The Most Common Uses of Kerosene

Kerosene is known by many different names including boiler juice, heating oil, paraffin and standard kerosene. Produced through the distillation of crude oil kerosene is a thin clear liquid traditionally used for heating, lighting, for powering various types of aircraft and within home-based central heating systems. Kerosene is one of the most traditional sources of providing heat and light, originally within lanterns, and is still used worldwide, to cook and provide entertainment particularly to those within less affluent and developed countries.

Kerosene for Domestic Use


It is estimated that over 1.5 billion homes in the united kingdom use kerosene suppliers to provide kerosene fuel as a means of successfully heating their homes. This is particularly prevalent during the tough winter months and due to its clean burning properties allowing it to maintain an increased level of heat, whilst being very economically viable to use a primary source of heating. This is illustrated by it being the fuel of choice for heating and lighting for countless years to date. One of the key reasons for its popularity is its readily availability and ease of purchase from a variety of different sources.

Kerosene – Handle With Care

Whilst it is certainly one of the easiest methods providing heating in particular, kerosene requires increased levels of care and responsibility when handling and storing, carrying with it many health and hazard warnings particularly within its containment area. According to the various legislature and guidelines detailing its handling and management, Kerosene is succinctly described as containing the following keyword descriptions, flammable, harmful and dangerous to the environment.

When addressing the direct affects to humans, kerosene is known to cause acute damage to the lungs eyes, breathing, skin and other bodily functions as well as causing severe damage to aquatic and various forms of marine life. By keeping it contained, it is possible to avoid the harmful side effects of kerosene, but wearing appropriate clothing and taking care when handling is strongly advised.

Kerosene – in Summary

To conclude, kerosene is known by a multitude of names and is traditionally and most commonly used as a means of providing heating, lighting and power to a variety of different sources. It is used worldwide and most commonly within less affluent countries, providing means of cooking and even entertainment. It is readily available to buy and is supplied by many different sources, but requires careful handling and storage. However despite the health and safety concerns kerosene still remains the first choice for many people and is more readily available than ever before.