Following a series of emergency cases involving accidental kerosene ingestion—mostly among young children—health experts in Nigeria have issued an urgent warning against the use of palm oil as a “remedy.”
While palm oil is a traditional household first-aid staple for poisoning in Nigeria, medical professionals warn that its use in cases of kerosene (hydrocarbon) ingestion is not only ineffective but potentially life-threatening.
Experts from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and various pediatric emergency units have highlighted several critical risks.
The greatest danger in kerosene poisoning is the liquid entering the lungs (aspiration). Force-feeding a child palm oil often triggers gagging or vomiting, which significantly increases the chance of kerosene or oil being inhaled into the lungs, leading to chemical pneumonitis (lung inflammation).
Unlike some poisons where vomiting is helpful, vomiting a hydrocarbon like kerosene causes secondary damage to the respiratory tract.
Caregivers often spend precious time administering palm oil or milk at home, delaying the critical window for professional medical intervention.
Studies in Nigerian teaching hospitals show a clear link between home remedies and increased morbidity:
| Intervention | Risk Factor | Common Complications |
| Palm Oil / Milk | High | Aspiration, lung oedema, pleural effusion. |
| Inducing Vomiting | High | Chemical burns in the throat, respiratory failure. |
| Hospital Observation | Low | Managed via oxygen therapy and monitoring. |
If a child or adult accidentally swallows kerosene, experts advise the following protocol:
DO NOT force the person to vomit.
DO NOT give palm oil, milk, or salt water.
DO remove any clothing contaminated with kerosene to prevent skin burns.4
DO rinse the mouth with water if the victim is conscious.
DO rush the victim to the nearest hospital immediately, even if they appear fine (symptoms can be delayed by several hours).
In a related safety development, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 039/2025 regarding the circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils in markets like Onitsha, Aba, and Lagos.5 These adulterated oils often contain harmful impurities that can cause liver damage and cardiovascular issues, further complicating the health risks if used for medicinal purposes.
“Most times, children die from the palm oil remedy rather than the kerosene itself. It is a tragic irony of traditional first aid. We must educate parents: palm oil is for the kitchen, not for the emergency room.” – Dr. A. Oreh, Consultant.
