Essential Oils

What to do: Do not induce vomiting, as it increases risk that the oil may accidentally enter the lungs and cause life-threatening illness.

If the patient is not coughing or vomiting, you can give small sips of water. Call the poison center immediately (1-800-222-1222). Have the bottle or product name available for assessment if possible.

Symptoms: Risk for redness/irritation and in some cases, ocular injury

What to do: Rinse the eye for 5-15 minutes with water, then rest the eye for 1 hour without additional rinsing, medicated eyedrops, or bright lights. Call the poison center (1-800-222-1222) for further evaluation if any symptoms such as pain develop during or after the 1 hour rest period.

Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing; risk for severe, life-threatening breathing problems.

What to do: Do not induce vomiting, as this increases the risk of more oil entering the lungs and causing life-threatening breathing problems. Call the poison center immediately (1-800-222-1222) for recommendations. If the patient is unresponsive or having difficulty breathing, call 911.

Symptoms: Most essential oils are mildly irritating to skin and can cause redness/irritation/pain depending on the type, concentration of oil, and how long it is on the skin.

What to do: Remove any clothing that is wet with oil. Rinse the area of exposed skin with water and gentle soap for 5 minutes. Some specific oils may be absorbed through the skin and cause illness, so call the poison center (1-800-222-1222) after rinsing for additional evaluation.