Essential oil diffusers may cause pollution in home, says watchdog | Inquirer Technology

Essential oil diffusers may cause pollution in home, says watchdog

/ 05:06 PM April 30, 2020

essential oils

Image: IStock.com/ben phillips via AFP Relaxnews

Essential oil diffusers could be a source of pollution in the home, the French food and environmental safety agency warned Tuesday.

ANSES said the popular gadgets, which are supposed to purify and freshen air, could have some unpleasant side effects.

Article continues after this advertisement

It said that 1,400 cases of people being affected by the products were reported to anti-poison centers in France between 2011 and 2019.

FEATURED STORIES

Most cases were linked to accidents, like children ingesting oils.

However, undesirable effects were also reported from “normal use, with eyes, throat and the nose being irritated and also effects on breathing.”

Article continues after this advertisement

These irritations may be linked to phenols and ketones in the oils, which were “unsuitable” for use in air-freshening sprays and diffusers, ANSES said.

Article continues after this advertisement

However, the report said that most of the symptoms were “not serious and rapidly decreased when people were no longer exposed” to the chemicals. ANSES also poured water on claims that essential oils can help guard against the coronavirus, saying they offered no protection.

Article continues after this advertisement

It had earlier advised pregnant and breastfeeding women and people suffering from respiratory problems to avoid using oils entirely.

The agency stressed that air freshening diffusers which “emit volatile organic compounds (COV) could be a source of pollution” in the home, particularly when added to COV present in furniture and cleaning products.

Article continues after this advertisement

Even natural compounds like terpenes, which are present in ginseng, basil and cloves, can cause irritation, it said.

Three years ago another ANSES report found that air filters, ionizers and “cleansing” sprays could not be shown to be effective and could even sometimes be bad for health. RGA

RELATED STORIES:

Air pollution may increase risk of developing high blood pressure — study

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Atmospheric pollution could disrupt menstrual cycle function — study

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TOPICS: air pollution, coronavirus, Environment, France, Pollution
TAGS: air pollution, coronavirus, Environment, France, Pollution

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.