Definition
This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing gasoline or breathing in its fumes.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Poisonous Ingredient
The poisonous ingredients in gasoline are chemicals called hydrocarbons, which are substances that contain only hydrogen and carbon. Examples are benzene and methane.
Where Found
Gasoline
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.Symptoms
- Airways and lungs
- Breathing difficulty
- Throat swelling
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Pain
- Vision loss
- Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal pain
- Blood stools
- Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
- Vomiting, possibly with blood
- Heart and blood
- Collapse
- Low blood pressure -- develops rapidly
- Nervous system
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of alertness
- Seizures
- Skin
- Burns
- Irritation
Home Treatment
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is unconscious (has a decreased level of alertness).
If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The time the gasoline was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
