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Are Kerosene Heater Fumes Toxic Or Medically Harmful ?
My husband, age 58, works in the garage with two kerosene heaters blasting, the smell is outrageous. What symptoms might he experience by inhaling the fumes for 8 or more hours at a time. ps, he keeps the outside garage door closed to stay warm. Thank You, Karen
posted on
Sun, 13 Mar 2011
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 13 Mar 2011
Answered on
Tue, 15 Mar 2011
Last reviewed on
Symptoms after inhalation of kerosene fumes include drowsiness, fever, a rapid heartbeat, tremors, and severe pneumonitis.
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hi karen;
welcome to healthcare magic.
Inhaling of any fumes of hydrocarbons is toxic to our body so kerosene fumes are definitely dangerous.On top of it if he is keeping door closed he is blocking the exhaust & ventilation;so it even more dangerous.These fumes damage lungs & the person suffers from respiratory diseases.If it is not possible to change the work or the place please tell him to keep cross ventilation so that the damage will be less.
thanks
welcome to healthcare magic.
Inhaling of any fumes of hydrocarbons is toxic to our body so kerosene fumes are definitely dangerous.On top of it if he is keeping door closed he is blocking the exhaust & ventilation;so it even more dangerous.These fumes damage lungs & the person suffers from respiratory diseases.If it is not possible to change the work or the place please tell him to keep cross ventilation so that the damage will be less.
thanks
I find this answer helpful
kerosene fumes are definitely toxic and might cause him to black out as the carbon monoxide released will cross the blood brain barrier. He might also have symptoms like nausea, vomiting, chest discomfort, plapitation, etc
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