Fire

• Kerosene was originally used as fuel for lamps, furnaces and cooking stoves, but nowadays it is most often found in jet fuel as an additive. The chemical is made up of hydrocarbons, which makes it highly flammable. Any flame or spark that makes contact with the oil will ignite it immediately.The fuel should always be kept in fire retardant containers that are sealed tightly to prevent accidental leaking.
  
  

Explosion

• Kerosene is a relatively unstable oil with a low flash point temperature. Flash point is the term used to describe the temperature at which a dangerous liquid begins to vaporize and form an ignitable air compound, which can explode. According to the Pasadena Fire Department, the substance has a flash point of around 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.4 degrees Celsius). Any time the oil approaches this temperature it is at risk of spontaneously exploding and causing serious damage or injury to anyone nearby. Storage of kerosene fuel should be in a cool dry location, such as a basement or a garage.
  
  

Ingestion

• Similar to other petrol, fuels and oils, kerosene should never be ingested as it has a number of immediate health risks, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low-blood pressure, convulsions, seizures and unconsciousness. It can also cause damage to the lining of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines, which are irreparable. In more serious cases, consumption of the oil has been fatal. Keep the fuel away from children or store it in a locked cupboard.
  
  

Inhalation

• Like most solvents, kerosene emits a chemical odor, which will cause irritations and trouble breathing. Most inhalation problems occur when the chemical is used in a closed room without proper ventilation. According to the Health Protection Agency, inhalation sometimes causes confusion, cataplexy, narcolepsy and in one reported case, death. The most common symptoms for inhalation and exposure are trouble breathing, shortness of breath and coughing.