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Poison Centers Warn Against Siphoning Gasoline

May 18, 2021 12:18 PM | Anonymous

After recent scares of limited gasoline, some states on the nation’s East Coast have experienced severe gasoline hoarding and siphoning. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) joins the Blue Ridge Poison Center in warning against siphoning gasoline after receiving a notable spike in gasoline-related calls. According to the National Poison Data System (NDPS), there has been a 45% increase in gasoline ingestions between May 10-May 12, 2021. Most exposures occurred between the ages of 13-59. The majority of exposures (78%) were managed out of the hospital.

Additionally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned against filling plastic bags with gasoline. When gasoline is not stored in the proper fuel approved containers, it can be hazardous if inhaled. According to NPDS, inhalation resulted in 25% of gasoline exposures in May 2021.

Although most gasoline exposure calls to poison centers resulted in minimal to no symptoms, injuries can still occur by any route. Injuries may include but are not limited to the following: coughing, shortness of breath, chemical pneumonia, chemical burns, and unconsciousness.

If you have questions or suspect you have been poisoned by gasoline, contact your local poison center at 1(800)222-1222. Poison experts (nurses, doctors, and pharmacists) are available to answer your call 24/7/365.

Four ways to prepare, prevent, and protect against poisoning:

1. Text POISON to 797979 to save the Poison Help Hotline as a contact in your mobile phone.

2. Save the Poison Help Hotline number, 1-800-222-1222, into your mobile phone.

3. Display the Poison Help Hotline contact number throughout your home.

4. Get Info:

Web: www.aapcc.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AAPCC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aapcc/

For National Poison Data or Information, Contact:

Yasmine Harding, MS, CHES®

Director, Public Education & Communications

harding@aapcc.org



For More Information, Contact:

Maggie Maloney, MS 
Director, Public Education & Communications
maloney@PoisonCenters.org

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