HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS DUE TO KEROSENE POISONING

     Kerosene not only fuels many homes during cold weather, it is
potentially poisonous.  In Virginia, kerosene is one of the leading
causes of hospitalization of poisoned children, says Dr. Randy
Bond, poison control director at the University of Virginia.  

     Recently, four children have been treated for kerosene
aspiration at the Children's Medical Center, says Bond.  Kerosene
aspiration occurs when children try to drink the substance. 
"Storing kerosene in soda bottles or containers not designed for
this use could cause aspiration, too," Bond says.  

     In addition, children should be kept away from the area when
refueling and all fuels should be stored out of their reach. 

     For more information about kerosene aspiration call Dr. Bond
at 924-9152 or 924-0347.

                                                                  
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                                          January 11, 1995