I am so thankful that Young Living was able to confirm my findings that there is Lead in their diffusers!
If you are new to this concern (if you just found out about the concern for leaded components found in essential oil diffusers and this is the first post you have stumbled on) please consider starting here (link to post with my initial findings) instead of starting with this post.
As a second post (before reading below), you might also want to read this post – link here. Thank you!
This is one of the public statements that was shared with me.
(Continue reading below the image to see my response!)
Here’s my point-by-point response to the above [note: no response was ever made to me directly by Young Living. They did not call me, e-mail me, nor message me. The responses I have posted here (above and below) are ones that have been shared with me by my readers. Thank you readers!]:
- For future reference, my name is not “Ms. Rubin”, it is Mrs. Rubin. I have worked my ass off as a wife and mother and I have earned the title of Mrs.; please refer to me as Mrs. Rubin in any future communications, thank you. ;-). [For those who don’t know me…this comment <<< is supposed to be an attempt at humor as well as an illustration that they have not bothered to introduce themselves to me. Y’all can call me Tamara, Lead Safe Mama or The Lead Lady!!]
- At no point did I ever claim or imply that the diffusers “emit Lead into the atmosphere”. I simply reported that they had a component that was positive for Lead when tested with an XRF instrument, and that further study is warranted, given the finding of the presence of Lead.
- In the first section of your note you use the words “…and determined that this was, in fact, not the case.” What exactly did you determine was not the case? The structure of this sentence is misleading — in that it makes it seem like you determined there was no Lead in the product, when what I suspect what you may have intended to convey was merely that your leach testing results were negative – as you go on to make other statements that confirm that you now know that there is Lead in the product — but that, in your opinion, it is inaccessible under normal use conditions.
- And on that note, thank you, Young Living – for confirming what the XRF analysis indicated: that the washer is Leaded brass, with a chrome plating. Given my finding of 2,282 ppm Lead in the washer/ring, your statement that the ring is chrome coated brass clearly indicates to me that, as I suspected, the brass underneath the chrome is likely common Leaded brass — with a typical reading of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 ppm Lead — and that the chrome plating in effect “diluted” (lowered) the XRF instrument’s quantitative estimate of the Lead that was detected, as it included in the parts per million total – the content of the chrome plating in addition to that of the Leaded brass below base material. [See more of my posts about Leaded Brass here.]
- As this is a complicated concept I want to give one more example of it: When testing paint in a home I might come up with a reading of 1,000 ppm Lead using the XRF instrument to test a surface layer of paint. If that reading is through many layers of new paint I can assume the paint underneath is a much higher level of lead, as the reading is “diluted” by the layers of new paint on top. In cases like that I have found the base layer of Lead paint to be positive for Lead in the 5,000 to 10,000 ppm range. So in the example of the ring of the diffuser: Leaded brass is generally positive for 30,000 to 40,000 ppm Lead and the “chrome coating” of the ring is like the top layers of paint diluting the reading.
- As this is a complicated concept I want to give one more example of it: When testing paint in a home I might come up with a reading of 1,000 ppm Lead using the XRF instrument to test a surface layer of paint. If that reading is through many layers of new paint I can assume the paint underneath is a much higher level of lead, as the reading is “diluted” by the layers of new paint on top. In cases like that I have found the base layer of Lead paint to be positive for Lead in the 5,000 to 10,000 ppm range. So in the example of the ring of the diffuser: Leaded brass is generally positive for 30,000 to 40,000 ppm Lead and the “chrome coating” of the ring is like the top layers of paint diluting the reading.
- Please note the following concern: as with all metal, metal plating can eventually wear with use — be that ultrasonic vibrations (there’s a study about that!), exposure to citrus oils or other kinds of use. Leach testing done on newly-manufactured products – based on just four hours of use – is not necessarily representative of leach testing results that might be found on a product that has had hundreds of hours of use and possible related wear.
- That said, my concern is (and always has been) identifying and eliminating the prevalence of highly-neurotoxic Lead in our environment – and ending the continued poisoning of our planet by the mining, refining and manufacturing of this nasty metal . My concern has NEVER been merely whether or not a particular manufactured product leaches any Lead at the time of manufacture. On principle, the simple fact that a product purporting to impart health benefits contains any Lead at all seems in the words of Leonard Nimoy’s immortal Spock, “highly illogical”, and I maintain that it should not contain any lead at all— considering there are always easy, non-poisonous alternatives. Yet you – Young Living – have, with this letter (but not in so many specific words), confirmed that you acknowledge/are aware that your product contains Lead — and that it is not an issue you are willing to remedy because, as far as you can tell, there is no immediate harm to the end user.
