Paraffin Oil Toxicity - An Overview

What Is Paraffin Oil?

Paraffin oil is obtained in the process of distillation of crude oil. It is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless oil that is used for multiple applications from manufacturing candles to the manufacturing of cosmetics and other beauty products. Paraffin oil can pose certain hazards to health if it is inhaled or consumed. It can also cause harmful effects on prolonged skin exposure. Impure paraffin oil, which is not highly refined, is usually considered a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Therefore, proper care and precaution are required, while you are using paraffin oil.

What Is Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

For many years, mineral oils and their potential health hazards have been an issue of concern in various industries such as food, beauty, other consumer products, and the chemical industry. Paraffin is a poisonous substance. Paraffin oil inhalation can irritate the respiratory tract. The toxicity of paraffin oil can cause cough, and shortness of breath finally leading to hydrocarbon pneumonitis. Prolonged skin exposure to this oil can cause skin allergies and skin irritation sometimes leading to contact dermatitis in individuals who are prone to skin diseases or skin allergies. Paraffin oil ingestion can cause gastrointestinal tract irritation also.

How to Determine the Exposure to Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

• Exposure to harmful ingredients should be evaluated on a routine basis. Collection of personal and area air samples should be done.

• If some believe they are experiencing any work-related health hazard, consult a healthcare professional immediately to review any occupational health diseases.

What Are the Symptoms of Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

The health hazards can be explained under:

Acute Health Effects - Short-term health hazards can occur immediately or shortly after being exposed to paraffin oil.

• Paraffin oil can cause an erythematous rash or burning sensation on coming in contact with the skin surface.

• Overdosage of paraffin oil can cause abdominal pain and sometimes constipation.

• Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the toxicity of paraffin oil.

• If a person is allergic to paraffin, he may develop immediate swelling of the throat and tongue.

• Shortness of breath, wheezing (breathing with a whistling sound), and cough can occur if the respiratory tract is irritated.

Chronic Health Effects - Long-term health effects can occur after chronic exposure to paraffin oil and they can last for months or years.

• Cancer Health Hazard - Paraffin oil that is not properly refined is considered a carcinogen.

• Reproductive Hazard - It is observed in certain test cases. However, it is not established yet.

• Contact Dermatitis - Prolonged skin irritation can lead to contact dermatitis (an itchy rash on the skin caused due to allergy to the causative agent).

• Hydrocarbon Pneumonitis - Long-term irritation to the respiratory tract can lead to hydrocarbon pneumonitis (a form of chemical pneumonitis that occurs due to oral ingestion of hydrocarbons including paraffin oil). Troubled breathing can occur due to chronic irritation of the respiratory tract.

• Gastrointestinal Obstruction - It can occur due to long-term chronic effects on the intestines.

What Laboratory Tests Should Be Done to Check for Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

• Physical Evaluation- Full health check-up with the examination of all the symptoms should be done by a healthcare professional. The medical history should be evaluated carefully.

• Blood Tests- These should be carried out to check for toxicity.

• Urine Tests- Should also be evaluated.

• Chest X-Rays and Lung Function Tests- These medical tests should be carried out to identify any damage to the respiratory system.

• Abdominal X-Rays- To check for any intestinal obstruction.

• Computed Tomography- To produce cross-sectional images of the affected organs.

• Electrocardiogram- To trace the heart activity.

What Is the First Aid Provided for Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

Home Care-

• Eye Contact- Immediately flush the eyes with cold water for a minimum period of 15 minutes.

• Skin Contact- In cases of skin contact, immediately remove the contaminated clothes. Wash the clothes with soap and water generously. Wash the contaminated area of the skin with enough water and soap.

• Troubled Breathing- Immediately remove the causative agent. Begin rescue breathing if the breathing has stopped and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the heart has stopped working. Immediately take the person to the nearest healthcare facility.

• Determine the Patient’s Information- Before contacting the emergency gather all the information about the age, weight, and health of the patient. Collect his past medical history, and the name of the product (brand name and its strength, ingredients). The time it was swallowed and the amount swallowed should be determined. Take the culprit container if possible.

What Is the Management Done at the Emergency Room for Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

• Checking the Vital Signs- The doctor will check all the vital signs of the patient including the body temperature, pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

• Blood Tests and Urine Tests- Will be carried out.

• Administration of Intravenous Fluids- Fluids will be injected through a vein.

• Drug Therapy- To relieve the symptoms.

• Mild Laxatives- To help move the paraffin through the intestine and be expelled from the body.

• Oxygen Support- Breathing support, including oxygen, is required to maintain the patency of the airways in cases of allergy. In severe cases, a tube may be passed into the lungs through the oral cavity to prevent aspiration. A ventilator machine would then be required.

What Are the Ways of Reducing Exposure to Paraffin Oil Toxicity?

• Wherever possible, use local exhaust fans or ventilation at the site of the release of paraffin oil.

• Always wear protective clothing while handling this chemical.

• Wash thoroughly with soap and water in case of coming in contact with paraffin oil. Always take a bath after coming from work.

• Liquid paraffin oil should be kept in a closed container away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Read the instructions carefully that are labeled on the bottle before handling the chemical.

Conclusion

Paraffin oil is generally non-toxic (not harmful) if swallowed or ingested in small quantities. Recovery will likely take place. In cases of paraffin oil toxicity, the affected person should be given first aid and should be immediately taken to an emergency room. The person should be asked to drink lots of fluids to help move the paraffin through the bowel. This will reduce the risk of complications of paraffin oil toxicity. The paraffin oil should be kept away from the reach of children. Prevention is better than cure. Hence one should take precautions while handling such chemicals.