Products
Wound gasoline is available in pharmacies and drugstores as an open product. It is also referred to as medicinal benzine. Wound gasoline belongs to the light and pure benzines. It is monographed in many countries in the Pharmacopoea Helvetica and this already in the early editions (e.g. Editio Quinta, 1933). The German and Austrian pharmacopoeias also contain a monograph.
Structure and properties
Wound gasoline is a purified mixture of saturated hydrocarbons consisting mainly of 6 and 7 carbon atoms (C6, C7). These include –alkanes, branched alkanes, and cycloalkanes. The relative density is 0.680 to 0.710 and the distillation range is 60 to 100°C. Wound gasoline is a product of petroleum rectification. Wound gasoline exists as a colorless, clear, slightly mobile, volatile and highly flammable liquid. It has a slight, characteristic odor and is practically insoluble in water. Gasoline dissolves in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone and in fatty oils. The vapors form explosive mixtures with atmospheric oxygen.
Areas of application
- For removal of plasters and their residues on the skin. For the removal of impurities on the skin.
- To degrease the skin, for example, before applying a blister plaster.
- Wound benzine can be used like spot benzine as a cleaning agent, for example, to remove adhesive labels, to remove adhesive tape residue or against oil stains.
- As a solvent.
Unlike other solvents such as ethanol or isopropanol, gasoline is not suitable for disinfection.
Dosage
Wound gasoline should only be used externally. Because of the possible adverse effects and potential for danger, we believe that wound petrol should be used sparingly and with restraint. An alternative for the removal of plasters and plaster residues are the better tolerated and atoxic fatty oils. However, they must be left to act for a little longer. Patch remover sprays are also available in stores.
Abuse
Rubbing alcohol can be inhaled (“sniffed”) as a cheap intoxicant. It induces drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, central disturbances, and respiratory depression. Abuse is strongly discouraged because inhalation is harmful to health or life-threatening. Rubbing alcohol can also be misused to make incendiary devices such as Molotov cocktails.
Precautions
- Do not ingest. Ingestion and inhalation are life threatening.
- Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep away from ignition sources (hot surfaces, sparks, open flames), heat and oxygen.
- Do not smoke when handling.
- Do not inhale gasoline vapors.
- Gasoline must not enter water bodies or the environment, as it is toxic to aquatic organisms.
- If necessary, wear protective gloves and a respirator.
- Store in a cool and well-ventilated place and out of reach of children.
- Must not get into the eyes.
- “Wound petrol” should not get into open wounds.
The full precautions can be found in the safety data sheet.
Adverse effects
Rubbing alcohol is very drying to the skin and can cause skin irritation. Incorrect use may result in dangerous poisoning or burns (see above).