- Looking beyond the ecological implications, what if the unit came apart at some point? Do you realize that that little leaded ring is small enough to be swallowed by a child? That their stomach acid is likely strong enough to dissolve the chrome coating? And that a child could easily be severely poisoned (and even die) if they swallowed an item like that?
- Given even a minute – seemingly improbable – possibility of #7 happening, why – now that you know your product contains Lead — now that everyone knows it contains Lead — why don’t you simply apologize to your customers, REMOVE THE LEADED COMPONENT, AND SOURCE OR MAKE A COMPLETELY LEAD-FREE ONE?
- Sometimes, taking responsibility for your actions in a positive and proactive way gains you more love and respect (=more business) from the public than trying to discredit the work of an environmental activist and mother of Lead-poisoned children, after your own research has actually confirmed her finding [even though you wrote a statement that – to a less-technically educated lay person – might lead them to think that your research refutes my findings.]
- You may be surprised to learn that many companies have actually THANKED me for finding problems like this with their products — and some have subsequently donated generously to my GoFundMe, as a further show of support. To be clear: I am most definitely not asking for this, but it illustrates alternative more productive possible reactions that some responsible companies have had to learning their product contains any amount of an extremely dangerous neurotoxicant known to cause permanent damage to humans – particularly young children.
YOUNG LIVING, here is my REVISED DRAFT of your statement – as I suggest you should send it out to your reps and customer base:
On or about January 3rd the company was made aware that Tamara Rubin, multiple-federal-award winning environmental activist and mother of lead poisoned children, discovered Lead in our diffusers using XRF testing. We immediately confirmed her findings with additional independent testing. As a result of this new information, we are temporarily halting sales of the diffusers impacted by this issue and replacing the component in question with a Lead-free component. From here on out, we will also make a commitment that you can count on us to produce Lead-free products in the future. We also did leach testing of the diffusers in question and found no Lead to be actively leaching from the component at the time of manufacture, and we are confident about the safety of the existing diffusers that you have in your home. However, should you be concerned about this issue and prefer a replacement diffuser when we have the Lead-free component available, please let us know and we will replace it at no charge. As an alternative to sending in the diffuser for a replacement we are also offering that you can register your existing diffuser (with the Leaded component) with us and we will give you a one-time $50.00 coupon towards a future purchase. We’d like to also publicly thank Tamara for bringing our attention to this matter. – Young Living
Of course… that’s in a perfect world. Let’s see what doTerra’s next response is, maybe they will learn from Young Living! 😉 [Click here to see the latest response from doTerra shared with me by my readers today.]
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts!
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Continue reading below image.
In this image the arrows point to the metal ring that is “chrome coated brass”.
Another version of the actual Young Living response is below.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Product Support. We are happy to assist you with your questions. We are aware of the claims that were made regarding lead in the Dewdrop™ Diffuser.
Once we were made aware of the lead claim, the D. Gary Young Research Institute, directed by Dr. Mike Buch, immediately organized additional tests to check for lead and determined that this was, in fact, not the case.
The washer in question is made of brass coated with chrome. Ms. Rubin’s XRF (x-ray fluorescence) testing method penetrated through the sample, testing the underlying brass, which does not contact the liquid in the diffuser because of the chrome plating. In the case of our diffuser, it is the part of the washer that contacts the liquid, not the underlying brass, that is relevant for safety. Additionally, the diffuser was sent out for independent, third-party testing. The diffuser was tested with distilled water, as well as a mixture of water and Lemon essential oil, and no lead was detected in any of the test samples after four-hour run times. This indicates that the chrome plating on the washer does prevent any lead from contacting the diffuser solution. Lab results are available for review upon request. We hope this information is helpful. Have a wonderful day!
If you have additional questions or concerns, or if we can assist you in any way, please feel free to contact us via telephone at 1-800-371-3515, fax at 866-203-5666, email at productsupport@youngliving.com, or our Live Help feature at http://www.youngliving.com.
Sincerely,
Anita
Product Support
Young Living® Essential Oils
3125 W Executive Parkway
Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 1-800-371-3515
Fax: 1-866-203-5666
Love that revised draft. It’s so heartening to know that some companies really would respond that way! I only wish Young Living had been one of them. They are the only company I’ve ever bought my essential oils from, but I feel fairly disappointed by them as a company now. 🙁
The revised draft is so superior. They could be the heroes of this story instead of the villans!
Get over yourself psycho lady…i mean MRS. psycho lady. go get a real job other than bitching on a blog about diffusers.
