Camphorated and castor oil confusion and its toxic results

Three cases of camphorated oil ingestion occurring over a 20-month period are discussed. Two of the three ingestions resulted in hospitalization, and the clinical course of the ingestions are presented. Follow-up investigations were performed to determine the causes of the confusion between castor and camphorated oil. Also presented are descriptions of efforts made to improve labeling and packaging of this potentially lethal household product.