Fragrances and aromatic oils for well-being
For many people, fragrances and aromas awaken joy for the Christmas season and are feel-good factors for a contented attitude to life within one's own four walls. However, it should be borne in mind that fragrances can also have negative effects on human health.
Some fragrances as well as undiluted oils can cause allergies, skin irritations, cramps but also unpleasant complaints such as headaches. The number of fragrance allergies to essential oils is continuously increasing. The German Allergy and Asthma Association reports that fragrances are the second most common trigger of contact allergy after nickel. However, natural essential oils also have healing effects and can be used, for example, to reduce inflammation, to increase concentration or to calm down in stressful situations. The use of fragrance oils should be done with care and diluted in a suitable fragrance lamp in the right concentration.
Natural oils
When buying, look for indications such as "naturally pure", "natural", "synthetic" or "nature-identical", as these designations can be indications of quality and purity. Naturally pure oils are of very high quality and consist of 100% of the respective parent plant. Natural oils consist of a mixture of different natural oils. Synthetic oils are produced in a laboratory - without natural raw materials.
Tip: For a healthy and pleasant room climate, it is in any case sensible and necessary to air living spaces sufficiently!
Coloured fragrance lamps with different patterns are fascinating for small children, which can be very dangerous. If swallowed or inhaled, small amounts can cause serious damage to health and lead to late effects. If a child has swallowed lamp oil, it should not be vomited. If vomited, there is a risk of severe lung damage. In emergencies, immediately contact the ambulance (144) and the Poisoning Information Centre (VIZ) of the Austrian Federal Institute of Public Health at the emergency number: +43 1 406 43 43.
"Die Umweltberatung" has provided extensive information on essential oils and fragrances on its homepage, which you can access under this link: https://www.umweltberatung.at/themen-wohnen-weihnachten/weihnachtsduft-in-jedem-raum-44342
In addition, the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, together with "die Umweltberatung", has published a brochure on essential oils with information on labelling, hazard pictograms and legal information. You can order it free of charge by e-mail at v5@bmk.gv.ator download it from the link https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/klima_umwelt/chemiepolitik/publikationen/aetherische-oele.html