This keeps the lungs from working properly and is potentially fatal. The oil is thick enough to be dangerous, but thin enough to be easily swallowed. Doctors say this is an equal opportunity home safety problem. Children of all economic and ethnic groups turn up in hospital emergency rooms after taking a drink. They range in age from as young as 6 months to as old as 4 years.
Prevention is simple.
Keep the oil and lamps out of the reach of children. Your local poison control center can help you if you suspect the child has swallowed some lamp oil. That means the problem is very serious and needs immediate medical attention. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.