Kerosene Oil Poisoning among Children in Rural Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction Kerosene oil poisoning is one of common presentations to emergency departments among children in rural territories of developing countries. This study aimed to describe clinical manifestations, reasons for delayed presentations, harmful first aid practices, complications, and risk factors related to kerosene oil poisoning among children in rural Sri Lanka. Methods This multicenter study was conducted in North-Central province of Sri Lanka involving all in-patient children with acute kerosene oil poisoning. Data were collected over seven years from thirty-six hospitals in the province. Data collection was done by pretested, multistructured questionnaires and a qualitative study. Results Male children accounted for 189 (60.4%) while 283 (93%) children were below five years. The majority of parents belonged to farming community. Most children ingested kerosene oil in home kitchen. Mortality rate was 0.3%. Lack of transport facilities and financial resources were common reasons for delayed management. Hospital transfer rate was 65.5%. Thirty percent of caregivers practiced harmful first aid measures. Commonest complication was chemical pneumonitis. Strongest risk factors for kerosene oil poisoning were unsafe storage, inadequate supervision, and inadequate house space. Conclusions Effect of safe storage and community education in reducing the burden of kerosene oil poisoning should be evaluated. Since many risk factors interact to bring about the event of poisoning in a child, holistic approaches to community education in rural settings are recommended.

Burden of Lesser-Known Unintentional Non-Fatal Injuries in Rural Bangladesh: Findings from a Large-Scale Population-Based Study

“…Unintentional poisoning was highest in children under five years of age, as has been seen in other LMIC contexts [19]. Previous studies from Bangladesh have shown ingestion of pesticides, kerosene, and paraffin to be quite common [17].…”

“…Very young children have an inherent exploratory and inquisitive nature that puts them at a higher risk of exposure to such unsafe products. Additionally, children can get attracted to the packaging, as has been seen in Sri Lanka where kerosene is sold in colorful packets [19]. Moreover, these chemicals are usually stored in juice or other drink bottles in rural homes and are easily confused with beverages [19].…”

“…Additionally, children can get attracted to the packaging, as has been seen in Sri Lanka where kerosene is sold in colorful packets [19]. Moreover, these chemicals are usually stored in juice or other drink bottles in rural homes and are easily confused with beverages [19]. Limited literacy among elderly women and lack of attention from family members might explain the high proportions of unintentional poisoning events in this group of the population.…”

“…The general public needs to be made aware of using appropriate containers to store household products and providing supervision to very young children as well as the elderly. Manufacturing companies could childproof their products, and print hazard indicators in the local language as well as pictorial diagrams on the containers to account for the lack of reading skills [19].…”

Kerosene Poisoning Complicated by Acute Pancreatitis

“…5 Though mortality is rare, kerosene poisoning leads to significant morbidity following its adverse effects on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. 6,7 As kerosene is a mixture of chemicals, there is a limited data on its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. 8,9 Available data from studies suggest that kerosene is removed from circulation by the liver and lungs.…”