Is Citronella harmful to humans?
The Environmental Protection Agency has found that citronella itself poses minimal risk to human health, even when applied directly to the skin. Still, like other scented candles, citronella candles can lead to poor air quality if used indoors, in part because all scented candles produce more smoke and soot than non-scented candles.
Is Citronella a carcinogen?
There was no evidence of increased cancer rates. However, methyleugenol, a minor component of oil of citronella, is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It has caused the development of tumors in mice.
Does citronella plant really repel mosquitoes?
In certain forms, yes, citronella can repel mosquitoes to some degree. However, Citronella doesn’t repel mosquitoes as effectively as you might think, and it’s definitely not the absolute most effective mosquito repelling plant or essential oil.
Is Citronella oil smoke bad for the environment?
Burning citronella in torches to keep insects away is not bad for the environment.Citronella oil is derived from a grass grown in India, Burma and Indonesia and related to lemon grass. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that citronella oil poses "minimal or no risks" to humans and wildlife and is not harmful to the environment.
Is citronella toxic for humans?
The only concern is skin irritation. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. Therefore, if used according to label instructions, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.
Is citronella toxic if inhaled?
It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.
Is Burning citronella toxic?
Citronella is an essential oil, and certain essential oils can cause lung damage, tremors, and liver failure in cats (via Pet Poison Helpline) and nervous system damage, skin irritation, and behavioral changes in dogs (via the American Kennel Club).
Is citronella a carcinogen?
Natural citronella oil may contain methyleugenol, which has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies.
Why is citronella banned?
Citing a study that found internal ingestion and intraperitoneal injection of methyl eugenol, a constituent compound found in citronella, to be “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen,” Health Canada took what many consider to be a drastic step to eliminate insect repellents from store shelves nationwide.
Is citronella safe to burn indoors?
Can You Burn Citronella Candles Indoors? It is generally recommended that you do not use citronella candles indoors for a few reasons. Although the scent is very pleasant for you as the candles burn, you may find that these oils work their way into interior fabrics.
Can the smell of citronella make you sick?
What are some signs and symptoms from a brief exposure to oil of citronella? Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.
Is the smell of citronella harmful to dogs?
Simply breathing in a candle's fumes—citronella-scented or not—can be harmful to your dog, especially if your pup has asthma or any other breathing issues. "It is best to keep your pet away from citronella candles," Matejka says.
Is citronella oil safe to smell?
Precautions and Warnings Keep out of the reach of children. Citronella Oil is also not considered safe to inhale by children as may cause irritation to eyes and skin. In some cases, lung damage has also been reported.
Is citronella banned in the US?
The US Food & Drug Administration considers citronella oil as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Is citronella banned in UK?
Under EU legislation described as “a nightmare” by one manufacturer, insecticides containing the substance will be banned from sale from 1 September. One manufacturer estimates that 90% of “natural” fly repellents in the UK contain citronella.
Is citronella banned in Canada?
More in Environmental Law: Last year, under the radar of most consumers, Health Canada instated a ban on the sale of citronella as an insect repellent, meaning citronella would not be allowed in any formula labelled as bug spray, insect repellent or outdoor spray.
Is citronella safe for babies?
If applied to the skin, oil of citronella can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, some oil of citronella products should not be used on children less than six months old unless directed by a doctor.
Can citronella trigger asthma?
Citronella candles and bug sprays may keep mosquitoes out, but their strong odors can trigger asthma.
Can you diffuse citronella oil?
You can use citronella oil in a diffuser or spray bottle, or you can dilute it in an oil or lotion before applying it to your skin.
What does citronella smell like?
Citronella oil, which comes from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in commercial bug sprays and candles. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, but wonderfully pleasant to people.
What is the effect of inhaling citronella?
Lavender was found to have a relaxing effect and rosemary was found to have a stimulating effect on the brain. Citronella, on the other hand, had a more complex in-between effect.
What is citronella oil?
Share on Pinterest. Citronella oil is an essential oil that’s made from the distillation of the Asian grass plant in the Cymbopogon genus. This fragrant grass got its name from the French word meaning “lemon balm,” due to its floral, citrus-like aroma. Like many essential oils, citronella oil has certain benefits, ...
Why do you need to reapply citronella oil?
