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

Sensitization is an immune-mediated allergic reaction where repeated exposure to an essential oil triggers increasingly severe responses (contact dermatitis, breathing difficulty) that can become permanent.

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

Cold-pressed citrus oils (especially bergamot) contain furocoumarins that react with UV light, causing phototoxic reactions (severe burns, blistering, hyperpigmentation). Distilled citrus oils are generally not phototoxic.

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

Essential oils degrade when exposed to light, heat, and oxygen. Dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue), tight seals, and cool storage temperatures (below 75°F) preserve chemical integrity and extend shelf life.

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

Oils high in 1,8-cineole (eucalyptus, rosemary) and menthol (peppermint) can cause respiratory distress, laryngospasm, and breathing difficulty in young children and should be avoided under age 2-6.

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

Citrus oils have the shortest shelf life (1-2 years) due to limonene oxidation. Most oils last 2-3 years when properly stored. Some oils (sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver) can improve over many years.

Aromatherapy Practice Test

Aromatherapy Practice Test

Aromatherapy Aromatherapy Safety and Practice