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During the gasoline shortage, siphoning took on such an extent that ANSES had to publish a sheet on what to do in the event of poisoning. The practice carries many risks.
Five times more poisonings related to the siphoning of petroleum fuels than usual. This is what the poison control centers faced during the month of October. The reason ? the shortage of gasoline, of course, which has led many motorists to use this technique to share fuel between two vehicles. The situation is so worrying that the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (Anses) has decided to issue an alert.
Siphoning, a dangerous practice for health
Siphoning consists of emptying the tank of a vehicle by creating a suction of the fuel directly through the mouth using a pipe. The contents of the tank can thus be transferred to another container to fill another vehicle. As ANSES warns, this practice can be dangerous.
“By sucking into the pipe, you can ingest a small amount of fuel, which is enough to cause poisoning, regardless of the type of fuel (gasoline, diesel…).” What users are not always aware of.
However, if ingested, petroleum fuels, fluids and irritants, in particular favor miscarriages and can have serious consequences on the bronchi.
“Some patients presented with respiratory problems requiring an emergency room consultation or even hospitalization”warns the agency.
What are the symptoms of poisoning?
In the event of siphoning, certain symptoms can set you on the path to intoxication:
- The appearance of fever or prolonged cough a few hours after ingestion is the first sign of possible aspiration pneumopathy;
- Digestive symptoms may also appear, such as gastric reflux, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
- Finally, neurological signs such as headaches, drowsiness and dizziness can complete the picture.
What to do in case of fuel indigestion?
Above all, ANSES and the poison control centers advise not to resort to siphoning. But if you have indeed absorbed fuel, the advice is:
- Do not make yourself vomit to avoid the passage of fuel into the bronchi and then the lungs;
- Do not drink to avoid the risk of vomiting;
- Rinse mouth with water;
- Do not carry out a risky activity, such as driving a car or using machine tools, as vigilance may be impaired;
- Monitor respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) which may be delayed;
- In case of skin contact, wash hands with soap and rinse skin.
For any questions or medical advice, call your regional poison control center or seek medical advice.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency (respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, etc.), call 15 directly.