Propane

Definition:

Propane is a colorless and odorless flammable gas at ambient temperatures. It can be toxic when inhaled because it displaces the oxygen in your lungs and essentially prevents your lungs from breathing.

Where Found:

propane

Symptoms:

ingestion:

body as a whole
- fever
- weakness
- convulsions
- pains in arms and legs
- numbness in arms and legs
- burning sensations
respiratory (if inhaled into the lungs)
- cough
- slow and shallow breathing
skin exposure
- irritation
- burns possible if prolong contact occurred
gastrointestinal
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
heart and blood vessels
- rapid heartbeat
- irregular heart rate
nervous system
- unconsciousness
- nervousness
- dizziness

inhalation:

body as a whole:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- loss of consciousness

Home Treatment:

DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) ! If the skin was exposed, wash the area. If the propane was swallowed, give the person water or milk. If the propane was inhaled, move the person to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the propane container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

administration of oxygen
blood tests to determine severity of exposure

Expectations (prognosis):

Depends on the amount of propane inhaled as well as the duration of exposure. For minimal or short exposures there may be temporary headaches or other mild neurological symptoms. For serious and prolonged exposures there can be permanent damage such as stroke, coma or even death.

Review Date: 6/8/2001
Reviewed By: Boaz Rosenblat, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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