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Burlco woman, 84, dies after taking mistaken drink

Her death brings a warning on the dangers of lamp oil, an apple juice look-alike.

By Sam Wood and Allison Steele, Inquirer Staff Writers

Posted: July 03, 2008

An 84-year-old woman died at a Burlington County hospital Monday night two days after drinking tiki torch lamp oil that she had mistaken for apple juice.

Four other people across New Jersey have gotten sick since May from accidentally drinking the amber liquid, prompting state officials to issue a health alert yesterday about the hazards of ingesting it.

Officials have urged people to keep tiki torch fluid far away from foods and common areas to avoid confusion.

"Lamp oil bottles closely resemble juice containers and the colors of those fluids is indistinguishable from juice," said Bruce Ruck, spokesman for the state Poison Information and Education System.

When consumed, the oil causes coughing and choking. It then enters the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia or even death.

"If you drink it by accident, don't stick your finger down your throat. That will make it worse," Ruck said. "Don't drink a lot of [other] fluid. That will make it worse. Immediately call a poison center. Depending on the scenario and symptoms, we can help them make a decision."

Jim Hirt, executive director of the American Association of Poison Control Centers in Washington, said torch-oil poisonings have occurred previously around the country.

A report by the Illinois poison control center identified 70 cases of torch-oil poisonings nationwide in a two-year period ending in December.

Among those who have fallen ill in New Jersey was an 8-year-old girl who mistook torch oil for juice last month. She was in critical condition for several days and suffered serious and permanent injuries to her lungs. Others who drank the oil also were hospitalized and released.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents can call 1-800-222-1222 to reach a regional poison-control switchboard, where they can report suspected poisonings or obtain drug or poison information.

Contact staff writer Sam Wood at 215-854-2796 or samwood@phillynews.com.

This article contains information from the Associated Press.