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The Effects of Kerosene Ingestion

Kerosene fuel is used for cooking, heating, lighter fluid, and as lamp fuel, usually for camping purposes. As useful as kerosene can be, the component hydrocarbons are harmful if swallowed, inhaled or come into contact with skin. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are made up of hydrogen and carbon. Medical treatment needs to be sought immediately for successful recovery. There can be continued damage and even death for several weeks or months after the initial accident, depending on the amount of exposure or ingestion of kerosene.

  1. Respiratory Symptoms

    • The respiratory system is most commonly the first part of the body affected by kerosene poisoning. Inhalation of the poison will cause swelling in the throat and breathing difficulties. There may be pain in the eyes, throat, nose or ears as well. If the poison was inhaled you should go outside for fresh air immediately. Signs of chemical pneumonitis or bronchopneumonia in the form of coughing, loss of breath and fever, can occur within 15 minutes of initial ingestion.

    Nervous System Symptoms

    • In addition to the respiratory system, the nervous system can be damaged by kerosene poisoning. The victim may feel light-headed or as if inebriated, exhibiting such symptoms as dizziness, staggering, drowsiness and weakness. Further symptoms can be depression, headache, convulsions or seizures and possible loss of consciousness. Vision can be affected and blurred vision can last up to a week.

    Cardiac Symptoms

    • The victim may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, causing extreme dizziness and blacking out or collapse. Burning sensations in the chest area can occur.

    Gastrointestinal Symptoms

    • Abdominal pains and burning of the food pipe, or esophagus, is common in cases of ingestion. These symptoms may lead to vomiting with traces of blood or bloody stool. Treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms may include a gastric lavage, which "washes" the lining of the stomach to rid the stomach of the poison and neutralize any further burning.

    Skin Symptoms

    • Kerosene spilled on skin will cause the skin to be irritated and can lead to burns. Defatting of the skin lipids can also occur and cause severe water loss making the skin dry and turning it white. For skin irritations, the area needs to be flushed with copious amounts of cool to tepid water for no less than 15 minutes. A mild soap may also be used to rid the area of the irritant.

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