Alpha Pinenes and Mouth Infections
Updated April 9, 2023
Alpha pinene is a natural organic compound found in many plants, such as coniferous trees, sage, and eucalyptus. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cleaning products. However, inhaling high concentrations of alpha pinene vapor can cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, and other health problems.
The safe concentration of alpha pinene to inhale depends on several factors, including the individual’s sensitivity, duration of exposure, and ventilation. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for alpha pinene is 100 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday.
However, it is important to note that the PEL is a workplace safety guideline and may not apply to non-occupational exposure. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggested that concentrations of alpha pinene in indoor air should be kept below 22 µg/m3 to avoid respiratory symptoms.
Overall, if you are using alpha pinene-containing products for personal use, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use them in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure. If you experience any adverse health effects, such as respiratory irritation or headaches, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
The dilution of alpha-pinene required for safe inhalation can vary depending on various factors, such as the age, health status, and sensitivity of the individual, as well as the purpose and method of use. However, the generally recommended safe dilution range for essential oils in aromatherapy is between 1% and 5%.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), a reputable organization that promotes the safe use of essential oils, the recommended safe dilution rate for alpha-pinene is 1% to 2% for inhalation. This translates to 1 to 2 drops of alpha-pinene essential oil per teaspoon (5 mL) of carrier oil or another diluent. This dilution is considered safe for most adults and children over six years old.
It’s worth noting that dilution guidelines may vary depending on the specific essential oil, as some oils are more potent than others and may require a higher or lower dilution rate. It’s important to research the dilution guidelines for each oil before use and consult with a healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist if you have any concerns.
Source: National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). (2021). Safety Information. Retrieved from https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety-information/
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To convert 100 ppm of alpha pinene to micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), we need to know the molecular weight of alpha pinene and its density at standard temperature and pressure (STP).
The molecular weight of alpha pinene is 136.24 g/mol.
The volume of 1 mole of gas at STP is 24.45 L.
The density of alpha pinene at STP is 0.87 g/L.
To convert ppm to µg/m³, we will use the formula:
ppm = (mass of alpha pinene / mass of air) x 10^6
The mass of air at STP is approximately 1.2 kg/m³.
Rearranging the formula gives:
mass of alpha pinene = (ppm / 10^6) x mass of air
For 100 ppm of alpha pinene:
mass of alpha pinene = (100 / 10^6) x 1.2 kg/m³
= 0.00012 kg/m³
To convert mass of alpha pinene to µg/m³, we will use the formula:
1 kg = 10^6 µg
mass of alpha pinene in µg/m³ = (0.00012 kg/m³) x (10^6 µg/kg)
= 120 µg/m³
Therefore, 100 ppm of alpha pinene is equivalent to 120 µg/m³ at STP.
The recommended dilution of alpha-pinene or any other essential oil for safe use varies depending on the intended use and the individual’s sensitivity. However, the generally accepted safe dilution for topical use of essential oils is 1-2% in a carrier oil.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), a reputable source on aromatherapy, a safe dilution of essential oils for inhalation is 1-5% in a diffuser or inhaler. However, they caution against using high concentrations for extended periods and suggest starting with a lower dilution and increasing gradually as needed.
Here are some references for further reading on safe essential oil dilution:
- Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young
- Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 4th Edition by Shirley Price and Len Price
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition by Valerie Ann Worwood
It’s important to note that essential oils can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Alpha-pinene is a natural organic compound that is found in many essential oils, especially in those extracted from coniferous trees, such as pine, fir, and cypress. Here are some essential oils that are particularly high in alpha-pinene:
Pine essential oil – Pine oil is a popular essential oil with a fresh, woody scent that is rich in alpha-pinene. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress and promote respiratory health.
Fir essential oil – Like pine oil, fir oil is extracted from coniferous trees and is also high in alpha-pinene. It has a fresh, uplifting scent and is often used to promote respiratory health and soothe sore muscles.
Cypress essential oil – Cypress oil is derived from the needles and twigs of the cypress tree and is known for its woody, earthy scent. It’s high in alpha-pinene and is often used to promote relaxation and support respiratory health.
Juniper essential oil – Juniper oil is extracted from the berries of the juniper tree and has a woody, slightly sweet aroma. It’s high in alpha-pinene and is often used to support respiratory health and soothe sore muscles.
Rosemary essential oil – Rosemary oil is extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant and has a fresh, herbaceous scent. It’s high in alpha-pinene and is often used to promote mental clarity and focus.
It’s important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and according to proper dilution guidelines. Consult with a healthcare professional or aromatherapist before using essential oils, especially if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Animal studies have shown that exposure to high concentrations of alpha-pinene can cause a range of adverse effects, including respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, and even death. In humans, inhalation of alpha-pinene has been associated with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to high levels of alpha-pinene may lead to chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Case reports of human exposure to alpha-pinene suggest that it can be toxic even at relatively low concentrations. For example, a case report published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology described a worker who developed severe respiratory symptoms after being exposed to alpha-pinene concentrations of just 50 parts per million (ppm) in the workplace. Another case report published in the Annals of Occupational Hygiene described a worker who developed bronchial asthma after inhaling alpha-pinene at a concentration of 75 ppm.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the toxic effects of alpha-pinene in humans, the available evidence suggests that it can be harmful when exposure occurs at high concentrations. Therefore, it is important to take appropriate precautions when working with or near gum turpentine or other products containing alpha-pinene.
