, some are even running them with or without the essential oils added. Unfortunately if you are sensitive, have allergies, asthma or other lung issues etc... you're probably not a fan.
I know I'm not, for me at least there are some that aren't to bad but then there are those others that can take your breath away (the smell is so strong), or leave you sufficiently stuffed up with itchy watery eyes and a headache. But that's just me.
Different people can experience a wide range of different and extremely unpleasant symptoms. They can range from irritated itchy and watery eyes, nose and throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, lose of voice, coughing, shortness of breath, trouble breathing and even asthma attacks.
According to the Asthma And Allergy Foundation of America, there is no evidence that essential oils can help allergies or asthma.
As strange as it may seem some people are actually allergic to the very thing suggested to ease symptoms. Take lavender for example I've often seen it recommended for asthma, unfortunately it can cause a sever reaction and bring on an asthma attack in some people.
The problem with the strong odor of these oils is that they contain VOC's (volatile organic compounds). Studies have shown that lavender, tea tree and ecucalyptus when used in a diffuser release VOC's such as Benzene, Toluene, and Terpenes.**
They actually contribute to poor indoor air quality, making you feel sick especially if you suffer with allergies, asthma, etc... . And even if your not sensitive at first you can become sensitive or develop an allergy to these oils with constant continual use. If you do use them they should be used in well ventilated area's and kept away from children and pets. Many of these oils can be dangerous if ingested or used at full strength directly on the skin. So learn and be aware if you decide to use them.
So this cautionary tale made me wonder if we humans can experience reactions to these products. What kind of issues can our furry family members experience?
Well, according to the ASPCA it's best to avoid using oil diffusers anywhere your pets will be, especially birds because of their highly sensitive respiratory systems. Many will also include all exotic animals in this category as well.
Remember, our animals sense of smell is far better than ours and they might not appreciate or like these smells and if they have any respiratory issues these oils can also cause reactions in them as well.
It's also worth noting that concentrated oils should NEVER be applied directly to your cat. Their livers simply do not have the enzyme needed to break down the oil and this exposure can lead to toxicity.
The ASPCA and The Pet Poison Hotline lists the following oils as dangerous to our pets.*
Cats:
Eucalyptus CitrusGrapefruit Pine
Lavender Ylang Ylang
Lovage Peppermint
Lemongrass Cinnamon
Mint Pennyroyal
Mexican tea Clove
Spanish Thyme Tea Tree
Scented Geranium
Wintergreen
Sweet Birch
Dogs:
Eucalyptus Pine
Grapefruit Wintergreen
Lemongrass
Tea tree
Melaleuca
Mint
Pennyroyal
*cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/health-essential-oils-pets-caution-1.4549013
*petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-dogs/
*petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-cats/
aspca.org/news/latest-home-trend-harmful-your-pets-what-you-need-know
community.aafa.org/blog/asthma-are-essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful
**aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/oil-diffusers-asthma
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