Hydrocarbon Poisoning

Basics

Description

Main complication from hydrocarbon exposure is aspiration
Hydrocarbon aspiration primarily affects central nervous and respiratory systems
Physical properties determine type and extent of toxicity:
- Viscosity (resistance to flow):
  - Higher aspiration risk from products with lower viscosity
- Volatility (ability of a substance to vaporize):
  - Hypoxia from aromatic hydrocarbons displacing alveolar air
- Surface tension (ability to adhere to itself at liquid's surface):
  - Low surface tension allows easy spread from oropharynx to trachea, promoting aspiration (e.g., mineral oil, seal oil)
Volatile-substance abuse:
- Common solvents abused:
  - Typewriter correction fluid
  - Adhesive
  - Gasoline
  - Cigarette-lighter fluid
- Sniffing: Product inhaled directly from container
- Huffing: Product inhaled through a soaked rag held to face
- Bagging: Product poured into bag and multiple inhalations taken from bag
Major classes of hydrocarbons:
- Aliphatics:
  - Include kerosene, mineral oil, seal oil, gasoline, solvents, and paint thinners
  - Pulmonary toxicity via aspiration
  - Asphyxiation from gaseous methane and butane by displacement of alveolar oxygen
- Halogenated hydrocarbons:
  - Include carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethane
  - Found in industrial settings as solvents
  - Well absorbed by lungs and gut
  - High toxicity
  - Liver and renal failure associated with ingestion
- Cyclics or aromatic compounds include toluene and xylene:
  - Highly volatile and well absorbed from gut
  - Death from benzene reported with 15 mL ingestion
- Terpenes or wood distillates include turpentine and pine oil:
  - Significant GI tract absorption
  - Significant CNS depression

Etiology

Accidental exposures typical in young children
Inhalation abuse of volatile hydrocarbons
Suicide attempts in adolescents and adults

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