Aromatherapy Aromatherapy Safety and Practice

Question 1

What is essential oil sensitization?

Accepted Answer

An immune system reaction causing increasing allergic responses to an oil with repeated exposure

Answer

Getting used to a scent over time

Answer

Becoming more sensitive to all smells

Answer

A temporary skin redness that goes away

Question 2

Which essential oils are phototoxic and require sun exposure precautions?

Accepted Answer

Expressed citrus oils (bergamot, lemon, lime, grapefruit) contain furocoumarins that cause severe skin reactions in sunlight

Answer

No essential oils are phototoxic

Answer

Only lavender is phototoxic

Answer

Phototoxicity only affects synthetic oils

Question 3

What is the proper storage method for essential oils?

Accepted Answer

In dark glass bottles, tightly sealed, in a cool place away from sunlight and heat

Answer

In clear plastic containers on a windowsill

Answer

In open containers for easy access

Answer

Storage method doesn't affect oil quality

Question 4

What essential oils should never be used on or around children under 2?

Accepted Answer

Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary (containing 1,8-cineole or menthol) can cause breathing difficulty in young children

Answer

All essential oils are safe for babies if diluted

Answer

Only synthetic fragrances are dangerous for children

Answer

No age restrictions exist for essential oils

Question 5

What is the shelf life of most essential oils?

Accepted Answer

1-5 years depending on the oil type; citrus oils oxidize fastest (1-2 years), while some oils improve with age

Answer

All essential oils last forever

Answer

Essential oils expire within 1 month

Answer

Shelf life depends only on the container

Question 6

What should you do if someone has an adverse reaction to an essential oil?

Accepted Answer

Remove the oil source, apply carrier oil to dilute (not water), ventilate the area, and seek medical attention if severe

Answer

Apply more essential oil to counteract the reaction

Answer

Rinse with cold water immediately

Answer

Ignore it as reactions always pass quickly