Fragrance Oil Burners: Are They Safe To Use?

Fragrance oils are manufactured oils designed for their pleasant scents. They are often used in oil burners to scent a room. However, there are safety concerns about using fragrance oils in oil burners, as some fragrance oils are extremely toxic at 100% concentration. Additionally, fragrance oils are generally too heavy and don't mix well with water, which is typically used in oil burners. This article will explore the safety concerns of using fragrance oils in oil burners and suggest alternative methods for enjoying fragrance oils.

Fragrance oil burners: how to use them

Fragrance oils are manufactured scented oils, also known as burning oils or perfume oils. They are not essential oils, which are naturally occurring and have therapeutic benefits. Fragrance oils are often synthetic, allowing for a broader range of scents, and are usually cheaper.

Using a Fragrance Oil Burner

Place your oil burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable items and anything that could be damaged by oil. Never touch the burner while the candle is lit, and keep the bowl from going dry to prevent a burnt smell and smoke. Keep fragrance oils out of reach of children and never ingest them. Always supervise lit candles and never leave them unattended.

To use, fill the bowl with water and add 3-5 drops of fragrance oil. Alternatively, you can use fragrance oil wax melts. Place a lit tea light candle underneath. This will cause the water and oil to mix, evaporate, and fill the room with fragrance.

Safety Tips

• Be careful not to put too much oil into the burner, as this can cause throat and sinus irritation.
• Do not spray fragrance oils into the eyes of people or pets.
• Avoid getting oil on the base of a lightbulb that screws into a socket.
• Do not put oil on incandescent or halogen lightbulbs, as they can get very hot and burn.
• Some essential oils can cause negative reactions with skin contact. Always test on a small area first.
• Never take fragrance oils internally.
• Do not leave a lit burner unattended, and avoid overfilling the water or oil.
• If a fire occurs, do not use water. Cover the flame with a metal pan or use baking powder or salt to extinguish it.
• Regular cleaning is essential for safety.

Other Ways to Use Fragrance Oils

• Create your own air freshener by adding a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle.
• Add a drop of oil to the top of a lightbulb, which will scent the room as it heats up.
• Make dryer sheets by cutting a shirt into squares, adding a few drops of oil, and placing them in the dryer with your clothes.
• Add a few drops of oil to baking soda, shake onto your carpet, and vacuum after 30-60 minutes.
• Add a drop of oil to the insole of your shoes to cover unpleasant odours.
• Apply fragrance oil to stationery for a memorable romantic gesture.
• Freshen your drawers with fragrance oils by adding a few drops to a fabric sheet or cotton ball.
• Make a scented sachet for your drawers by adding a few drops of oil to baking soda and placing the mixture into a cloth pouch.
• Add fragrance oil to unscented shampoo or lotion.

Are fragrance oils safe to inhale?

Fragrance oils are manufactured oils developed for their pleasant scents. They are also called burning oils or perfume oils. They can be used in crafting, home scenting, perfumes, and creating a pleasant-smelling environment.

While fragrance oils smell nice, they can be dangerous when inhaled, especially in undiluted form, as they contain a number of caustic compounds. They can also be harmful in the event of skin contact or ingestion. Inhalation of fragrance oils can cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches. Skin contact can lead to rashes, itching, chafing, and chemical burns. Ingesting fragrance oils can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and a burning sensation in the stomach and abdomen. Continued use of fragrance oils without proper safety measures can result in long-term health issues, including cancer, lung disease, brain damage, and heart disease.

The main concern with fragrance oils is their potential to cause short- and long-term health problems due to the chemicals they contain. These chemicals can build up in the lungs, on the skin, or in the stomach, leading to diseases and poisoning. The specific chemicals of concern in fragrance oils include parabens, phthalates, synthetic musks, and petrochemicals and their byproducts, such as dioxin. Petrochemicals and their byproducts are known to cause serious health issues, including cancer and endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors interfere with growth, development, intelligence, and reproduction, and the damage can be irreversible and passed on to future generations.

To ensure safe use of fragrance oils, it is important to follow certain guidelines and take proper precautions. When handling fragrance oils, it is recommended to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect the eyes and skin. An apron made of leather or rubber can help prevent the oil from being absorbed through the skin. Keeping a fire extinguisher and a bowl of cold water nearby is crucial, as fragrance oils are highly flammable and can produce fast-spreading chemical fires. Masks can also be worn to reduce fume inhalation.

