Classification and Labeling of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Extract)

“This technical report provides an overview of the classification and labeling of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil, TTO), covering its health and environmental risks. Key points include:

• Health Impacts:

Studies on Wistar rats and Beagle dogs showed adverse effects on sperm and reproductive organs at certain doses.
TTO may be harmful if swallowed and can cause fatal consequences if it enters airways.
It poses risks of skin sensitization and reproductive toxicity, though data on specific organ toxicity is limited.

• Environmental Concerns:

Classified as hazardous to aquatic environments.
TTO components (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes) degrade slowly due to complex behavior, with some studies showing rapid dissipation instead of full degradation.

• Regulatory Classification:

The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) confirms these risks.
The document includes hazard classifications, abbreviations like OECD, REACH, and GHS, and labeling requirements.

• Human Case Reports:

Human ingestion of TTO has led to symptoms from confusion to coma.

The report highlights the potential risks of TTO based on scientific studies and regulatory assessments.”

Source: https://www.ctpa.org.uk/news/update-on-tea-tree-extract-and-oil-in-gb-7899##~https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/assets/docs/mcl-aaqd-0684.pdf

Region:  United Kingdom