Types of exposure include accidental ingestion, intentional recreational abuse, accidental inhalation, and dermal exposure or oral ingestion in a suicide attempt. The highest rate of morbidity and mortality results from accidental ingestion by children younger than 5 years old. The toxic potential of hydrocarbons are directly related to their physical properties. Viscosity refers to the compound's resistance to flow. The greater the viscosity, the lower the aspiration potential.
Volatility refers to the compound's ability to vaporize.
Highly volatile compounds with low viscosity are more likely to be inhaled or aspirated into the respiratory system. Pulmonary Toxicity is the result of hydrocarbon aspiration. The lower the viscosity and higher the volatility, the greater the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The hydrophobic nature of hydrocarbons allows them to penetrate deep into the tracheobronchial tree, producing inflammation and bronchospasm. The volatile chemical may displace alveolar oxygen leading to hypoxia.