Is menthol safe?

[MiyagiCham]

I've had a cold for the past day or so. I know menthol can typically help, and my humidifier has a space for menthol inserts. I want to try it over night, but I have a cham and a crested gecko in my room. Could the menthol be potentially harmful to them? Or will they be fine with it? Please let me know if you have any idea. Thanks!

 

[Carlton]

I would NOT use a vaporizer with menthol in the same room as your herps.

 

[trickedoutbiker]

A good rule of thumb: Does it occur naturally in their natural environment?

Ask that question with anything you are gonna consider....

In this case.... does menthol in the air happen naturally where they live? The answer is NO, so in my opinion, I would advise against it.

 

[Carlton]

I've had a cold for the past day or so. I know menthol can typically help, and my humidifier has a space for menthol inserts. I want to try it over night, but I have a cham and a crested gecko in my room. Could the menthol be potentially harmful to them? Or will they be fine with it? Please let me know if you have any idea. Thanks!

Why not apply the menthol to your chest or your nose instead?

 

[DanSB]

Are you talking about the little heated areas on a Vic's humidifier where you can put the little Menthol aroma pad?

If yes I have used them in a room with fish and frogs (non-arboreal) with 0 negative effect. I would point out that there was no positive effect for the sick people in the room either so even if the risk is minimal with no evidence showing it is safe for chameleons and little to gain from your side I would say it simply isn't worth it.

Carlton makes a great point, just get the Vap-o-rub stuff, it is less risky to the animals and actually can help you feel better. If you do that though just remember that stuff doesn't come off your hands easily and may or may not be dangerous to the herps but just keep that in mind before you do anything that might transfer those oils to any insects, water, etc...