Essential Oil Diffusers

OldDude · Apr 10, 2019

If your admin is that shallow, solid research isn’t going to have an effect on them. How about burning incense in every classroom? You can’t fix stupid. Just stick with the allergic reaction issue and litigation associated with the school introducing it into the environment, sit back, smile and wave.

BluebellRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

She's generally been receptive when it comes to evidence based research, so I'm not sure where this is coming from. In my first email I sent along links about health concerns and even an issue of litigation.

But you're right Old Dude, all I can do is sit back and wait for it to hit the fan if she wants to allow them. Ugh!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

I like this run down:

https://franklininstituteofwellness.com/essential-oils-classroom/

It points that consent from EVERY SINGLE parent may need to be obtained prior to use of them in the classrooms. This may be worth pointing out to your PTO - not worth the lawsuit.

OyWithThePoodles, RN · Apr 10, 2019

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/752.html this website states that people with ragweed and certain plant allergies may react to chamomile.

http://info.achs.edu/blog/debunking-dangerous-myths-about-essential-oils this one is proof that essential oils can in fact cause allergic reactions.

https://www.aaaai.org/ask-the-expert/oil-diffusers-asthma

Personally, I would not want a diffuser used in my kids rooms simply because when I tried them at home, they did not react well.

I feel like this opens them up for litigation simply because you and I know that not every single parent would be okay with this. Not even for the allergies and asthma aspect, but I can't handle strong smells, they trigger migraines. We have several students with pediatric migraines that this would negatively effect I'm sure.

BluebellRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

I hadn't even thought about migraines! I have a handful of students that are diagnosed, and a couple who have PRN meds for their migraines.

Thanks for the links! I have a suspicion that a PTO mom is an oil hun and is using this as an opportunity to make a sale.

OyWithThePoodles, RN · Apr 10, 2019

6 minutes ago, BluebellRN said:
I hadn't even thought about migraines! I have a handful of students that are diagnosed, and a couple who have PRN meds for their migraines.
Thanks for the links! I have a suspicion that a PTO mom is an oil hun and is using this as an opportunity to make a sale.

Jen's link had an important paragraph that kids inhale more than adults, making it more likely to "overdose" on essential oils. And that they should be ran for 15-20 minutes max, you know good and well they'd run them all day.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

I love all the evidence-based practice y'all shared here. Just say no to essential oils en masse at school!!!

BluebellRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

I noticed that time limit, and totally agree they'd be running all the time!

I discussed with my other district nurses as well, and this is something they've had to squash in their schools. Be nice if we could just get a district ban in place, but that'd be way too easy.

UrbanHealthRN, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2019

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/chemicalsodors.html

The CDC has quite a bit to share about all things fragrance-related.

https://www.poison.org/articles/2014-jun/essential-oils

Folks also need to remember that not all essential oils are safe for children.

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Apr 10, 2019

Just curious, why does the PTO want diffusers in classrooms? Seems like a strange issue to fixate on.

AdobeRN · Apr 10, 2019

13 minutes ago, LibraSunCNM said:
Just curious, why does the PTO want diffusers in classrooms? Seems like a strange issue to fixate on.

I agree with this ^^^^.

Seems like a waste of PTO money. As a parent I would be irritated that my time and money that I donated was spent on diffusers in the classroom instead of educational programs/items etc for the STUDENTS.