Gasoline vapors are heavier than air, so dangerous levels can build up in basements and in other low areas where its stored indoors. An explosion is possible if the vapors are lit by a spark or flame, such as the pilot light in a water heater, stove or furnace. Immediately or shortly after breathing a high amount of gasoline, a person may experience nose or lung irritation, feel dizzy or have a headache. When swallowed, gasoline will cause stomach irritation. Drinking gasoline or inhaling concentrated vapors can result in death.
People can experience damaged nervous system or lungs.
There is no evidence that exposure to gasoline causes cancer in humans. However, long-term exposure to high levels of benzene, a component of gasoline, may increase a person's risk of leukemia. There is not enough information available to determine if exposure to gasoline causes birth defects. In general, chemicals affect the same organ systems in all people who are exposed. However, the seriousness of the effects may vary from person to person.