A gasoline spill on the body presents an immediate and serious health risk due to its toxicity and high flammability. Gasoline is a blend of hydrocarbons, including compounds like benzene and toluene, which are skin irritants and central nervous system depressants. Acting swiftly is necessary to minimize exposure and prevent a fire hazard. If you experience a spill, call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately for expert medical guidance. This information provides general first-aid steps and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Immediate Safety and Fire Prevention
The very first action after a gasoline spill is to move away from the source and any potential ignition points to a place with fresh air. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air, meaning they can travel along the ground and accumulate in low-lying areas, creating an explosion risk if they reach a spark or flame. Therefore, you must avoid all sources of ignition, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical switches, operating vehicles, and even using a cell phone near the spill area.
Quickly remove all contaminated clothing, jewelry, and accessories. If the clothing is heavily saturated, drenching it with water before removal can help mitigate the risk of static electricity sparks that could ignite the vapors. Cut clothing off if necessary to avoid pulling it over your head or further contaminating unaffected skin. Gasoline-soaked material must be removed immediately because prolonged contact can lead to chemical burns and systemic absorption of toxic hydrocarbons.
Decontamination for Skin and Eyes
After removing contaminated materials, the affected skin must be thoroughly washed to remove the oily residue and reduce irritation. Flush the skin with cold or lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, using a mild detergent or soap to help break down the petroleum-based hydrocarbons. Scrub the area gently but effectively, avoiding abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, which can worsen skin damage.
For eye exposure, immediate and continuous flushing with water is the most important step. Hold the eyelids open and irrigate the eyes with a gentle stream of water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Direct the water flow from the inner corner of the eye outward to prevent contamination of the unaffected eye. Gasoline is a caustic agent, and eye exposure requires mandatory medical evaluation, even if irritation seems minor after flushing.
Recognizing and Treating Internal Exposure
Gasoline can harm the body internally through vapor inhalation or accidental ingestion. Inhalation of high concentrations can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract, leading to central nervous system depression. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur, move the person to fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical services if breathing is impaired.
Accidental ingestion, such as from siphoning, is particularly dangerous due to the risk of aspiration. Aspiration occurs when gasoline enters the lungs, which can cause chemical pneumonitis, a severe form of lung irritation and inflammation. Never induce vomiting if gasoline has been swallowed, as this dramatically increases the risk of aspiration. Instead, rinse the mouth and contact Poison Control immediately for guidance.
Systemic toxicity from gasoline exposure can cause effects ranging from confusion and staggering to severe outcomes like irregular heartbeats, convulsions, or loss of consciousness. Because lung damage can be delayed, any person experiencing symptoms following a spill should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Monitor the exposed person closely and seek medical attention even if initial symptoms appear to resolve.
Managing Contaminated Materials and Follow-Up
Handling gasoline-contaminated clothing requires extreme caution due to the persistent fire risk. Do not place gasoline-soaked clothing in a standard washing machine or dryer, as residual flammable vapors can ignite and cause an explosion or fire. Instead, heavily saturated items should be air-dried outdoors, away from ignition sources, until the gasoline odor is completely gone.
For mildly contaminated items, hand-washing in a bucket with water and detergent is the preferred method. Since it is difficult to determine if all flammable residue has been removed, it is often safer to dispose of heavily soiled materials entirely. If you keep the item, consider it permanently hand-wash-only and avoid machine drying. After the immediate crisis, monitor the exposed skin for delayed signs of irritation, rash, or blistering over the next 24 to 48 hours, and contact a physician if new symptoms develop.