If you accidentally get gasoline in your mouth, remaining calm and acting swiftly is important. Knowing the immediate steps to take can help mitigate potential harm.
Immediate Actions
If gasoline enters your mouth, first, spit it out immediately. Do not swallow any liquid. After spitting, thoroughly rinse your mouth multiple times with plenty of fresh water, swishing vigorously to clear any remaining residue.
It is important to avoid inducing vomiting, even if you have swallowed a small amount. Vomiting can cause gasoline to enter the lungs, leading to a more severe condition known as aspiration pneumonia. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, a small amount of water or milk can be given after rinsing the mouth, but only if advised by poison control.
Understanding the Dangers
Gasoline is a complex mixture of toxic chemicals, primarily hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, and xylene. While not well absorbed from the stomach, their low viscosity and high volatility pose a significant risk of aspiration into the lungs.
Aspiration occurs when gasoline accidentally enters the airways instead of the digestive tract, which can lead to chemical pneumonitis. This condition irritates the lung tissues and can impair oxygen absorption. Beyond aspiration, these toxic compounds can affect the central nervous system, and long-term or severe exposure can potentially damage organs like the kidneys and liver.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Attention
Following gasoline exposure, various symptoms may develop. Common symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
If gasoline is aspirated into the lungs, symptoms like coughing, choking, and difficulty breathing may occur immediately. More severe symptoms from aspiration can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and a bluish skin discoloration due to low oxygen levels. Neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, drowsiness, staggering, or weakness can also arise.
If any amount of gasoline was swallowed, or if any symptoms develop, contact a poison control center immediately. The national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) is available 24/7 and connects callers to their local poison center. Seek emergency medical attention by calling 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, experiences severe breathing difficulties, or cannot be awakened.
Preventing Future Exposure
Several safety practices can prevent accidental gasoline ingestion. Always use appropriate tools like funnels when transferring gasoline to avoid spills and splashes. Wearing protective gloves can also minimize skin contact during handling.
Avoid siphoning gasoline by mouth, as this is a common way for accidental ingestion and aspiration to occur. Instead, use a designated siphon pump or other mechanical devices. Store gasoline in clearly labeled, approved containers designed for flammable liquids, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.