Last Updated on January 12, 2022 by IncenseJunction
There is a wide range of oil lamps. They vary in styles, sizes, as well as shapes. However, they all have some safety concerns. An oil lamp requires a certain type of fuel for it to produce adequate light safely.
Normally, an oil lamp will burn around half an ounce of its oil each hour it stays on. The amount of oil burnt might vary. This article aims to help you understand the difference between kerosene vs. lamp oil. We will help you choose which is safe to use in your lamp, kerosene, or lamp oil.
Defining Kerosene
People used kerosene lanterns indoors after their discovery in 1846. It is an affordable type of refined oil that is produced by the distillation of coal. This distillation process gives out a clear fluid, which will produce a yellow flame that is brighter than the flame produced by other oils. It is named after “keroselaion” which is a Greek word meaning wax oil.
Defining Lamp Oil
Is lamp oil kerosene? Lamp oil is a flammable hydrocarbon fuel that is purified and refined so that it burns without producing an odor or soot. This oil is mainly meant for use indoors because of its pure form and its odorless, soot-free flame. There are lamp oils that are colored. However, they tend to discolor or stain a lamp. You should know that the lamp oil might evaporate as time goes by. Therefore, make sure to use proper storage. What is lamp oil made of? Lamp oil is made from a blend of kerosene and paraffin, usually refined from petroleum. This is one of the main paraffin lamp oil vs. kerosene differences.
Kerosene in Oil Lamps
Can you use kerosene in oil lamps? Is it safe to burn kerosene lamps indoors?
You should never burn red kerosene indoors in an oil lamp. The fumes produced might be harmful. However, K-1 kerosene can be burned indoors. However, when it burns, it will produce sulfur and other elements that have a certain odor and might give you a headache.
Can you use paraffin oil in a kerosene lamp?
In case purified kerosene is not at your disposal, you can use paraffin. But you should know that it has its advantages compared to kerosene. For instance, the solvent tends to evaporate if you do not use the lamp for a certain time. The one in the wick will crystallize and bringing up adequate oil will become an issue.
Risks of Burning Kerosene Lamps
Burning Kerosene lamps can bring about hazards such as explosions, fires, as well as poisoning. Do Kerosene lamps produce carbon monoxide? Some of the kerosene lamps can produce carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, as well as certain nitric oxides. These are known to bring around certain risks of cancer or asthma. That is why we recommend using cleaner alternatives.
Assuming you have purchased a better alternative, how do you dispose of kerosene lamp oil? The most efficient way is to take it to a Household Hazardous Waste facility. It will be properly disposed of in such a facility.
Also, read:
Conclusion
As we have noted, kerosene can bring about some risks to your property, as well as your health. It is highly recommended that you choose certain pure forms of fuel if you need to use a lantern. You can use alternatives such as lamp oil for that purpose. Be safe!
