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MB - Department of Agriculture Monitors Quality of Kerosene and Antifreeze

As fall temperatures become cooler, many consumers will be winterizing their cars and trucks and making arrangements for fuel supplies this winter. 

Some consumers utilize kerosene for heating and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Fuels and Measures Section regulates this fuel to ensure supplies are safe and effective.

Each year the department tests samples of kerosene for color, sulfur content, flashpoint and end point.  The color of kerosene used in space heaters, unvented heaters and lamps should be close to that of clear water--it should be colorless and crystal clear. Consumers are advised to stay away from kerosene tinted with red dye as the pigments in the dye potentially can clog the wick and cause the heater or lamp to not burn properly.

The department checks the sulfur content of kerosene to ensure it is not above safe levels. If the sulfur concentration is too high in kerosene, sulfur dioxides, which are harmful to breathe, can be emitted into the air. 

Tests are conducted for flashpoint and end point to ensure the heat level is sufficient for the kerosene to fuel a heater or lamp without being volatile enough to possibly start a fire.

Kerosene is sold at many gasoline stations/convenience stores throughout the state, and the law requires the product name, grade and price to be clearly labeled on the pump.  Home heater manufacturers usually recommend that consumers use 1K kerosene in unvented heaters because it has a low sulfur content compared to the 2K grade of kerosene.

The department licenses antifreeze manufacturers and verifies the sample test results for manufacturers who want to sell product in Georgia.  Through verification of the sample test results of the physical properties of antifreeze, such as density, corrosion resistance, water content, pH, freeze point and boiling point, the department ensures that the product is free from contamination and will protect an engine from cold temperatures.

To ensure proper protection, a mixture of 50 volume percent antifreeze with 50 percent water is recommended; however, the percentage of antifreeze used depends upon the degree of protection desired.  Although a higher concentration of antifreeze can be used, no more than 70 volume percent of the radiator fluid should be antifreeze.  In addition, consumers are advised to read all precautionary statements and package directions on the product label.

If the department finds that the kerosene or antifreeze being sold by a sales establishment does not meet prescribed standards, it issues a stop sale order to remove the product from sale until the problem is corrected.

To report a problem regarding kerosene and antifreeze quality, call the department’s toll-free number, 1-800-282-5852, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and ask for the Fuels and Measures Section at extension 3605.