kerosene poisoning

what type of substance is kerosene and how it is commonly used?

Kerosene is a petroleum distillate with predominantly aliphatic hydrocarbons, commonly used as stove fuel, in industrial degreasers, lighter fluids and household products like furniture polish.

what is the minimum potentially fatal dose of kerosene ingestion?

Ingestion of more than 10 mL of kerosene may be fatal, though recovery has occurred after ingesting up to 250 mL.

What is the maximum allowable airborne concentration of kerosene?

500 ppm.

What are the initial symptoms after ingestion of kerosene?

Burning sensation in mouth and pharynx, nausea, and vomiting.

What volume of kerosene is generally tolerated without systemic effects (in absence of aspiration)?

40–60 mL/kg.

What causes CNS depression in kerosene poisoning?

Hypoxia resulting from pulmonary effects, not direct CNS toxicity.

CNS symptoms of kerosene poisoning?

Giddiness, blurred vision, dyspnoea, stupor, coma, seizures; pupils initially contracted, later dilated.

What amount of kerosene aspiration can cause chemical pneumonitis?

Even 0.2 mL.

Clinical features of kerosene aspiration?

Coughing, dyspnoea, cyanosis, pulmonary oedema; chest X-ray may not show early signs.

Is gastric lavage recommended in kerosene ingestion?

Not unless the hydrocarbon contains toxic additives (e.g., benzene, toluene). Aspiration risk outweighs benefit in most cases.

What substances can be given orally to reduce kerosene absorption?

Liquid paraffin and smashed banana (fats/oils should be avoided).

Management for symptomatic patients with suspected kerosene aspiration?

A: Oxygen therapy, suction, ventilatory support, chest X-ray, observation, antibiotics if indicated.

Is corticosteroid use beneficial in kerosene poisoning?

The role of corticosteroids is controversial/disputable.

Postmortem findings in kerosene poisoning?

Acute gastroenteritis, kerosene odour in stomach/lungs, pulmonary oedema, bronchopneumonia, liver/kidney degeneration, bone marrow hypoplasia.

Medico-legal importance of kerosene poisoning in India?

Can be suicidal (ingestion, self-immolation), homicidal (especially dowry deaths), or accidental (mainly in children).

Occupational hazards of chronic kerosene/petroleum fume exposure?

Polyneuritis, liver damage, bone marrow suppression, skin eruptions.