Aroma Diffusers: Health Benefits Or Health Risks?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. While it has been used for centuries, there are concerns about the safety of essential oil diffusers. Essential oils are natural and plant-derived, but they can contribute to skin irritation, respiratory symptoms, and even hormone-related symptoms. The safety of essential oils depends on the person using them, and diffusers can malfunction or cause burns through incorrect handling. Inhaling essential oils can be harmful to some, causing asthma attacks, pneumonitis, and headaches. Essential oils can also be dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and pets.

Allergic reactions

If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using the product and consult a medical professional for further evaluation. Allergies to essential oils require strict avoidance, so it's important to identify the specific extract triggering the reaction.

People with a history of atopic dermatitis or reactions to topical products are more likely to experience allergic reactions to essential oils. Typical symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, redness, hives, itchiness, and skin swelling.

While essential oils can trigger allergic reactions, they can also help alleviate allergy symptoms. For example, peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which decongests a stuffy nose and relaxes the respiratory tract muscles, making breathing easier. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping the body fight off infection.

Lavender essential oil is another popular choice for managing allergies due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce swelling and discomfort triggered by allergens, providing relief from symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion. Additionally, the soothing aroma of lavender can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which is beneficial for individuals experiencing allergy-related discomfort.

In conclusion, while essential oils used in aroma diffusers can trigger allergic reactions, they can also be used to alleviate allergy symptoms when the correct oils are selected and used safely.

Asthma and respiratory issues

Aroma diffusers may be harmful to those with asthma or other respiratory issues. Essential oils are highly concentrated and emit strong odors due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including terpenes, toluene, and benzene. Terpenes have been associated with increased shortness of breath, especially in the evenings, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and peak expiratory flow variability in patients with or without asthma. There have been anecdotal claims of respiratory issues for people with or without asthma due to airborne irritants from various diffused essential oils.

VOCs within the diffused oils can affect indoor air quality, causing a similar level of pollution as air fresheners, scented candles, and incense. Poor indoor air quality can worsen existing respiratory symptoms from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. In addition, some essential oils are harmful to inhale or can irritate the skin. Their use on young children may cause severe irritation or could be poisonous if ingested.

Essential oils should never be the main treatment for asthma. For some people, aromatherapy may trigger symptoms. However, several oils have shown potential as alternative treatments for asthma symptoms. For example, clove essential oil may help reduce symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. A 2018 study showed that rosemary can reduce asthma symptoms in people who didn't see improvement from traditional treatments. Thyme may also reduce inflammation and support the health of lung cells, according to a 2021 animal study.

It is important to note that different people have different reactions to essential oils, so caution should be exercised when integrating them into your routine. Although they are widely considered safe, you should speak with your doctor to ensure you do not have an allergy. If your asthma symptoms worsen after using essential oils, stop immediately and contact your doctor before using them again.

Olfactory fatigue

In humans, olfactory fatigue can have implications for health and safety. For example, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas with a strong odour that can cause serious health issues, including pulmonary edema and central neurotoxicity. However, olfactory fatigue can set in at lower exposure levels, leading to a false sense of security as individuals become accustomed to the odour and no longer perceive it. This can result in prolonged exposure and potentially fatal consequences.

Device malfunction

While aroma diffusers are generally safe, there are some safety concerns regarding the devices themselves. Cheap, low-quality diffusers can malfunction, and any diffuser that uses an open flame or heat source poses a risk of burns. Electric diffusers that use water can also be problematic if stagnant water is left in the reservoir for long periods, as this can encourage the growth of microbes and bacteria.

If your diffuser is malfunctioning, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. Firstly, check that the diffuser is plugged into a power source and that the power adapter is securely connected to both the wall socket and the device. Ensure that you are using filtered, tap, or spring water, as distilled water can affect diffusion. Check the water level, as both overfilling and insufficient water can cause issues. If your diffuser uses a fan, make sure the vents are not blocked.

If your diffuser still does not work, the problem may be due to water or essential oil entering the device. If this is the case, unplug the diffuser, clean it, and remove any water or oil. Leave the diffuser to dry for at least a day before refilling and trying again.

It is important to clean your diffuser regularly, especially if it uses water, to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid cheap diffusers and opt for high-quality essential oils that are 100% natural, pure, and safe.

Harmful to pets and children

Aroma diffusers can be harmful to pets and children. Essential oils are highly-concentrated plant extracts that can be toxic to animals if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Cats are particularly susceptible to the dangers of essential oils due to their ability to climb and their propensity to groom themselves, which increases the likelihood of ingesting oil droplets from diffusers. Common symptoms of pet poisoning include excessive drooling, fatigue, confusion, weakness, muscle tremors, redness, inflammation, or burning around the mouth or tongue, pawing at the face or mouth, and vomiting.

Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang, are especially toxic to pets and can be fatal even in small amounts. Birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are also at risk from essential oil diffusers, as their respiratory tracts are very sensitive.

When used in a diffuser, the water vapor can carry oil droplets into the air, which can be inhaled by pets and children. This can lead to aspiration or pneumonia, and if used for long periods in a small area, other toxic effects can occur. Children under 30 months old can become agitated by certain oils, such as peppermint, and can have negative effects.

To minimize the risks associated with aroma diffusers and essential oils, it is recommended to keep pets and children away from the diffuser and to avoid using it in a small, enclosed space. Do not apply essential oils directly to pets or children, and seek veterinary or medical advice if any adverse effects are observed.

Frequently asked questions