Effects and mechanisms of kerosene use-related toxicity

• Kerosene continues to be used for various purposes throughout the world due to its economic viability.
• Kerosene exposure causes various adverse health effects on body organs/systems.
• Kerosene-mediated adverse health effects are closely related to the type of kerosene use.
• The mechanism of harm is dependent on mode/route of exposure and the target organ/system.

Kerosene is a heterogeneous hydrocarbon substance that continues to find many uses worldwide due to its economic viability and ease of availability. In spite of kerosene's many uses, it is known to cause harm to various body organs and systems. Major affected body organs/systems are the pulmonary system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, the skin, immune system and liver. This review discusses the various kerosene-mediated adverse health effects and possible mechanisms by which kerosene is likely to inflict such effects. These mechanisms are quite varied and include induction of inflammation, loss of effectiveness of pulmonary surfactants, hypoxia, production of highly reactive oxidative metabolites, extraction of endogenous epidermal and membrane lipids, necrosis, hormonal and enzymatic levels changes, and immunosuppression. Understanding of the above will allow for proper relevant policy formulation and targeted kerosene-mediated morbidity and mortality preventive and management initiatives.