Using MINDscents^© Safely

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, mild swelling, or itching.
  
  If irritation occurs, move to a well-ventilated area and discontinue use.
• Severe Symptoms: Hives, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis (rare but serious).
  
  If a severe reaction occurs, move to a well-ventilated area and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Redness, itching, or a mild rash at the contact site.
  
  

  If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly with soap and water and discontinue use.
• Severe Symptoms: Swelling, blistering, or intense itching.

  
  Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, or nasal congestion.
  
  

  If irritation occurs, move to a well-ventilated area and discontinue use. If needed, use asthma inhalers as directed by your doctor.
• Severe Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness.
  
  

  Seek emergency medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist. Move to a well-ventilated area and use asthma inhalers as directed by your doctor.

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
  
  

  Reduce exposure by using in a well-ventilated space or decreasing the intensity of the aroma.
• Severe Symptoms: Sensory and nervous system overload leading to agitation or withdrawal.
  
  

  Discontinue use and create a neutral sensory environment to recover, using regulation strategies that work for you.

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Watery eyes, redness, or a stinging sensation.
  
  

  Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water and avoid rubbing the eyes.
• Severe Symptoms: Persistent pain, swelling, or vision changes.
  
  

  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist after rinsing.

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Redness or mild burning after sun exposure.
  
  If you are unable to wash your hands after handling citrus-based products, avoid direct sunlight or use sunscreen.
• Severe Symptoms: Blistering or intense burning sensations.
  
  

  Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Reactions to Watch For:

• Mild Symptoms: Nausea, stomach pain, or mild vomiting.
  
  

  Seek medical advice and avoid further ingestion.
• Severe Symptoms: Drowsiness, confusion, or seizures.
  
  

  Call poison control or seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Essential Oils to Avoid Around Young Children

• Menthol-heavy oils like peppermint and eucalyptus can cause respiratory distress in young children.
• Cinnamon and clove oils are highly concentrated and can irritate sensitive airways and skin.
• Citrus oils like lemon, orange, and bergamot can cause photosensitivity if residue is accidentally left on hands and skin.

Essential Oil Toxicity to Pets

• Sensitivity to Scents: Cats and dogs have significantly more sensitive noses than humans, making them more susceptible to irritation or poisoning from essential oils. What smells pleasant to you can be overwhelming or harmful to them.
• Toxic Compounds: Oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are particularly dangerous for pets.
• Cats Are Especially Vulnerable: Cats lack certain enzymes in their liver that help process essential oil compounds, making them more prone to liver damage or failure when exposed.

• For Cats: Tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, citrus (e.g., lemon, orange, bergamot), pine, wintergreen, ylang ylang.
• For Dogs: Tea tree, cinnamon, peppermint, citrus, pine, wintergreen, ylang ylang, sweet birch.

Routes of Potential Harm

• Inhalation of Diffused Oils: Diffusers emit tiny oil droplets into the air, which children and pets can inhale. In small spaces or with prolonged exposure, this can cause respiratory distress.
• Contact with Skin or Fur: If oils are spilled or applied on your child's skin or pet’s fur, they can lick the area or touch their mouths, leading to ingestion.
• Ingestion of Essential Oils: Curious children and pets may be drawn to fragrant oils or passive diffusers, which can result in poisoning if licked or chewed. For example, a pet ingesting a discarded Sniff Strip^© or licking a surface sprayed with a Whiff Mister^©.

• A pet ingesting a discarded Sniff Strip^© or licking a surface sprayed with a Whiff Mister^©.
• A child handling a Passive Diffuser and accidentally rubbing their eyes or putting it in their mouth.
• Using strong aromas like peppermint or eucalyptus in a poorly ventilated room where children or pets cannot leave if overwhelmed.

Signs of Poisoning in Young Children and Pets

• Watery eyes or nose
• Redness or irritation of the lips, gums, or skin.
• Vomiting, drooling, or gagging.
• Difficulty breathing, including coughing, wheezing, or panting.
• Lethargy, tremors, or wobbliness.
• Low heart rate or body temperature.

What to Do If a Child or Pet is Exposed

• Inhalation: 
  Move the child or pet to fresh air immediately and ensure the space is well-ventilated.
• Ingestion: 
  Do NOT induce vomiting or give activated charcoal. Essential oils can adhere to the lungs or airways, causing further damage. Seek medical attention promptly.
• Skin or Fur Contact:
  Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water for children or use a pet-safe soap for animals. Avoid scrubbing, as this may cause additional irritation.

• For Children: Contact poison control or visit your nearest emergency clinic. Bring the product and packaging for identification.
• For Pets: Take them to a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic immediately. Bring the product and packaging in a sealed bag for reference.

Safety Precautions to Take

• Storage: Keep all essential oil products out of reach of children and pets.
• Ventilation: Use in well-ventilated spaces where children or pets can leave if they feel discomfort.
• Supervision: Always supervise use in shared environments, especially with young children or animals.
• Disposal: Properly dispose of used Sniff Strips^© and other product components to prevent accidental ingestion.

General Precautions to Take:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to oils like rosemary, clary sage, or peppermint unless approved by your doctor.
• Discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions and consult your healthcare provider.