From: [ebran d t] at [jarthur.cs.hmc.edu] (Eli Brandt)
Newsgroups: alt.drugs
Subject: Re: EXPERIENCE: Inhaling Propane Gas (DANGER)
Date: 6 Nov 1993 08:37:34 GMT

[p--d--l] at [netcom.com] (Dale Alexander Pendell) writes:
>: >DO NOT TRY THIS.  Breathing LPG gas is quite carcinogenic, and I have
>
>
>:     ****    IT IS REALLY STUPID TO BREATHE PROPANE    ****
>
>Aside from being STUPID, does anyone have any medical references to
>toxic and/or carcinogenic effects of propane?

Some chemical-hazards information on LPG is appended.  It looks like
the main hazard is the obvious one, flammability, followed by the
risk of keeling over with the valve still open.  Toxicity at less
than asphyxiant levels is probably limited to some respiratory
depression and cardiac sensitization.  No known chronic effects or
carcinogenicity.  I suspect some of the more lurid rumored effects
are a product of the "I may be a drug fiend, but there are people
even more fiendly than me" syndrome.  Disclaimer: sucking propane is
still really stupid, even if it doesn't cause brain cancer and
sterility.  One spark and you're spread over the countryside...

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excerpts from MSDS data on LPG:

 substance: lpg

 trade names/synonyms:
   bottled gas; burshane; compressed petroleum gas; liquified petroleum gas;
   liquified hydrocarbon gas; propane-butane-(propylene); pyrofax; un 1075;
   stcc 4905752; ohs13000

 cercla ratings (scale 0-3):  health=u  fire=3  reactivity=0  persistence=0
 nfpa ratings (scale 0-4):  health=u  fire=4  reactivity=0

 contaminants: ethyl mercaptan may be added as an odorant

 fire and explosion hazard:
 dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.

 due to low electroconductivity of the substance, flow or agitation may
 generate electrostatic charges resulting in sparks with possible ignition.

 flash point: -100 f (-75 c)    upper explosive limit: 9.5%

 lower explosive limit: 1.9%    autoignition temp.: 761-842 f (405-450 c)

 flammability class(osha): ia

 carcinogen status: none.
 acute toxicity level: no data available.
 target effects: simple asphyxiant; central nervous system depressant.

 asphyxiant/narcotic. 19,000 ppm immediately dangerous to life or health.
   acute exposure- vapors may cause narcosis with headache, dullness,
     difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, drowsiness, unconsciousness and
     possibly death. concentrations for 10 minutes may cause dizziness. very
     high concentrations may cause asphyxiation with rapid respiration,
     dyspnea, reduced mental alertness and muscle coordination, nausea,
     vomiting, prostration, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death.
   chronic exposure- no data available.

 first aid- remove from exposure area to fresh air immediately. if breathing
   has stopped, give artificial respiration. maintain airway and blood
   pressure and administer oxygen if available. keep affected person warm and
   at rest. treat symptomatically and supportively. administration of oxygen
   should be performed by qualified personnel. get medical attention
   immediately.

 bonding and grounding: substances with low electroconductivity, which
 may be ignited by electrostatic sparks, should be stored in containers
 which meet the bonding and grounding guidelines specified in nfpa 77-1983,
 recommended practice on static electricity.

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   Eli   [ebran d t] at [jarthur.claremont.edu]