Kerosene poisoning in children a study of 204 cases

Abstract

Summary<ul><li>1.A statistical study of the outstanding features of 204 cases of kerosene poisoning is given with pulmonary involvement as the most serious complication, with the conclusion that lavage with mineral oil should be given to all patients.</li><li>2.The dangers of accidental poisoning by kerosene and the measures necessary to prevent its ingestion by small children should be stressed repeatedly by health education to the medical profession and the public. Parents should be just as cautious about kerosene as they are about other toxic substances about the household. As the oil is purchased in gallon jugs in most instances, it bears no label of caution to inform the public that it is a poison. The children under 5 years of age are especially receptive to eat or swallow poisonous substances because of their mental and physical immaturity and the accompanying lack of judgment. In the case of petroleum products, laws could be enacted to label as poison, with precautions, the containers sold to the public. Next, educate the public through the press, radio, and television of the dangers of leaving all toxic household articles and drugs within the grasp of these young children.</li><li>3.More cases of poisoning occur in children from kerosene than from lead each year, and all containers of kerosene should have labels with the SKULL and CROSS BONES, with the word POISON in red letters, setting forth the dangers and measures to prevent accidental poisoning. A law should be introduced preventing buyers of bottled beverages using returnable bottles when empty to store poisonous substances.</li></ul>