Kerosene is one of the products gotten from crude oil. It is often used as fuel for cooking and achieving other things. Kerosene has a less-volatile nature, compared to petrol, making its use very widespread. Although Kerosene use has declined all over the world, thanks to gas and electric stoves, it is still consumed in great quantity daily. In Nigeria, kerosene is used in many homes who use stoves to cook. It is also used for cleaning. But, do you know that there are some health effects of kerosene?
Today, kerosene is used as jet fuel and also used to power some small motorcycles. Campers still rely on kerosene as fuel for their lamps when they are out in the open. Kerosene has a wide range of applications and would always be used by some people even if they do not use it to cook. Its use is not limited in any way as it is used in so many industries, including entertainment. kerosene also has some other benefits. For example, it can be used to treat or manage certain conditions.
But despite its popularity and wide range of use, kerosene has some adverse effects on health. Long term use or exposure to kerosene can have some negative impacts on the body, resulting in certain health conditions.
Today, we would be looking at some of the effects of kerosene on people’s health and what you can do to prevent or treat them.
What Are The Health Effects of Kerosene?
1. It Affects Respiratory Health
Long-term inhalation of kerosene fumes can have adverse effects on the respiratory system as it makes breathing difficult. Kerosene contains hydrocarbons, which are very harmful when inhaled. Some of the symptoms of continuous inhalation of kerosene include dizziness, nausea, and headache. It could also lead to heart and lung problems, like low blood pressure, and even coma. Continuous inhalation could also result in complications in people with asthma. [1]
That is why it is advised that you use your kerosene stove or lamp in an airy room and always keep the heat as low as possible.
2. It Irritates The Skin
When handling kerosene, you have to be very careful so as not to get it on your skin. Kerosene irritates the skin, causing it to become dry and cracked. It can also lead to burns and blisters, and could even cause it to peel. There have also been cases when continuous exposure to kerosene on the skin resulted in skin cancer. [2]
Always clean your skin properly with soap and water after handling kerosene. Also, avoid using kerosene as a treatment for lice on the head or an antiseptic for cuts and wounds, as the consequences outweigh the benefits, if any at all.
3. It Leads To Stomach Problems
Ingesting kerosene also results in some problems. before the advent of modern medicine, people used to take as much as a spoon of kerosene to treat certain conditions. But this could result in abdominal problems, nausea, and even vomiting. It could also damage the oesophagus over time. [3]
Avoid getting kerosene in your mouth or your food, and if you do, drink lots of milk or water.
4. It Irritates The Face
Kerosene fumes also irritate the eyes, ears, and even the nose. This could make seeing difficult, resulting in stinging and water eyes. It also stings the nose and ears as well.
5. It Affects The Nervous System
The effects of kerosene go beyond the sensory organs as it also affects the nervous system. This results in issues like drowsiness, convulsion, loss of alertness and awareness, and more.
Bottom Line
Although, kerosene is widely used by many homes in Nigeria, it poses some unlikely health risks. Epidemiologic studies associated household kerosene use to impaired lung function, asthma, cancer, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. The health effects of kerosene can be bad if care is not taken.
Great caution should be applied when handling kerosene to avoid problems. If you notice any symptoms or complications, consult with your doctor or a health specialist.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
