One should never take any medication or apply such to the skin without first reading the label carefully. All hydrocarbon pneumonias may have serious progression. Severe restriction in pulmonary function, persisting for many years after exposure, has been reported. Mortality is rare. Most patients make full recoveries without sequelae.
Information regarding proper storage of chemicals is important.
All families of victims should be given the telephone number of the local or regional poison control center. On the other hand, use of gastric emptying procedures that may result in aspiration pneumonitis also can be a liability problem. Adsorption of solvents by activated charcoal, polymers, and mineral sorbents. Camphor intoxication treated by charcoal haemoperfusion. Emergency treatment of petroleum distillate and turpentine ingestion.