7.04.08

1 Dead, 5 Injured in N.J. After Drinking Torch Oil

Popular Fluid Bears Striking Resemblance To Household Items Like Apple Juice, Cooking Oil & Bottled Water

NEWARK (CBS) ― A warning has been issued about a household danger. A popular torch oil is being mistaken for apple juice, cooking oil and even bottled water.

Making that simple mistake has resulted in deaths in New Jersey.

It is a popular oil used to light patio torches, labeled "Tiki Torch Fuel." But N.J. poison control officials say that within the last two months five people in the Garden State have gotten sick and another woman has died after drinking the oil, thinking it was apple juice.

"We have an 84-year-old female who somebody poured her a glass of what they thought was juice but turned out not to be apple juice," said Bruce Ruck of N.J. Poison Control.

The torch fuel bottle looks exactly like a bottle of juice. It even has a handle. The best thing you can do is keep it out of your kitchen.

Judy Brooks keeps her lamp oil locked away in the garage, but wonders how anyone could think the strong-smelling oil is juice.

"Wouldn't it taste weird if they took a sip?" Brooks asked.

Ruck said it's a fairly common mistake people make.

"If you're grabbing and chugging a drink quickly, you don't ever taste or smell it. It's only after the fact," Ruck said.

The torch fuel bottles, including the color-less lamp oil, have warning labels.

"The labeling needs to be improved upon," said Pat O'Connor of Summit.

"I don't think it should be in something like this," Michael Moretti added, noting the shape and style of the bottle.

The company that makes the torch oil says it is urgently investigating the reports and that, "All products made by Lamplight Farms are clearly marked that torch fuel is harmful or fatal if swallowed."

Poison control officials say if you drink the oil by mistake, even as little as one quick sip, don't try to throw it up or drink water because that's how it can become deadly, spreading into your lungs.

As with any emergency, immediately get help if you drink the oil by mistake.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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