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65-24 ' <br /> AU ON11 I roc. GASOL12 E t <br /> experimental conditions does not mimic ambient vapor composition. The <br /> n,--Im are exposed to completely volatilized gasoline whereas human <br /> x _ <br /> exposure _s to partial volatilization_ The larger hydrocarbons. which <br /> are Less volatile. are present in lower proportion in ambient vapors <br /> than in completely volatilized gasoline. Thus, since certain subsets <br /> of the higher molecular freight compounds are thought to be responsible <br /> for nephrotoxicity, it is likely that the animal studies overestimate <br /> the Toxic effect in humans. <br /> 65.3.2.1 Short-term Toxicologic Effects <br /> The primary mode of exposure to gasoline is by inhalation. The <br /> most common symptoms of intoxication are headaches, blurred vision, <br /> dizziness and nausea M . Most of the adverse physical effects in <br /> humans have been documented by cases of intentional gasoline inhalation <br /> or 'sniffing." Absorption of the volatile components across the lungs —' <br /> is generally rapid and quite efficient. Levels as low as 500-1000 ppm <br /> for 30 to 60 minutes can result in an euphoric condition consisting of <br /> ataxia (decreased muscle coordination) , drowsiness and dizziness. <br /> Increased levels (1000-3000 ppm) lead to irritation, headache, nausea. <br /> and vomiting. Levels in excess of 5000 ppm can cause dizziness or deep <br /> anesthesia Within minutes, and occasionally coma and death are reported <br /> (2277,2284) . In general. the euphoria, lethargy and decreased sensory. <br /> perception Last several hours after exposure (2280) . The intoxicating <br /> feeling is believed to be dere to the neurotoxic effects of n-hexane and <br /> the narcotic properties of the C4 to C8 saturated hydrocarbons (2277) . <br /> Deaths from gasoline sniffing have rarely been reported. In a <br /> study of 110 "sudden sniffing deaths" occurring during the 19601s, 3.61 ,1 <br /> were thought to be associated with gasoline inhalation. Sudden death <br /> has been reported in an adolescent who exercised after inhaling <br /> gasoline fumes while siphoning gasoline from a car. Death was <br /> presumably from a cardiac arrhythmia induced by the fumes (1570) . <br /> Symptoms in severe oral intoxication are mild excitation. loss of <br /> consciousness. occasional convulsions, cyanosis, congestion and <br /> capillary hemorrhaging of the lung and internal organs, followed by <br /> death due co circulatory failure. In mild cases, symptoms include <br /> inebriation. vomiting, vertigo, dizziness, confusion and fever (12) . <br /> In adults, ingestion of 20-50 g may produce severe poisoning. one case 4' <br /> of accidental ingestion caused immediate severe burning of the pharynx Fat <br /> and gastric region. After- immediate gastric Lavage, no general <br /> symptoms were noted_ Liver function tests were slightly elevated, <br /> indicating hepatic damage which was probably due cc gasoline's lipid <br /> solubility. Another case of accidental ingestion of gasoline presented <br /> with nausea. abdominal cramps and red-brown urine. Upon further <br /> iuvescigacions. acute reversible toxic injury was found to the upper <br /> portions of both kidney (2278) . It should be noted that ingestion can <br /> be accompanied by aspiration. This can lead to chemical injury. <br /> irritation to the Iung and mucosal surfaces and generalized chemical L, <br /> pneumonitis. Symptoms are Lethargy, moderate respiratory distress with <br /> laboratory confirmation of leukocytosis and increased serum levels of ;- <br /> ;y <br /> 6/87 <br /> r <br />