title: Use of Camphor and Essential Oil Balms for Infants in Cambodia.
abstract: Balms and oils containing terpenic compounds, such as camphor, menthol and eucalyptus, are potentially toxic, and numerous reports of adverse events stemming from their use in infants and young children have been published. During qualitative research on newborn practices in rural Cambodia, these products were found to be commonly applied to the skin of newborns and infants and available in most households. Parents and caregivers of infants in Cambodia and other settings where use of camphor- and menthol-containing products are common should be educated on the risks of these to prevent child morbidity and potential mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA abazzano@tulane.edu.
authors.forename: Alessandra N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Bazzano
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health and Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia, N.31, St. 606, Sangkat Beong Kok II, Khan Toul Kork, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
authors.forename: Chivorn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Var
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
authors.forename: Francoise
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grossman
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Oberhelman
mesh_terms: D002160:Cambodia; D002164:Camphor / Q000633:toxicity*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000633:toxicity*; D036301:Qualitative Research
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D002164:Camphor
keywords: camphor; infant; menthol.; newborn