19. TOXICITIES OF
HYDROCARBONS
• Hydrocarbon liquids with low viscosity such as
gasoline and mineral oil can spread rapidly over
large surface areas and are more likely to cause
aspiration pneumonitis than the hydrocarbons
more viscous like tar cause local effects.
• If ingested in large amounts, may be absorbed
systemically and cause CNS or hepatic toxicity,
which is more likely with halogenated
hydrocarbons (eg, carbon tetrachloride,
trichloroethylene).
20. • Recreational inhalation of halogenated
hydrocarbons e.g, glues, paint, solvents,
cleaning sprays, gasoline, fluorocarbons used
as refrigerants or propellants in aerosols is
common among adolescents.
• It can cause euphoria and mental status
changes and can sensitize the heart to
endogenous catecholamines.