Is it safe to eat gasoline?
Quick Answer
No
Ingesting gasoline is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the lungs, throat, and stomach, and can be potentially fatal.
What Is It?
Gasoline is a transparent, petroleum-derived liquid that is primarily used as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum, enhanced with a variety of additives.
Why It Can Be Risky
The ingestion of gasoline poses serious health risks:
- Damage to the lungs if inhaled
- Damage to the throat and stomach if swallowed
- Potential for chemical burns on the skin and eyes
- Possible nervous system effects such as dizziness, headaches, or unconsciousness
- Potential for long-term health effects, such as cancer, from prolonged exposure