Ask McFartnuggets: “Why Does Gasoline Smell Like Dizzy?”

Dame MENOS gasolina.

Dear McFartnuggets: Why does gasoline smell like dizzy for me? -- Leon from Cleveland, Ohio

Dear Leon:

That would be because gasoline contains aliphatic hydrocarbons which are aromatic compounds that affect the brain like alcohol. The main compound causing the gasoline to smell “dizzy” to you is Benzene. Unfortunately there are a lot of other very negative side effects that go along with smelling gasoline. Benzene is a known carcinogen. It causes drowsiness and dizziness which might be fun, but also vomiting, tremors, and rapid heart rate. Over time you may develop Anemia and shrunken ovaries. That second part is probably less of a danger for you, Leon, but studies are suggesting benzene negatively affects all reproductive organs. Also, a lot of gasoline contains tetraethyl lead to reduce the risk of premature ignition. If you’re breathing in leaded gas, the lead will get into your system and could give you lead poisoning. It’s very dangerous to huff gasoline so you should avoid it at all costs. It’s much safer to get shithammered on hard liquor.

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