OMAHA - The Nebraska Regional Poison Center is advising parents to use caution with fuel used for patio tiki torches.

The center says in the days leading up to the Fourth of July last year, several people across the country were poisoned by torch fuel that they believed was apple juice. The product is sold in containers that can look similar to apple juice.

It's especially dangerous if the fuel gets in the lungs, which can happen when people choke after swallowing it. Poisoning symptoms include difficulty breathing, persistent cough, fever, chest pain and lethargy.

The center recommends that the fuel should be stored out of the reach of children and away from food.

If a poisoning is suspected, call the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.