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ATSDR. (1994). Toxicological profile for Turpentine (Update). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
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Jelenkovic, A., Petrovic, J., & Zivkovic, M. (2019). Occupational exposure to alpha-pinene: A case report. Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, 14(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-019-0247-2
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Kwon, J. W., Chun, J. Y., Lee, J. Y., Choi, J. W., & Lee, K. J. (2017). A case of occupational asthma caused by inhalation of alpha-pinene. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 29(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0181-6
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6689, Alpha-Pinene. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Alpha-pinene
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NIOSH. (1996). NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0037.html
Inhaling high concentrations of turpentine vapor can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of turpentine can also cause respiratory problems and damage to the central nervous system.
Furthermore, ingestion of turpentine can be very dangerous and even fatal. The ingestion of turpentine has been associated with severe toxicity and can cause kidney damage, liver damage, and even death.
For these reasons, it is not recommended to use turpentine for aromatherapy or any other purpose that involves inhalation or ingestion. If you are seeking the benefits of alpha-pinene, it’s best to use essential oils that are derived from natural sources and are known to be safe for aromatherapy use.
- Turpentine: what is it and is it safe? (2018) by Sarah Mabee, PharmD. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323313
- Turpentine ingestion: a case report and review of the literature (2018) by Sandeep Sharma et al. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6093663/
- Turpentine toxicology: a review (2012) by Jitendra Kumar Gupta. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685752/
- Pine oil poisoning: case report and review of the literature (2016) by Mohamed Mouhajer et al. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5342756/
It’s important to note that while turpentine has been used for various purposes in the past, its potential toxicity and health risks outweigh any potential benefits. Essential oils that are derived from natural sources and are known to be safe for aromatherapy use, such as pine, fir, and cypress oils, can provide similar benefits without the potential health risks associated with turpentine. As with any health-related topic, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any substance or treatment.
Gum turpentine is a natural resin obtained from the sap of various pine trees. It is composed of a complex mixture of terpenes, including alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, and others.
The component of gum turpentine that is most commonly associated with toxicity is alpha-pinene. Alpha-pinene is a major component of turpentine oil and can cause adverse health effects when exposure is excessive. Inhaling high concentrations of alpha-pinene vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, and can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Ingestion of alpha-pinene can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It is important to note that while alpha-pinene is a potential toxin in gum turpentine, the substance itself is not considered highly toxic and is used in various applications, such as flavoring agents and fragrances. However, exposure to high concentrations of alpha-pinene vapor or ingestion of large amounts of the substance can lead to harmful health effects. It is important to handle gum turpentine and other chemicals with care and follow appropriate safety precautions to minimize the risk of exposure.
In an inhalation study on rats, exposure to alpha-pinene at a concentration of 8,000 ppm for 6 hours caused respiratory irritation and inflammation, as well as changes in lung function (Sulbaek Andersen, 2006). Another inhalation study on rats found that exposure to alpha-pinene at a concentration of 8,000 ppm for 4 hours caused irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, as well as changes in blood chemistry and organ weights (NTP, 1994).
However, it’s important to note that the concentrations used in these studies are much higher than what would typically be encountered in normal use of essential oils that contain alpha-pinene. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a workplace exposure limit of 100 ppm for alpha-pinene, which is much lower than the concentrations used in the animal studies (NIOSH, 2016).
Overall, while high concentrations of alpha-pinene may cause adverse effects, there is limited data available on the toxicity of alpha-pinene in humans. As with any substance, it’s important to use alpha-pinene-containing essential oils according to proper dilution guidelines and to avoid exposure to high concentrations. If you experience any adverse effects from using essential oils, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
References:
- NTP (1994). Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of alpha-pinene (CAS No. 80-56-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (gavage studies).
- NIOSH (2016). Alpha-pinene.
- Sulbaek Andersen, M.P. (2006). Respiratory effects of exposure to alpha-pinene and delta3-carene in mice and rats.
Both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene have been shown to have potential neurological effects.
In a study published in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers investigated the effects of alpha-pinene on cognitive function in mice. The study found that alpha-pinene improved memory and cognitive function in the mice, possibly by increasing the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory (Sousa et al., 2015).
Similarly, beta-pinene has also been shown to have potential neurological effects. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers investigated the effects of beta-pinene on anxiety and depression in mice. The study found that beta-pinene had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in the mice, possibly by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain (Nogueira et al., 2015).
Alpha-pinene has been found to have a range of effects on the brain, including promoting alertness and improving cognitive function. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that inhalation of alpha-pinene vapor improved cognitive performance in healthy adults, and another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that oral administration of alpha-pinene improved memory retention in mice (Koyama et al., 2006; Satou et al., 2008).
Beta-pinene has also been found to have neurological effects. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that beta-pinene had antidepressant-like effects in mice, and another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that beta-pinene improved cognitive function in rats (Shen et al., 2015; Elmann et al., 2014).
While these studies suggest that alpha-pinene and beta-pinene may have beneficial neurological effects, more research is needed to fully understand these effects and to determine safe levels of exposure to these compounds.
While these studies suggest that both alpha-pinene and beta-pinene may have positive neurological effects, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of these compounds. Furthermore, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted on animals, and further research is needed to determine whether these effects are also present in humans.