Eucalyptus oil poisoning in childhood: 41 cases in south-east Queensland

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N J Webb1, W R Pitt

  • 1Emergency Department, Mater Misericordiae Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Oral eucalyptus oil poisoning in children is often asymptomatic, even with large ingestions. Most children recover well with gastrointestinal decontamination, suggesting eucalyptus oil may be less toxic than previously thought.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Assessing the toxicity of common household substances in pediatric populations is crucial for public health.
  • Eucalyptus oil is a widely available essential oil with potential for accidental ingestion by children.

Observation:

  • A retrospective analysis of 42 pediatric oral eucalyptus oil poisoning cases was conducted.
  • The majority of children (80%) remained asymptomatic, irrespective of the ingested volume.
  • Only a small number of children presented with symptoms, and none required advanced life support.

Findings:

  • No correlation was found between the volume of eucalyptus oil ingested and the presence of symptoms.
  • Gastrointestinal decontamination is recommended for significant ingestions or symptomatic cases.
  • Outcomes were generally favorable with minimal clinical complications.

Implications:

  • Eucalyptus oil may possess a lower toxicity profile in children than previously assumed.
  • Clinical management should focus on decontamination and supportive care for symptomatic cases.
  • Further research into the pediatric toxicology of essential oils is warranted.

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