Hydrocarbon poisoning

T52.0


DESCRIPTION

Poisoning due to petroleum products, including paraffin, turpentine, petrol, mineral spirits. (This section does not include information on aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, xylene) often used by glue sniffers to get high).

Clinical signs include:

  • chemical pneumonitis,
  • GIT effects,
  • arrhythmias, and
  • CNS effects.

GENERAL MEASURES

If contaminated, remove clothing and wash skin.

Do not induce emesis or attempt gastric emptying/lavage.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Activated charcoal is of no value.

Observe and examine for chemical pneumonitis. Prophylactic antibiotics are not indicated.