To Ms Ninya… your response to this article implies you probably either work for YL or doTERRA. And that you are very, unimpressively, trying to slam this momma’s work!
She is doing her job, and she’s doing a good job at it too! Not only is she making companies accountable for their products, but she is effectively protecting her children from the poisonous toxins that she finds with her XRF Instrument! She’s not “bitching” about anything. Her comments are well thought out and are backed by her scientific findings. Your uninformative comment bears a lack of real intellectual thought on the matter, and you are just angry that your precious allegiance to this company is being called out on a negative review.
Mrs Rubin is only trying to protect her babies, and anyone else from “possible” harm of lead contamination. She’s not implying that they are trying to poison the general population, but is just trying to make a change in how they produce their products! I feel it’s a noble thing that she is doing, and you ma’am need to go back to your corner and just think about your miserable life ☺️ Have a beautiful day!
Tamara, thank you for your dedication to lead research and safety. Unfortunately, some corporations do not have their consumer’s best interest in mind.
I would like to know if Young Living’s Lantern Diffiuser contains lead as well. I purchased one last November. The diffuser has a metal washer ring similar to the Dew Drop’s.
“What if the washer comes out, what if a child swallows it? ” that’s taking things a little too far don’t you think? Then it would be shame on you as a parent for not keeping a diffuser out of your child’s reach. You don’t blame the Lego company when a child swallows one… I appreciate knowing about the possibility of lead in the product, but a lot of this is ridiculous, for shock value.
Hi Allison,
I have probably heard 100 comments from mothers who keep these diffusers right next to their child’s bed.
Legos are not 3 to 4% lead. Swallowing a lego would not kill a child (in most cases). Legos are also not mostly small and round (so are more difficult to swallow.) This scenario was also posted as an extremely minute possibility… with a link to a similar case of a child who died. Did you read the link?
Tamara
Hi Tamara, just wanted to say, again, I appreciate the original info, and I’m glad I don’t use any of those diffusers. I certainly wouldn’t want to risk the plating coming off and exposing my family to lead.
I just felt that the comment about kids swallowing the washer was put there to stir a reaction from readers, unfortunately, a reaction toward the company, when readers should react to what their doing at home.
What Legos are made of is irrelevant, the point was keeping your kid safe from things they shouldn’t have access to instead of blaming the company that makes the things. I have a diffuser in my child’s room. Not right by the bed because that’s irresponsible of me. It’s on a bookshelf. Out of their reach. It doesn’t need to be right by their bed because the therapeutic benefits fill the room. My child is used to seeing diffusers in our home and knows not to mess with them. But I also know kids! A diffuser probably has a pretty light, makes funny bubble sounds, smells good, and has stuff coming out the top! How interesting for a young child! Why would you NOT keep that out of reach?
Also, i’m not a rep or affiliate for young living or doterra, and don’t use their products.
I’m curious if you tested other difusers or just difusers from the oil companies? This just sounds like you have it out for these 2 companies specifically. Also, did you test all the different difusers or just those 2? If so, where are those findings? Also, you can skip me an the “it sounds like you work for YL or Doterra” line because I dont.
Hi Amy,
There are four examples of diffusers up on my blog right now. Two have Lead (the Young Living and doTerra ones) and two are Lead-free. You can always click on the category tags at the top of any one of my posts to find other posts in that category.
I don’t “have it out” for any companies. I just “have it out” for Lead! 😉
Here are the Lead-free ones):
https://tamararubin.com/2019/01/sparoom-mini-puremist-essential-oil-diffuser-new-in-box-2018-from-target-lead-free-in-all-accessible-components/
and…
https://tamararubin.com/2018/12/rocky-mountain-oils-droplet-usb-essential-oil-diffuser-lead-free-in-all-accessible-components/
Tamara
It doesn’t remotely sound like she has it out for any companies. It’s hardly her fault if companies insist on producing products with lead in them and refusing to take any responsibility. She has literally tested thousands of items. Does she have it out for those companies, too? Sounds more like, even if you don’t actually sell the oils, you have a strong allegiance to the MLM companies and can’t handle any criticism of them.
Have you checked with Green Air, Inc? They are the company that manufactures the diffusers, so maybe they should be brought into this conversation. I feel like a company like YL or DT could ask for a change, but in all reality, it is the manufacturer that has to make the changes. (I’m not sure of all the brands they put on their diffusers)
https://newgreenair.com
Hi Concerned Mama,
Thank you for bringing us into this conversation! We would hate for people to think we are the sole manufacturers of Young Living’s diffusers. We manufacture the Orb only for Young Living. All of our diffusers are lead free and contain no metal rings. We would love to have Tamara test our diffusers! Thank you for being a concerned customer!
