Re liver toxicity from inhalation

[Guest guest]

What seems to have been ignored in the recent posts is the vital

question of VOLUME of exposure.

 

A fair amount of essential oil components are absorbed from the

respiratory tract so I would not want to be inhaling a lot of

synthetic oils daily. However, no harm will come from small amounts,

after all that's what most perfumes consist of and most scented

candles. There are also many products on the market containing methyl

salicylate.

 

There are cases known of allergic reactions to methyl salicylate via

inhalation, but that has got nothing to do with the issue of organic

damage. There are also a couple of cases where excessive inhalation

of essential oil vapours has caused severe allergic reactions.

However, those reports were where people had used several diffusers

every day in badly ventilated circumstances. The import thing is

once they stopped using the diffusers they were soon back to normal

with no apparent long term damage. Even those who have consumed

large amounts of pennyroyal and messed up their liver function short

term reverted back to normal after a few days. (See my web article

for more on that).

 

I am not aware of any cases of inhalation causing liver damage except

in those who work in in solvent laden atmospheres. Between the ages

of 21-25 I worked as a printer using toluene and several other highly

dangerous solvents. During my 8 hour shifts I was inhaling that

stuff in huge volumes, particularly in hot weather. In those days

ventilation was a joke and the air was so saturated we had automatic

CO2 extinguishers to put out any fires. I suspect this exposure has

caused me minor lung lining damage, but I have no liver damage. The

liver is the most highly regenerative organ we have and can sustain

enormous trauma. Provided it is no longer exposed to the damaging

substance it can repair itself; how long it takes depends a lot on

age and overall health. That's why Butch may have problems being as

he is so old, with a lifetimes exposure to cancer sticks and that

rotten Turkish beer

 

I have never heard of anyone in the bulk essential oils trade

suffering from liver damage from inhalation and they are exposed to

the fumes every day and in far higher amounts than any

aromatherapists is ever going to get. I have been soaked from head

to foot in pine oil when one a barrel decided to empty itself over my

head. I am still here-just!

 

I do not agree with aromatherapists using birch or wintergreen

because neither are 'natural' oils. Even when they are genuine,

methyl salicylate is not a natural substance in those plants,

therefore it is a man made chemical in my eyes. There are also

several hazards associated with its use. However, despite that, I do

not think anyone would suffer liver toxicity from the occasional

inhalation of these fumes. Like I said, the liver will quickly

repair itself anyway. So my advice has always been do not use it in

aromatherapy.

 

Lastly, I do know that the RIFM was hoping to do some research on

fragrance inhalation because of the concerns over aerosol

inhalation. They were seeking funding but I do know know if the

trade coughed up. In my opinion, anyone that uses hair spray

regularly inhales far more nasty stuff than from the worst essential

oils such as that toxic Tansy oil beloved of Young Living clones. If

anything is going to cause damage it is that stuff.

 

Martin

http://www.aromamedical.com