Gasoline is made from refined crude oil and is used to power cars, boats and motorcycles. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says that inhalation of gas fumes occurs when pumping gas, exposure to contaminated water and by purposely breathing the vapors to get high. The dangers of inhaling gas include both short-term and long-term effects. Generally, increased exposure results in an increased possibility of health concerns. Many people who work in an industry where inhalation cannot be avoided suffer these harmful effects.
Dizziness
Breathing in gasoline vapors can make a person dizzy, even in small quantities. This effect increases the longer the fumes are inhaled, says the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. This dizziness can result in impaired coordination causing a person to fall or trip, which can result in injury. In extreme cases, unconsciousness can occur.
Cancer
While inhalation of gasoline fumes have not been proven to cause cancer, the Wisconsin Department of Human Services says that gasoline contains a chemical called benzene. This substance has been linked to an increased chance of leukemia. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety identifies the presence of ethylene dibromide and says that this component of gasoline has also been proven as a carcinogen.
Nervous System Damage
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, inhaling gasoline fumes can cause damage to a person's nervous system. This will disrupt the body's ability to transmit messages to the brain. It can also affect the brain's ability to interpret those messages and coordinate the body to respond. The extent of the damage is correlated to the amount of exposure.
Sudden Sniffing Death
The New South Wales Department of Education reports that when a death occurs due to intentionally breathing gas fumes it is called sudden sniffing death. This is because inhaling the vapors can stimulate nerves in the body, which can slow heartbeat and can result in death. Other factors of inhalation death include explosions and fire, becoming unconscious and having a fatal accident and choking on vomit while passed out.
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