Essential Oil Diffusers

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

16 minutes ago, LibraSunCNM said:

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

That's why I'm thinking this is being spearheaded by a PTO mom who sells oils. The diffusers in each classroom was sandwiched right in the middle of this whole list of educational things they are planning to purchase. Everything else on the list sounds normal.