The Toxicological Properties of Petroleum Gases

Abstract

To characterize the toxicological hazards of petroleum gases, 90-day inhalation toxicity (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD] 413) and developmental toxicity (OECD 414) tests were conducted with liquefied propane gas (LPG) at concentrations of 1000, 5000, or 10 000 ppm. A micronucleus test (OECD 474) of LPG was also conducted. No systemic or developmental effects were observed; the overall no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) was 10 000 ppm. Further, there was no effect of LPG exposure at levels up to 10 000 ppm on micronucleus induction and no evidence of bone marrow toxicity. Other alkane gases (ethane, propane, n-butane, and isobutane) were then evaluated in combined repeated exposure studies with reproduction/development toxicity screening tests (OECD 422). There were no toxicologically important changes in parameters relating to systemic toxicity or neurotoxicity for any of these gases at concentrations ranging from 9000 to 16 000 ppm. There was no evidence of effects on developmental or reproductive toxicity in the studies of ethane, propane, or n-butane at the highest concentrations tested. However, there was a reduction in mating in the high-exposure group (9000 ppm) of the isobutane study, which although not significantly different was outside the range previously observed in the testing laboratory. Assuming the reduction in mating to have been toxicologically significant, the NOAEC for the isobutane reproductive toxicity screening test was 3000 ppm (7125 mg/m 3 ). A method is proposed by which the toxicity of any of the 106 complex petroleum gas streams can be estimated from its composition.

A Case Report: Convulsion and Reduced Level of Consciousness in Two Children Following Liquefied Petroleum Gas Inhalation

“…These gases are generally considered to be safe. In a study on LPG, no toxic effects of the gas were observed within the concentrations of 9000-16000 PPM [1]. However, a number of reports have been published on the LPG toxicity.…”

“…It is a mixture of combustible gases including 20% propane and 80% butane. Numerous cases of poisoning with this gas have been published [1].…”

Unregulated emissions from a gasohol (E5, E15, M5, and M15) fuelled spark ignition engine

“…Methane (CH 4 ) [21,22] Acts as GHG Acts as a simple asphyxiant, when inhaled Hypoxia Ethane (C 2 H 6 ) [23] Acts as simple asphyxiant at high concentrations Propane (C 3 H 8 ) [24] Acts as simple asphyxiant Cardiac sensitization Isobutane (iso-C 4 H 10 ) [25,26] Acts as simple asphyxiant Normal pentane (n-C 5 H 12 ) [27] Affects central nervous system Isopentane (iso-C 5 H 12 ) [28] Cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache. shortness of breath, sore throat, irregular heartbeat, dry skin redness on inhalation.…”

The Mammalian Toxicological Hazards of Petroleum-Derived Substances

“…Assuming on a worst-case basis that this result was toxicologically significant and using the results of these studies as well as previous data on other hydrocarbons that could be present in these streams, a method was proposed by which the toxicity of any complex petroleum gas stream could be calculated based on its constituents. 46 Ultimately, the most important consideration was whether or not the gaseous streams contained benzene and/or 1,3-butadiene which must be controlled in terms of their own regulatory requirements.…”