How to Treat Breathing in Gasoline

Gasoline is a colorless or pale brown or pink liquid with flammable and volatile properties, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases Registry. Gasoline vapors tend to collect in low-lying areas because of the heavy density of vapors. The ATSDR states that the lungs readily absorb gasoline hydrocarbons, yet these same hydrocarbons are not as easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and even less so by the skin.

Instructions

• 1

  Move to fresh air immediately. According to the New York Times, people exposed to gasoline vapors should be moved away from vapors right away to prevent further complications from exposure such as fainting and damage to internal organs.

• 2

  Check your symptoms. Symptoms of breathing in gasoline may include dizziness, nausea and headache. Additional symptoms may include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat regions. According to the ATSDR, breathing in gasoline at high levels can lead to fainting and even death. As a general rule, those exposed to gasoline vapors for longer periods experience more severe symptoms.

• 3

  Contact your local Poison Control Center office for medical advice for treating mild cases of gas inhalation. The National Poison Control Center can be contacted at [phone]. By calling the center, you can talk to an expert about breathing in gasoline and what medical precautions should be taken. The experts can also advise you to further medical help if your situation is an emergency.

• 4

  Contact your local 911 emergency services if you have had excessive exposure to gasoline vapors. The sooner medical treatment is received, the better chance a patient has at a speedy recovery. According to the ATSDR, expect to receive treatments such as oxygen therapy with a mask, chest radiography and pulse oximetry, which will assess your breathing.