hydrocarbon poisoning
Last reviewed 01/2018
The majority of cases of poisoning by petroleum distillates occur in the under-fives but most deaths occur in teenagers (cardiac arrest).
Hydrocarbons can be ingested, inhaled (accidentally or as solvent abuse) or aspirated when vomiting.
Aspiration risk makes inducing vomiting very dangerous and should be avoided unless the toxicity of the substance demands it. Solvent abuse by inhalation can cause death by ventricular fibrillation or suffocation.