Hi Ariel!
If you would like to send me one to test you can send to me directly at:
Tamara Rubin
Lead Safe Mama
7933 SE 15th Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
Thank you!
This would be more believable if you weren’t asking for people to give you donations.
I know many say you are not out for these two companies, can’t help but wonder?
So many other toys and what not have lead and can be swallowed, where are those blogs.
Sorry I just can’t get behind this one.
Hi Leatha,
There are 1,400+ pages of blog posts here with information about products I have tested. Please look through the index: https://tamararubin.com/2018/01/a-new-idea-an-index-for-leadsafemama-com/
My readers help cover the costs of the testing I do. It’s collaborative independent advocacy work They also send me things for testing (I only test what they send me or specifically ask me to test and help me test.) This blog is fully driven by the interests of my readers.
If you can’t find what you are looking for (among the 1400+ pages of information), please let me know. In addition to the Index you can also use the search bar that is on every page. Here’s the post that talks about how the testing I do works (with the support of my readers.): https://tamararubin.com/2017/07/subscribe-in-support-of-my-advocacy-work-you-can-become-eligible-to-send-in-a-box-of-your-things-for-testing/
Do you think that as a mother of lead poisoned children I should be paying to test things that I don’t even own? (Like essential oil diffusers?) Personally that doesn’t make sense to me.
Thank you for reading my blog.
Tamara
I emailed YL to see if they would replace my Dewdrop but they said your claims were not accurate. So what should I do?
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for being in touch.
Hmmm. I’m not sure what to say about that, other than my claims (that the component contains lead) are 100% accurate.
Stay tuned on my blog – hopefully we will see some change or movement down the line. I will report things whenever I hear of any new developments.
Tamara
Did you test all of the YL diffusers? They all have that same ring in the center. ♀️
Hi Bella!
I have only tested the ones I have posted. I would imagine all the ones with the rings would have the same readings.
Here’s how to participate in the testing I do (it is a collaborative effort with my readers): https://tamararubin.com/2017/07/subscribe-in-support-of-my-advocacy-work-you-can-become-eligible-to-send-in-a-box-of-your-things-for-testing/
– Tamara
Hi Tamara,
I enjoy your blog posts very much and appreciate all you share with everyone. I use YL oils and their diffuser. As soon as I read your blog post and saw the research you put into it, I got rid of my diffuser. Also, their response has really made me change my mind about their company. My question is, are there any diffussers that are lead free that are not using a USB cord? I really miss my diffuser and would like to get a lead free one with a regular cord.
Keep up the amazing work!!
You are The Bomb Tamara! I mean Mrs.The Bomb.
Thank you.
Hello Tamara,
First, let me say how much I really appreciate your work. I became aware of it when I discovered my one-year-old had an elevated blood level of lead. The fact that he was tested at all is a minor miracle. We lived in a middle class neighborhood in the SF Bay Area where lead is not generally suspected and, I learned, the testing was not “required.” I soon realized our neighbor was melting large cauldrons of lead in his driveway to make fishing weights for his fishing expedition business. When I asked him what he was doing and if he thought the lead went into the air, he actually said “Not if you get the good lead.” At that point, I got the county environmental health department involved, the people in Hazmat suits tested the street, our home was tested with XRF, there was even a place in Oakland that tested toys and household products. Some toys (not antique toys) I did not suspect had lead. The neighbor was required to clean up, albeit it did not seem correctly. I was told this was the first time in CA history that these laws were enforced in a residential neighborhood. This was all traumatizing, as I am sure you and your readers know. My son is now 13 and appears to be intact and thriving. All this learning came in the middle of my medical training when I was taking some time off to have a baby. I studied everything I could at the time, including your work, about heavy metals and nutrition. I recently got certified in Functional Medicine through IFM and am starting a practice in the PNW (WA, OR, CA, UT) with a focus on mental and cognitive health (including Bredesen protocol, ADHD). Anyway, I wanted to tell you how VERY, VERY grateful I am for your work. It helped us so much. I also referred a friend whose home you tested in NYC. I would be honored to meet you someday.
All this to reach out and say, is there any diffuser I can use? I have been very concerned about putting something through heated plastic into the air, but now that I read your report about metals, I cannot imagine there is any safe diffuser. Maybe one can spray into the air from a spray bottle. Any safe spray bottles?
Many thanks,
Lisa Siino