Fuel Oils / Kerosene

CAS ID #: 8008-20-6, 70892-10-3, 68476-30-2, 68476-34-6, 68476-31-3

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Dermal (Skin), Hepatic (Liver), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Ocular (Eyes), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Cancer Classification: EPA: Not evaluated. IARC: Occupational refining exposure:-Probably carcinogenic to humans; marine diesel fuel or residual (heavy) fuel oils-Possibly carcinogenic to humans; jet fuels or light diesel fuels-Not classifiab. NTP: Not evaluated

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Hydrocarbons (contain hydrogen and carbon atoms)

Summary: Fuel oils are a variety of yellowish to light brown liquid mixtures that come from crude petroleum. Some chemicals found in fuel oils may evaporate easily, while others may more easily dissolve in water. Fuel oils are produced by different petroleum refining processes, depending on their intended uses. Fuel oils may be used as fuel for engines, lamps, heaters, furnaces, and stoves, or as solvents. Some commonly found fuel oils include kerosene, diesel fuel, jet fuel, range oil, and home heating oil. These fuel oils differ from one another by their hydrocarbon compositions, boiling point ranges, chemical additives, and uses.