Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon compounds that presents a dual threat upon contact. As a highly volatile substance, its vapors pose a significant inhalation risk, potentially affecting the central nervous system and lungs. Direct liquid contact causes chemical irritation and dermatitis, and the liquid and its fumes are extremely flammable. Recognizing the hazardous nature of gasoline and acting quickly is necessary to prevent severe chemical burns and systemic toxicity.
Immediate Steps for Skin Contact
The first action for liquid gasoline on the skin is immediate decontamination. Wash the affected area gently with large amounts of cool or lukewarm water and a mild soap. This continuous rinsing should last for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to effectively remove the toxic hydrocarbons from the skin’s surface.
Avoid abrasive scrubbing, which can worsen irritation and increase chemical absorption through damaged skin. Never use hot water for washing, as heat encourages the skin’s pores to open, accelerating the uptake of chemical components. Do not attempt to clean the area with chemical solvents like alcohol or bleach, which can cause further tissue damage.
If gasoline splashes into the eyes, flush them immediately with a continuous, gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes. While rinsing, hold the eyelids open to ensure water reaches all parts of the eye. This prolonged flushing is required to prevent potential temporary vision loss or lasting injury.
Managing Vapor Inhalation and Systemic Symptoms
Inhalation of gasoline vapors requires moving to fresh air immediately. If the spill occurred in an enclosed space, exit quickly to a location with good ventilation. Even brief exposure to high concentrations of fumes can lead to acute symptoms as the chemicals affect the nervous system.
Initial signs of overexposure often include lightheadedness, headache, nausea, and throat irritation. The person may also experience confusion, staggering, or a sense of being mildly intoxicated. While these acute symptoms may subside quickly in fresh air, it is necessary to monitor for delayed effects, particularly on the lungs.
Gasoline hydrocarbons can be drawn into the lungs, leading to a serious condition called chemical pneumonitis, or inflammation of the lungs. Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, even hours after the initial exposure, indicates a possible lung injury. Any respiratory symptoms following a significant vapor exposure require professional medical evaluation.
Fire Safety and Clothing Removal
Contaminated clothing represents a severe fire hazard and a source of continued skin exposure. Quickly remove all clothing, footwear, and jewelry that have come into contact with the liquid gasoline. It is beneficial to drench contaminated garments with water before removal to reduce the risk of static electricity sparks igniting the volatile vapors.
Once the clothing is removed, keep the items away from all potential sources of ignition, including pilot lights, electrical appliances, cigarettes, and switches. Gasoline vapor is heavier than air and can travel along the ground to a distant ignition source, causing a flash fire. The contaminated items should be sealed in a plastic bag for disposal or professional cleaning.
Do not put gasoline-soaked items into a standard washing machine, as the residual flammability poses a risk of fire or explosion. If you attempt to clean them yourself, they must be pre-soaked and rinsed thoroughly outside to allow the volatile components to evaporate safely. Any contaminated item that cannot be thoroughly cleaned should be discarded.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Certain signs and symptoms after a gasoline spill indicate an immediate need for professional medical intervention. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on any exposure, but call 911 immediately for life-threatening symptoms.
Urgent symptoms requiring immediate medical care include:
- Severe difficulty breathing.
- Persistent coughing that does not stop.
- Loss of consciousness.
- If gasoline was swallowed, even a small amount.
- Severe or persistent vomiting.
- Blistering of the skin.
- Eye pain that lasts longer than the initial rinsing period.
Seeking prompt medical attention is the best way to manage the systemic toxicity and chemical burns associated with significant gasoline exposure.