Are essential oil diffusers safe to use in a nursery given the risk of VOC emissions?
No, they are not recommended. Essential oil diffusers release high levels of terpenes, which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can degrade indoor air quality.
What's actually in it
Essential oil diffusers don't just add scent to a room. They actively pump terpenes into the air you and your baby breathe. Terpenes are a type of volatile organic compound (VOC). These chemicals are not inert. When they enter the air, they change the composition of the indoor environment.
What the research says
A 2026 study in J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng evaluated the emission characteristics of these devices. The researchers found that diffusers release significant amounts of terpenes over time. This creates a direct source of VOC exposure in confined spaces like nurseries.
While many people view these devices as natural, the science shows they are a source of indoor air pollution. Peer-reviewed research confirms that these emissions are time-dependent, meaning the longer the device runs, the more chemicals build up in the air your baby is breathing.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Time-dependent emission characteristics of terpenes from an essential oil diffuser and indoor exposure assessment using a wearable passive sampler. | J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng | 2026 |
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