So far, safety studies have suggested it is not toxic, but the latest research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, studied the effect on the lungs and breathing.
Recent cold weather had brought about more cases involving breathing difficulties and chest pains and WMAS is expecting cold and flu symptoms to have an effect on calls over the coming months.
Exposure to the oil for a prolonged period of time can result in a toxic effect on the skin, and mammals can suffer lung damage or death after breathing it in, Bossart said.