Safety Guidance: Essential Oils



Safety Guidance: Essential Oils & Absolutes.

Copyright ( Tony Burfield Sept 2002.

On receipt of goods: Read label/instructions on container/label. Note hazard code (if any). The following symbols may apply: Xi: Irritant, Xn: Harmful R10: Inflammable liquid etc. A larger list and their meanings can be found on Aroma- Read accompanying literature (such as a Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS) - your supplier is legally required to supply you with appropriate safety information. If you do not understand the information, you are within your rights to ask the supplier to re- supply it in a form you are able to comprehend.

General notes. Most offered essential oils are safe to use for the purpose intended in a domestic/ professional/clinical environment, if correctly used according to specific direction or recommendation of professional bodies. Information on the recommended uses of perfumery raw materials for IFRA members, and any restrictions or prohibitions which might apply to their use, can be found on the IFRA website ifra-. Essential oils themselves are isolated volatile compounds from vegetable matter, composed of natural chemical components. As such they are concentrated materials, and are not necessarily intended for oral consumption unless specifically so directed by a physician. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and where possible use bottles with fixed integral droppers and so help prevent misadventure situations i.e. children inadvertently consuming contents of containers.

Do not apply to, or use near the eyes. If accidents occur, see remedial action section below. Please also note that it may be a legal requirement, in professional settings, to have an eye-wash bottle (preferably full of sterile isotonic salt solution) of an approved design to hand in a place where oils are routinely handled in case of accidents, as well as a file of MSDS sheets on all materials handled.

Use the appropriate personal protection demanded for the situation in which you are working e.g. lab coat, goggles, latex safety gloves etc. You should have already determined what is appropriate for your situation this in the Safety Audit that you should have carried out for your working environment. If you are unsure how to do this, seek the advice of local Health and Safety Officials. Remember in any situation, that you are your own Safety Officer! You have a duty of care for safety matters both to yourself and to others around you!

Safety in use of essential oils: Risk of skin sensitivity reactions/ chronic or sub-acute toxicity problems from constant use of same oil(s) over several weeks, months or years by can be reduced by varying choices of oils used.

Oils that are Toxic

The following oils are recommended not to be used in natural perfumery on toxicity grounds:

Boldo leaf, Calamus, Chenopodium, Croton, Horseradish, Mustard, Savin, Sassafras. This is not an exclusive list, so please seek further advice if you are unsure of safe use for individual oils.

Oils that cause Sensitivity

The following oils are know to cause sensitisation effects: Anise (sometimes), Cade, Cassia, Cinnamon bark, Citronella (sometimes), Costus, Elecampne, Fig leaf absolute, Laurel leaf (sometimes), Massioia oil, Oakmoss, oxidised oils especially those of Pine, and the Citrus oils, those Oakmoss and Treemoss qualities which are not IFRA compliant (seek advice from your supplier or consider substituting Cedarmoss absolute), Verbena qualities, Tea seed oil.

Eventual adoption of the 7th Amendment to the Cosmetic Act will result in a requirement to label those retail products containing a perfume containing any of the identified 26 raw materials stipulated in the legislation. These materials are alleged to cause skin sensitivity, or to be harmful in other ways and many essential oils will be involved by this legislation. Adherence to the current CHIP (I, II and III) regulations is also imperative for retail sale products containing fragrance. More information may be obtained from your raw material supplier, or from Aroma-.

Oils that cause Irritant effects.

The following oils are known to cause irritant effects on individuals with ”normal” skin. Birch, Boldo, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove oils, Fig Leaf, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Juniper oils, Massioa, Mustard, Peppermint, Pepper oils, Pimento leaf, Terebinthe Thyme, Verbena, Wintergreen. Note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure of the properties of an essential oil, again, seek expert advice before use.

Oils that may cause problems with diseased, hyper-sensitive or damaged skin:

Anise (sometimes), Benzoin, Cade, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon bark, Citronella (sometimes), Clove oils, Costus, Elecampne, Fig leaf absolute, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Juniper oils, Laurel leaf, Oakmoss, Orange, Oxidised oils especially Pine and Citrus oils, Savoury, Tea seed oil, Thyme Treemoss, Verbena. Again, this is not an exhaustive list. If problems occur with using any oil on the skin, try an alternative, or take a complete break from usage for a while.

Oils that are Phototoxic

If these oils are applied to the skin and exposure to bright light/UV lamps/sunshine occurs within the next 24 hours, phototoxic effects may occur (burning, dermatitis etc)

Angelica root, Bergamot oil expressed, Cumin, Fig leaf absolute, Ginger, Grapefruit oil expressed, Lemon oil expressed, Lime oil expressed, Mandarin oil expressed, Opoponax, Orange oil bitter, Tagete, Rue, Verbena.

Pregnancy.

Exposure to essential oils should be avoided or minimized during pregnancy, especially during the first few months. Remember many of the components of essential oils, once they appear in the bloodstream, are probably capable of crossing the placenta. Since we are largely unsure of de-toxicification routes in foetal development, no “expert” is capable of guaranteeing 100% safety following short or long-term exposure.

Interaction with medication.

It is known that certain essential oils can cause problems with patients taking medication, especially those taking anti-coagulant and anti-depressive drugs. Until you have consulted your physician, or have otherwise sought expert advice, avoid undue exposure to essential oils.

Accidents:

Inhalation: In the unlikely event of over-exposure, remove from site to fresh air. Keep at rest. Obtain medical attention.

Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 mins. Contact a doctor if symptoms persist. N.B. The use of milk of vegetable oil is sometimes advised to aid removal: whilst this advice may be effective, but conflict with official recommendations, laying helpers at an accident scene in a difficult legal position if lasting damage were to occur from the accident.

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothes. Wash affected areas thoroughly with soap & water, flush with plenty of water. It may be useful to first mop off affected areas with an absorbent cloth. Sometimes a base cream may assist oil removal from the skin. Avoid touching the eyes or mucous membranes with contaminated hands. If irritation persists, seek medical advice. Note section on oils not to be applied to skin, and treat symptoms symptomatically.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth out with water. Seek medical advice immediately.

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