Cases of poisoning by petroleum and paraffin are common, and occur chiefly in children.
Petroleum is a natural product, and is a mixture of the higher saturated hydrocarbons. The crude petroleum is purified by distillation, and is then free from colour, but retains its peculiar penetrating odour. Different varieties are sold under the names of cymogene, gasolene, naphtha, petrol, and benzoline. Benzoline is highly inflammable, and is often called mineral naphtha, petroleum naphtha, and petroleum spirit. Benzoline is not the same as benzene or benzol, which is one of the products of the dry distillation of coal.
From its very general use as a fuel in motor-cars many accidents have happened from inhaling the vapour of petrol. It gives rise to coldness, shallow respiration, syncope, and insensibility, but seldom death.
Paraffin, also known as kerosene and mineral oil, is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons obtained by the distillation of shale.
By the retailer the terms 'petroleum' and 'paraffin' oil are used indifferently, and each is sold for the other without prejudice.
Symptoms.—These substances are not very active poisons, and, as a rule, even children recover. The breath has the odour of paraffin, the face is pale and cyanotic, hot and dry, and there may be vomiting. Death may result from gastro-enteritis or from coma.
Fatal Dose.—In the case of an adult, 1/2 pint should not prove lethal, and patients have recovered after drinking a pint.
Treatment.—Emetics, purgatives, and stimulants.