June 26, 2026

Summer means more grilling, bonfires, camping, and yard work. But products commonly used during warm weather - like gasoline, lighter fluid, charcoal starter, lamp oil, and torch fuel - can be very dangerous if swallowed or inhaled, especially for children.

Many of these products are called hydrocarbons, a group of chemicals found in fuels and oils. Even a small amount can cause serious breathing problems if it accidentally goes into the lungs.

Why Are Gasoline and Lighter Fluid So Dangerous?

One of the biggest dangers happens when someone swallows a fuel product and then coughs, chokes, or vomits. This can allow the liquid to enter the lungs, called aspiration.

Aspiration can quickly lead to:

  • Severe coughing or choking
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chemical pneumonia
  • Lung damage
  • Respiratory failure in severe cases

Products with a thin, watery consistency, such as:

  • Gasoline
  • Lighter fluid
  • Torch fuel
  • Lamp oil

are especially dangerous because they can easily enter the lungs.

Thicker products like petroleum jelly or motor oil are less likely to be aspirated.

Symptoms of Fuel or Lighter Fluid Poisoning

If someone swallows gasoline, lighter fluid, torch fuel, or another fuel product, watch for:

  • Coughing
  • Choking
  • Gagging
  • Wheezing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

Breathing symptoms are the most concerning and need immediate medical attention.

What To Do If Someone Swallows Gasoline or Lighter Fluid

If the person is coughing, choking, having trouble breathing, or seems very sleepy:

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

Important safety tips:

  • Do NOT make the person vomit.
  • Do NOT give activated charcoal unless directed by medical professionals.
  • Keep the person away from flames, cigarettes, grills, or sparks because these products are highly flammable.

How To Prevent Fuel Poisonings

To help keep your family safe this summer:

  • Store gasoline, lighter fluid, and torch fuel locked up and out of reach of children.
  • Keep products in their original containers.
  • Never store fuels in drink bottles or cups.
  • Close containers tightly after use.
  • Supervise children closely around grills, fire pits, lawn equipment, and garages.
  • Poison Help Is Free and Available 24/7

If you think someone swallowed gasoline, lighter fluid, lamp oil, or another fuel product, call the experts right away.

The specially trained nurses, pharmacists, and physicians at the Iowa Poison Control Center are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222

Free. Confidential. Expert help anytime.

For More Information:

Call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222

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