Gasoline is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. It is a medical emergency and requires constant medical attention.
Gasoline contains hydrocarbons, which are stored in the body. It can cause various serious damage to the ingested areas:
Possible Risks and Effects
* Lung Damage (Chemical Pneumonia): This is one of the greatest risks. If gasoline is swallowed and then aspirated directly into the respiratory tract (lungs) through vomiting or by aspiration, it can cause very serious damage called chemical pneumonia. This condition can also occur in bacteria and causes severe lung damage and reproductive failure.
* Gastrointestinal System: Bile is harmful in small doses. Ingesting larger amounts can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
* Nervous System: Inhaling or ingesting gasoline vapors can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and continued deterioration of the nervous system.
* Carcinogenic Effects: Gasoline contains known carcinogens such as benzene. Prolonged or repeated exposure (degrees of skin contact or vaporization) may increase the risk of cancer.
What to do? (Emergency Instructions)
If a person has swallowed gasoline:
* Seek medical attention immediately: Call 911 immediately or take the person to the nearest available location.
* Do not induce vomiting: Never induce vomiting. Vomiting significantly increases the risk of gasoline entering the respiratory tract (lungs) and, indirectly, the risk of chemical pneumonia.
* Rinse the mouth: Rinse with water only if the mouth is contaminated with gasoline.
* Provide information: Provide the medical team with as accurate information as possible about how much gasoline was swallowed and when it occurred.
Gasoline hydrocarbon poisoning is a serious condition requiring immediate and intensive care. It is life-threatening.
