A growing practice during the fuel shortage
In October 2022, poison control centers recorded more than five times more poisonings by siphoning of petroleum fuels than the number usually reported. The practice of siphoning consists of emptying the tank of a vehicle by creating a suction of the fuel through the mouth using a pipe. The contents of the tank can thus be transferred to another container such as a jerry can, and used to fill another vehicle for example. 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, etc.).
These poisonings mainly took place between October 9 and 18, 2022, when up to a third of the service stations on the national territory ran out of fuel. The fuel had been siphoned from road vehicle tanks, even agricultural machinery or gardening equipment such as mowers.
Poisoning that can cause pneumonia
If ingested, the characteristics of petroleum fuels (very fluid, irritating and volatile) promote false paths, which can have serious consequences on the bronchi. The onset of fever or prolonged cough a few hours after ingestion are the first signs of possible aspiration pneumopathy. Some patients presented with respiratory problems requiring emergency room consultation or even hospitalisation.
Intoxicated people also presented digestive symptoms such as gastric reflux, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, but also neurological signs such as headaches, drowsiness and dizziness.
What to do in case of fuel ingestion?
ANSES and the Poison Control Centers strongly advise against the practice of siphoning fuel with the mouth.
In the event of fuel ingestion:
- Don’t make yourself vomit to prevent the passage of fuel into the bronchi and then the lungs;
- Do not drink so as not to cause a 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.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency (respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, etc.): call 15 or 112 or 114 for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Except for life-threatening emergencies, for any medical advice after fuel ingestion: call a poison Control Center or consult a doctor.