Kerosene is an oil used as a fuel for lamps, as well as heating and cooking. This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing or breathing in kerosene.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Alternative NamesLamp oil poisoning; Coal oil poisoning
Poisonous IngredientNote: This list may not be all-inclusive.
SymptomsSeek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is unconscious (has a decreased level of alertness).
If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Swallowing kerosene may cause damage to the linings of the mouth, throat, esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines. If kerosene gets into the lungs (aspiration), serious and, possibly, permanent lung damage can occur.
Damage can continue to occur for several weeks after the poison was swallowed. Death may occur as long as a month afterwards.
ReferencesMirkin DB. Benzene and related aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 94.
When water and kerosene are mixed kerosene will float on top.
Kerosene reacts with an ample supply of oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide from all the carbon content of kerosene and water from all the hydrogen content of kerosene.
Kerosene, as with other liquid fossil fuels can be dyed in various colours
Powdered soap does not dissolve in kerosene as kerosene is a non-polar solvent, while soap is made of polar molecules. This difference in polarity prevents the soap from dissolving in kerosene.
The specific gravity of kerosene typically ranges from 0.78 to 0.82, depending on the type and temperature of the kerosene. This value indicates that kerosene is less dense than water, as water has a specific gravity of 1.
kerosene and air
Is Iodine soluble in kerosene? Is Iodine soluble in kerosene?
You get the lantern and light it with the kerosene.
The odor of kerosene is "aromatic".
kerosene floats on water because kerosene is less denser than water
What is the easiest method of removal of Aromatic compounds in Kerosene Oil?
No, kerosene is an insulator and does not conduct electricity. Therefore, current does not pass through kerosene.
When water and kerosene are mixed kerosene will float on top.
To convert blue kerosene to white kerosene, you can add activated charcoal to the blue kerosene and let it sit for a few hours. The activated charcoal will help absorb the impurities responsible for the blue color, resulting in a clearer, white kerosene. Once the charcoal settles, you can filter out the kerosene to remove the charcoal and any impurities.
No. Kerosene is an organic compound. and water is a non-organic compound. (kerosene : non-polar Water : polar). As water is a polar solvent kerosene is not soluble in it. but kerosene is soluble in ethyl alcohol which is a non-polar solvent.
Kerosene reacts with an ample supply of oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide from all the carbon content of kerosene and water from all the hydrogen content of kerosene.
Kerosene in Tagalog is "petrolyo" or "kerosina."