Lighter fluid is basically a mixture of hydrocarbons used as fuel in camping stoves, lamps and cigarette lighters. Different combination of hydrocarbons can be used to make fuels that can be used for different purposes.
One of the gases used to make lighter is Butane. This gas is extracted from natural gas and compressed into a liquid for easy transport and use. When mixed with propane gas, liquid propane gas is formed. Liquid propane is used in portable stoves and in outdoor gas grills. Butane is normally compressed and stored inside a cigarette lighter as liquid gas. When the lighter valve is opened, the butane escapes decompresses and escapes where it is ignited by the spark formed by pressing the lighter.
Naphtha is another fuel used in lighters and some camping stoves. This fuel is also a derivative of crude oil. It is a colorless liquid that does not produce strong fumes when burnt.
When Naphtha is mixed with kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid is formed. This fuel combination is highly flammable and is used in grilling. However, meals prepared in the grill will have an unpleasant flavor. Kerosene which is also extracted from crude oil can also be used in stoves and oil lamps.
In recent years, fuel made from natural ingredients have been becoming very popular among consumers. Peanut oil is the main ingredient used to make this fuel. This fuel is just as effective as the traditional fuels derived from crude oil, natural gases and chemicals.
Apart from heating and lighting, lighter fluids can also be used in homes to get rid of crayon marks on walls or to remove stickers on walls, cabinets or refrigerators. it can also be used to remove rust, gum and greases from almost any surface.
When consumed, lighter fluid can cause serious poisoning. The fluid contain a lot of chemicals that are harmful to the human body. These chemicals include Benzene, Lacolene and Hexamine. The damage caused by lighter fluid poisoning can be very severe and the symptoms may persist for some few weeks.
Lighter fluid is very flammable and can cause serious fires but when used correctly, it can be used for many purposes. This fluid can be bought from online stores or retail tobacco stores.