The New Straits Times, Feburary 21, 1997
Q: Recently there was a massive diesel spillage in the area I am staying at.
I am worried such a spillage could affect the water supply to the surrounding homes.
What are the symptoms that I should look out for in in the case of diesel poisoning
A: Diesel oil like kerosene belongs to the larger group of chemicals called hydrocarbons.
This group of chemicals also includes a diverse group of substances ranging from other forms of petroleum distillates, coal tar and pine wood like turpentine.
Not all hydrocarbon-based products (like paint, glue, rubber, cement) pose major hazards; products like diesel oil and other forms of petroleum distillates are dangerous in view of the differences in their physico-chemical properties.
Liquid products of hydrocarbons have often been the cause of accidental poisonings involving household products especially among children under the age of five.
Such substances can spread over the mucosal surfaces in the body easily and rapidly, increasing the risk of aspiration that could occur during ingestion or vomiting.
When this happens, it can result in aspiration pneumonitis, by far the commonest cause of injury and death.
The pulmonary system in general would be largely affected.
Hydrocarbons are also gastric irritants, and spontaneous vomiting sometimes occurs where there is a greater chance for entry into the lungs.
Other symptoms involving organs like the brain and nervous system (CNS), liver and even the heart have been documented as a result of ingestion.
The more lipid soluble the substance, the greater is the risk of CNS toxicity.
Diesel oil has a kerosene like odour that may assist you in detecting hte presence of the substance in your water supply.
Otherwise, an oily layer could be observed on the surface of the drinking water from the same source.
Similarly, an oily coating could also be observed in all washings involving the contaminated water source.
Common symptoms of mild poisoning involving diesel include nausea, vomiting and coughing. Initially, there is a burning sensation in the mouth and throat which causes the victim to gag, choke and gasp for air.
And as the substances enter the lung, it causes intense local irritation resulting in inflammation, edema, difficulty in breathing, and spitting blood.
In larger amounts, weakness, dizziness, slow and shallow breathing, unconsciousness followed by convulsions and mild heart attack may occur.
CNS and cardiovascular (cyanosis, tachycardia) symptoms are thought to be caused by hypoxia associated to the hydrocarbon aspiration.
Symptoms similar to the above can also be seen if you are exposed to diesel fuel at the petrol pumps.
Should you encounter any of these symptoms please consult your doctor immediately.
Because diesel is highly flammable, other aspects that may warrant your attention is the possibility of ignition or explosion depending on the amount involved, especially when boiling water over naked flames.
