Dangers Associated with Exposure to Gasoline Vapors
Most people don’t look at gasoline in terms of it being harmful, instead just seeing it as something that we need in our everyday lives. But a lot of people have daily gasoline exposure such, and those employed in production and distribution of gas products are much more likely to become sick from inhaling the fumes over a long period of time.
We inhale petrol everyday in various situations. We inhale petrol vapor during the time we fill our vehicle petrol tanks. During the time we drive or stroll on the sidewalk, we inhale petrol pollution from cars. Even though inhaling pollution for brief durations does not have serious consequences, exposure to pollution for extended hours daily may be harmful.
Even our day to day lives make it quite easy to be exposed to gasoline; in fact, even walking down the street means that we are breathing in fumes, let alone when we are visiting the local gas station to fill up our tanks. This kind of every day exposure may be irritating, but it really doesn’t do much damage to us. However, people who are exposed to gasoline fumes on a continuous basis because of there job environments are a different matter.
We usually don’t spend our day to day lives worrying too much about the dangers of being exposed to gasoline. However, people who work in fields such as the gasoline production industry need to be more concerned. Constant and high level exposure to gasoline fumes such as this means a potential risk for developing a variety of serious illnesses.
Gasoline vapors are deadly. If stored improperly, there’s a possibility that the gasoline, which is heavier than oxygen, will accumulate into a large, easily ignitable and explosive mass. Do not store gasoline in your basement, as any small spark could cause a massive explosion or fire. Gasoline should always be stored outside, preferably in a shed or garage. After a short exposure to gas fumes you might start feeling nose or throat irritation, experience dizzy spells or feel a headache coming on. If you do start experiencing any of these things, you need to get some fresh air and get out of the area you were in.
Long hours of inhaling petrol pollution may result in attack to the nervous system. Even though there is no proof that extended hours of inhaling may result in cancer, studies have proven that inhaling a petroleum element (benezene) increases the likelihood of contracting leukemia. If you experience severe symptoms, get medical attention immediately.
To read more about occupational hazard and forensic medicine please visit Environmental Diseases website.