Because citronella oil has a shorter time span of effectiveness than repellents like DEET, you will need to reapply more often if you’re using it as an insect repellent.
What is the scientific name for lemongrass?
You may also see C. nardus referred to as “Ceylon type” and C. winterianus referred to as “Java type.”. Note that lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus) is a different essential oil but has a similar scientific name.
How long does citronella oil last?
It concluded that using citronella oil together with vanillin (found in vanilla beans) provided mosquito protection for up to three hours.
What oil to use for citronella?
Dilute citronella oil in a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
Does DEET protect against citronella?
The study also found that DEET provided protection for a much longer period of time than just citronella oil on its own.
What is a citronella plant?
Citronella plants are known for their many wonderful benefits. The plant is commonly called the mosquito plant, and for good reasons. It is believed that the fragrance of the plant repels mosquitoes and other bugs, thus making the plant a perfect addition to your home and garden.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Citronella Plant?
We have already established that the citronella plant is toxic to your dogs and may further cause skin irritation if your dog comes in contact with the plant. However, what happens if your dog ingests some citronella plants?
What plants are safe for dogs?
Below are some plants that equally safe for your dogs and are bug repellant. 1. Basil. The good news is that if you can’t grow the citronella plant in your home because of your dog, you can easily switch to an alternative plant! Basil is relatively easy to grow, and the fascinating thing about the plant is that it is a mosquito repellant.
What to do if my dog eats citronella?
Your surest bet is to immediately seek veterinary medical care if you suspect your dog is suffering from adverse effects from eating a citronella plant. The veterinarian is competent to handle such situations.
What is the best mosquito repellent?
Another excellent mosquito repellant is rosemary. The woody scent of rosemary plants is exactly what keeps mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies away. The plant thrives best in hot and dry climates and thrive and can be an excellent addition to your kitchen herbs and spices. 5. Basil plant.
Is citronella plant toxic to dogs?
But is citronella plant toxic to dogs? Yes ! According to research, citronella plant and its products are toxic to dogs and may cause skin irritation if your dog comes in contact with it.
Does citronella repel mosquitoes?
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden further recommends that the low maintenance citronella plant be one way of repelling mosquitoes.
What is citronella oil?
Citronella oil is made by steam distillation of citronella grass. The two main types are Sri Lanka (Ceylon) citronella oil, and Java citronella oil. Citronella oil is most commonly used as an mosquito repellent. In foods and beverages, citronella oil is used as a flavoring. In manufacturing, citronella oil is used as a fragrance in cosmetics ...
Is citronella oil safe to take?
When taken by mouth: Citronella oil seems to be safe for most people in the small amounts found in foods. But it's LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent.
Is citronella oil harmful to the lungs?
When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.
Can you use citronella oil while pregnant?
Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Not enough is known about the use of citronella oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
What is citronella oil?
Citronella is an oil extract of two kinds of lemongrass. Cymbopogon nardus, and Cymbopogon winterianus.
What is citronella essential oil?
Citronella is an essential oil obtained from the plant species that includes “Lemon Grass” and used for it’s insect repellent qualities.
What is the scent of geraniums?
Citronella is one of the many scents available from different scented geraniums. The scent is extracted from the plants and used to repel mosquitoes. This particular scented geranium is commonly called the mosquito plant in magazine advertisements for around 5 bucks each to repel mosquitoes from your yard. It's true that mosquitoes don't like the scent, but what these ads don't tell you is that you would have to plant a couple thousand around your yard to keep the mosquitoes away. It is not harmful but some people may have allergies to it. It used to make my mother sneeze and she hated the sme
Where does citronella oil come from?
Citronella oil comes from citronella grass. The origins of the citronella grass plant are from Ceylon and Java. It is use as a mosquito repellent, in cosmetic fragrance, aroma therapy and in food flavouring.
What is lemon grass?
A lemon-scented grass (Cymbopogon nardus) that yields an oil used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
How to wash hands after using citronella?
Wash your hands with a good soap after handling liquid citronella extract, or products containing concentrated extract such as candles and wear your safety glasses as well if handling concentrated citronella oil in large quantities.
Can citronella cause allergies?
It can be mildly irritating to the skin or eyes and as any other volatile chemical, can cause allergic reactions if inhaled by sensitive individuals, so common sense when handling the essential oil or citronella products should be employed.
