Introduction
This topic covers poisoning by petrol (gasoline), a volatile mixture of hydrocarbons used as fuel and as a solvent. In the exam, describe how workers are exposed, how the hydrocarbons act on the body, the acute and chronic syndromes, how the diagnosis is made, the treatment, and how the condition is assessed for occupational purposes.
Etiology and occupational sources
Petrol is a complex mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons with carbon chains of roughly four to twelve atoms. It contains benzene, toluene and xylenes in variable amounts. Because the same hydrocarbons are used as solvents, exposure extends well beyond fuel handling.
- Handling and refuelling: aircraft and vehicle refuelling, petrol station staff, fuel depot and tank workers
- Use as a solvent or thinner: dry cleaners, workshop mechanics and workers who degrease parts
- Paints, varnishes and lacquers: painters, carpenters and furniture finishers
- Extraction and cleaning processes in industry, including rubber and printing work
- Routes of exposure: inhalation of vapour is the main route; skin absorption occurs during degreasing; accidental or deliberate ingestion, such as siphoning, leads to aspiration