Hydrocarbons are compounds present in household products like:
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Lamp oil
- Paint thinner
- Furniture polish
- Lighter fluid
- Lubricating oils
- Solvents
Follow these steps if you come in contact with a hydrocarbon:
- If a hydrocarbon gets on your skin, wash well with soap and water; hydrocarbons can cause burns if left on the skin.
- If you swallow a hydrocarbon, wipe out your mouth. Hydrocarbons can be an irritant to the stomach, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not induce vomiting or give large amounts of fluid.
- Call poison control right away for specific recommendations if you come in contact with a hydrocarbon.
- If your child chokes on a hydrocarbon, it can be drawn into the lungs, causing a chemical pneumonia that can
be potentially life threatening.
- Click here to link to our inhalants page for more information about hydrocarbons and inhalant abuse.
Call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or chat from this site for further treatment advice.