It is important to note that essential oils, which are naturally occurring and created through a process of distillation, are generally safer for inhalation and have therapeutic benefits. However, even essential oils should be diluted and used with caution, as some may trigger headaches or cause negative reactions in certain individuals.

The difference between fragrance oils and essential oils

While fragrance oils and essential oils share some uses, they are not interchangeable. There are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of.

Natural vs Synthetic

Fragrance oils are synthetically manufactured in a lab and are not natural products. They are designed to mimic the scent of natural products but contain artificial substances. In contrast, essential oils are entirely natural products, derived from natural plant materials. They are the 'essence' of a natural material, obtained from plant extracts or other natural sources via distillation or mechanical cold pressing.

Therapeutic Benefits

Essential oils are often used for aromatherapy and can provide various therapeutic benefits. They have been used to treat physical and mental ailments across many different cultures and throughout international medical history. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are ONLY designed to smell nice and do not offer any therapeutic benefits.

Scent Strength and Longevity

Fragrance oils tend to be stronger and more concentrated than essential oils, allowing for a more intense fragrance. They also have a longer-lasting scent and a better shelf life. Essential oils, being natural, tend to be lighter and may not disperse as efficiently.

Adverse Reactions

Due to their synthetic nature, fragrance oils can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. They may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients, so it's important to check the ingredients list and choose reputable brands. Essential oils, being natural, are generally safer, but some individuals may still experience adverse reactions, so it's recommended to perform patch tests.

Consistency

Essential oils are typically crafted in small batches and can vary from batch to batch. This makes it difficult to create consistent products. Fragrance oils, being synthetic, offer more predictable consistency.

Applications

Both essential oils and fragrance oils are used in soap, candles, perfume, bath bombs, and other scented items. However, essential oils are also used for aromatherapy, diffusion, decongestion, massage, skincare, haircare, and pain management.

Pros and cons of fragrance oil burners

Pros

• They are a great way to enhance the fragrance of your home, which can improve your mood.
• They are cheap, easy to find, and produce an excellent aroma.
• They are portable, robust, and can be used almost anywhere that is safe.
• They are a great way to make the environment of your house more inviting.
• They give your space a beautiful, long-lasting aroma.
• They are simple and easy to use.

Cons

• They require a lit candle, which means there is a naked flame in your home and a fire risk.
• Heating the essential oil changes the composition of the oil slightly, so you don't get as pure an aroma as when you inhale the oil at room temperature.
• There is a risk of being burnt, so be careful not to touch the bowl or spill the contents.
• They are not suitable for use in bathrooms.
• They should not be left unattended.
• They should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Safety measures to consider when using fragrance oil burners

Using fragrance oils in a burner is a great way to enhance the fragrance of your home and improve your mood. However, there are some safety measures you should consider when using them to avoid any hazardous situations. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Always use a high-quality oil burner made from ceramic, glass, or metal. Ensure it has a solid base and a bowl at the top to hold the oil and water.
• Place the burner on a flat, heat-resistant surface, such as a coffee table, countertop, or shelf. Avoid placing it near curtains or any flammable objects.
• When preparing the bowl, use a small amount of water and add 3-5 drops of fragrance oil. You can add a little more if you prefer a stronger scent, but don't overdo it.
• If using a tea light candle, ensure you keep the wick trimmed to avoid a tall flame that may cause the oil to burn too quickly or pop and fizzle.
• Electric oil diffusers are considered safer than burners as they don't require a naked flame. However, they are more expensive and come with a risk of electric shock, so keep them away from water and children and pets.
• Keep oil burners out of the reach of children and pets, and ensure they are placed on raised surfaces. Never leave them unattended, and put out the candle if you leave the room.
• Monitor the water level in the burner to ensure it doesn't dry up completely. If it gets low, blow out the candle, and refill the bowl with water and oil.
• Be careful not to touch the bowl or spill its contents, as the contents will be hot.
• Fragrance oils have a shelf life and can expire. Check for changes in smell, appearance, and consistency over time. Expired oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions, so it's best to avoid using them.

Frequently asked questions