Propane poisoning

Propane is a colorless and odorless flammable gas that can turn into liquid under very cold temperatures.

This article discusses the harmful effects from breathing in or swallowing propane. Breathing in or swallowing propane can be harmful. Propane takes the place of oxygen in the lungs. This makes breathing difficult or impossible.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Breathing in or swallowing propane can be harmful. Propane takes the place of oxygen in the lungs. This makes breathing difficult or impossible.

Where Found

Propane can be found in:

• Homes as fuel for heating water, cooking appliances, and drying clothes
• Fuels used for forklifts and other equipment in construction and factories
• Agriculture settings to dry grain crops

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of contact, but may include:

• Burning sensation
• Convulsions

  Convulsions

  A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...

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• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fever
• General weakness
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid heartbeat

  Rapid heartbeat

  Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...

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• Lightheadedness

  Lightheadedness

  Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...

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• Loss of consciousness (coma, or unresponsiveness)

  Loss of consciousness

  Decreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...

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• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervousness
• Pain and numbness in arms and legs
• Skin irritation
• Slow and shallow breathing

  Slow and shallow breathing

  Breathing that stops from any cause is called apnea. Slowed breathing is called bradypnea. Labored or difficult breathing is known as dyspnea....

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• Weakness

Touching liquid propane results in frostbite-like symptoms.

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move them to fresh air. If the person does not improve rapidly after moving to fresh air, call the local emergency number (such as 911).

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the person is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

The local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also get online poison help now at Poisonhelp.org. Just enter the product, poison, or medicine to get expert help.

If you go to the emergency room, take the container for the poison with you, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The person may receive:

• Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray

  Chest x-ray

  A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.

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• Electrocardiogram (ECG), or heart tracing

  Electrocardiogram

  An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

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• Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the type of contact with the poison, and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better.

Those with short exposures may have temporary headaches or other mild nervous system symptoms. Stroke, coma, or death may occur with long-term exposure.