Essential Oil Ingestion or Exposure
Content reviewed against published Poison Control, AAP, NIH guidelines
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Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be toxic to children even in small amounts. Ingestion, skin exposure to undiluted oils, or inhalation can cause serious symptoms including seizures, liver damage, and respiratory distress. Call Poison Control immediately.
Immediate actions
- May not require 911 — see guidance below
- Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately
- DO NOT: Do NOT induce vomiting — essential oils are a high aspiration risk and can cause chemical pneumonia if inhaled into lungs
Step-by-Step Response
Remove source
Take the essential oil bottle away. If oil is in the mouth, have child spit it out (do not induce vomiting). Wipe any visible oil from lips and skin around mouth.
Identify the oil
Note: specific oil name, brand, concentration (pure vs. diluted), estimated amount ingested, and time. Some oils are much more toxic than others.
Call Poison Control
Call 1-800-222-1222. Highly toxic oils include: wintergreen (methyl salicylate), camphor, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, clove, and tea tree oil. Any ingestion needs professional guidance.
For skin exposure
Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Watch for skin irritation, redness, or burns. Some oils cause photosensitivity (burns in sunlight).
For eye exposure
Flush with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes. Do not rub the eye. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Monitor for symptoms
Watch for: coughing/choking (aspiration), drowsiness, seizures, vomiting, rapid breathing, unsteady walking, or skin irritation. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours.
Go to ER if directed
Bring the essential oil container. Some oils (especially wintergreen) can cause toxicity with amounts as small as one teaspoon in a child.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT induce vomiting — essential oils are a high aspiration risk and can cause chemical pneumonia if inhaled into lungs
- ✕Do NOT give milk or water unless directed by Poison Control
- ✕Do NOT dismiss a small ingestion — some oils are toxic in very small amounts
- ✕Do NOT apply undiluted essential oils to children's skin
- ✕Do NOT use essential oil diffusers in rooms with infants or children with respiratory conditions
- ✕Do NOT assume "natural" means safe for children
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Child is having a seizure
- Child is having difficulty breathing or coughing persistently (possible aspiration)
- Child is unresponsive or extremely drowsy
- Child ingested wintergreen oil (contains methyl salicylate — extremely toxic in small amounts)
- Child ingested camphor oil and is showing any neurological symptoms
Go to ER if:
- Poison Control directs you to go
- Ingestion of any amount of wintergreen, camphor, or pennyroyal oil
- Child is coughing, gagging, or drooling after ingestion (aspiration risk)
- Seizure activity or altered consciousness
- Significant ingestion (more than a lick) of any concentrated essential oil
- Persistent vomiting after ingestion
Call your doctor if:
- Minor skin irritation from diluted essential oil exposure
- Child was near a diffuser and has mild cough or irritation
- Follow-up after Poison Control consultation
Age-Specific Guidance
0-6 months
Infants are most vulnerable to essential oil toxicity. Even diffused oils can affect breathing in young infants. Never apply essential oils to infants. A small taste can be dangerous.
6 months - 2 years
Children at this age will taste anything. Essential oil bottles are small and appealing. Eucalyptus and camphor can cause seizures in small amounts. Keep ALL oils locked away.
2-5 years
Curious children may open bottles and taste. Wintergreen oil (smells like candy) is extremely dangerous — less than 1 teaspoon can be fatal in a young child. Camphor-containing products (some vapor rubs) are also concerning.
Prevention
- Store all essential oils in locked cabinets — treat them like medications
- Keep bottles with child-resistant caps tightly closed
- Never leave essential oil bottles within reach of children
- Do not apply undiluted essential oils to children under any circumstance
- Use extreme caution with diffusers around children — ensure adequate ventilation
- Do not use essential oils on or near infants under 3 months
- Educate caregivers that "natural" does not mean safe for children
- Be aware that many essential oils look and smell attractive to children
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for essential oil ingestion or exposure?
What should I do first?
What should I NOT do?
How can I prevent this?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Emergency Guides
Bottom line
Stay calm and follow the steps above. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.