This fact sheet provides answers to basic questions about gasoline. It will explain what gasoline is, how you can be exposed to it, how it can make you sick, and ways to reduce or prevent exposure to gasoline.

WHAT IS GASOLINE?

Gasoline is a pale brown or pink liquid made from processed crude oil. It evaporates easily, is very flammable and can form explosive mixtures in air. Gasoline is a mixture of many different hydrogen- and carbon- containing chemicals (hydrocarbons). A typical gasoline mixture contains about 150 different hydrocarbons, including butane, pentane, isopentane and the BTEX compounds (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes).

Gasoline also contains chemicals such as lubricants, anti-rust agents and anti-icing agents that are added to improve car performance. These compounds are usually only present in very small amounts. Before the 1980s, lead was commonly used in gasoline as an anti-knocking agent. The use of lead has been phased out due to air pollution and health concerns. Some gasolines also contain ethanol, which is made from corn. Ethanol helps a car run more efficiently and it produces less pollution.

HOW DOES GASOLINE GET INTO THE ENVIRONMENT?

Spills, leaks or improper disposal of gasoline can cause contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water and air. Leaking underground storage tanks or pipelines also can cause gasoline to enter surrounding soil and groundwater. Gasoline can be released into the air when large tanker trucks are filled and emptied and when you fill your car at the service station.

HOW CAN I BE EXPOSED TO GASOLINE?

You can be exposed to gasoline by —

• breathing gasoline vapors,
• drinking water contaminated with gasoline, or
• touching gasoline or soil or water contaminated with gasoline.

The most common exposure to gasoline occurs by breathing vapors when filling your car's fuel tank. Vapors also can be present in air when gasoline evaporates out of contaminated soil or water. Gasoline vapors can build up in basements, crawlspaces and living areas. The intentional sniffing of gasoline also is a public health concern.

When gasoline seeps into soil it can contaminate groundwater used for drinking. Most chemicals in gasoline are removed during water treatment, but people who drink untreated water or water from private wells can be exposed. Gasoline also can be absorbed through skin during contact, such as when pumping gas or cleaning up a gasoline spill.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF GASOLINE EXPOSURE?

Many harmful effects of gasoline are due to individual chemicals in gasoline, mainly BTEX, that are present in small amounts. Breathing small amounts of gasoline vapors can lead to nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties. Symptoms from swallowing small amounts of gasoline include mouth, throat and stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headaches. Swallowing gasoline causes many accidental poisonings each year. Some effects of skin contact with gasoline include rashes, redness and swelling. Being exposed to large amounts of gasoline can lead to coma or death.

The health effects of being exposed to gasoline over long periods of time are not well known. This is because people exposed to gasoline are usually exposed to many other things that also can cause health effects. Some workers who are exposed to gasoline everyday in their jobs have suffered memory loss and impaired muscle function. At very high levels, some of the chemicals in gasoline, such as benzene, are known to cause cancer. Current evidence, however, does not show that exposure to low levels of gasoline causes cancer in humans.

CAN I BE TESTED FOR GASOLINE EXPOSURE?

There are currently no tests to measure gasoline in your body but, if you think you are ill because of gasoline exposure, consult your physician immediately. Tell your doctor what you suspect the contaminant is, why you suspect it and what your symptoms are.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY GASOLINE EXPOSURE?

Due to the widespread use of gasoline in cars, trucks, buses, and lawn care equipment, eliminating exposure would be difficult. Typically, you can smell gasoline at levels that would not be expected to cause health effects. Since gasoline can be smelled at low levels, the source can usually be found and eliminated.

If you suspect that your water supply is contaminated with gasoline, here are a few ways to reduce your exposure —

• If gasoline is in your well water, do not drink it. Consider using bottled water instead of tap water or connecting to a public water supply.
• Shower or wash in cooler water. Wash and rinse clothes in cold water. The hotter the water, the more gasoline evaporates into the air you breathe.
• Air out bathrooms, washrooms and kitchens during and after water use by opening doors and windows and turning on exhaust fans.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Environmental Health
525 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761
217-782-5830
TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466

This fact sheet was supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act trust fund through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.