Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in humans

As Lee noted, there is potential for a diffusing device to malfunction or burn the user through incorrect handling, so many people choose to avoid styles that involve use of an open flame for safety reasons.

Not surprisingly, these tend to be the least expensive type of diffuser.

Still, that doesn't mean the other types are perfectly safe. Although Lee doesn't tell patients which type of diffuser to use at home, he is leery of ultrasonic diffusers that employ a water reservoir to function.

Is diffusing essential oils safe for dogs

"Like other water-containing home machines (like a CPAP), they can be difficult to clean and encourage growth of microbes," he explains.

And Lee would never recommend using essential oils in a health care setting.

"In 2016, patients' families in an ICU in Austria shared a bottle of essential oil, resulting in the spread of a multidrug resistant strain of bacteria," he recalls. Fortunately, the outbreak was handled appropriately, and infection peaked at seven people.

Diffusers can also be a risky proposition for

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