Jul 2, 2008 11:30 pm US/Eastern
N.J. Woman Dies After Drinking Torch Oil
5 Others Sickened In Separate Incidents
WESTAMPTON, N.J. (AP) ―
New Jersey officials issued a health alert Wednesday after six people mistakenly drank torch lamp oil thinking it was apple juice, and one died as a result.
Bruce Ruck of the state Poison Information and Education System said all the survivors -- three of whom were hospitalized, one critically -- have been released from the hospital.
One, an 8-year-old, suffered permanent lung damage.
Jim Hirt, executive director of the American Association of Poison Control Centers in Washington, said torch oil poisonings have occurred in prior years around the country.
A report by the Illinois poison control center identified 70 cases of torch oil poisonings nationwide during a two-year period ending last December.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Wednesday that is opening an investigation into the lamp oil poisonings.
The New Jersey residents, who range in age from 18 months to 84 years, drank small amounts of the amber-colored oil, which resembles apple juice in color and is packaged in similar containers.
The 84-year-old died Monday.
Officials urged people to store lamp oil away from foods and common areas, and to avoid putting chemicals of any kind in food containers such as drinking glasses.
That message was echoed Wednesday in Burlington County, where the only known fatality from drinking torch oil occurred.
"The message is simple," said Burlington County Public Health Coordinator Robert Gogats.
"Keep products in their original containers, read the labels and always store hazardous materials in locked areas away from children."
Officials told people to call a poison center immediately if oil is ingested.
Health officials did not identify any specific brands of oil.
If you accidentally consume the oil, you are urged to call the Poison Control Center at
800-222-1222.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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