TABLE 102.15 CLASSIFICATION OF HYDROCARBONS Nontoxic (unless complicated by gross aspiration) Asphalt, tars Mineral oil Liquid petrolatum Motor oil, axle grease Baby oils, suntan oils Systemic toxicity Halogenated (carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane) Aromatic (benzene, toluene, xylene) Additives (camphor, organophosphates, heavy metals) Aspiration hazard (without significant systemic toxicity unless ingested in massive quantity) Lamp oil/torch oil Turpentine Gasoline Kerosene Mineral seal oil (furniture polish) Charcoal lighter fluid Cigarette lighter fluid Mineral spirits Clinical Considerations Clinical manifestations of hydrocarbon ingestion depend largely on the specific profile of toxicity of the ingested substances Significant GI irritation may cause nausea and bloody emesis CNS effects may range from inebriation to coma Hemolysis with hemoglobinuria has been reported after significant ingestions Finally, hydrocarbon ingestion may cause fever and leukocytosis in up to 15% of patients in the absence of clinically evident pneumonitis Because most hydrocarbons cause clinical toxicity only when aspirated, the mainstay of treatment is to leave ingested compounds in the gut (when possible) and to prevent emesis or reflux Gastric emptying should only be considered for