Hydrocarbon Poisoning
Description General measures Medicine treatment T52.0 + (X46.99/X66.99/Y16.99) Note: This section does not include information on aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, xylene) often used by glue sniffers to get high. DESCRIPTION Poisoning due to petroleum products, including paraffin, turpentine, petrol, and mineral spirits. Clinical signs include: chemical pneumonitis nausea and vomiting
T52.0 + (X46.99/X66.99/Y16.99)
Note:
This section does not include information on aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, xylene) often used by glue sniffers to get high.
DESCRIPTION
Poisoning due to petroleum products, including paraffin, turpentine, petrol, and mineral spirits.
Clinical signs include:
- chemical pneumonitis
- nausea and vomiting
- arrhythmias
- depression, seizures, coma
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.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Adult Hospital Level, 2020-2024_Version 2.0_27 March 2025
Chapter 19 Poisoning_19.15 Hydrocarbon Poisoning
Drugs mentioned
ICD-10 codes
- T52.0Toxic effect, petroleum products
- X46.99Accidental poisoning by and exposure to organic solvents and halogenated hydrocarbons and their vapours, unspecified place, during unspecified activity
- X66.99Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to organic solvents and halogenated hydrocarbons and their vapours, unspecified place, during unspecified activity
- Y16.99Poisoning by and exposure to organic solvents and halogenated hydrocarbons and their vapours, undetermined intent, unspecified place, during unspecified activity