Turpentine is a highly toxic solvent derived from pine trees that should never be consumed. While historically misused, modern science confirms that swallowing even a small amount can result in severe poisoning and death. Turpentine is classified as a hazardous material due to its chemical composition and its corrosive effects on the human body. The definitive answer to whether you can drink it is an unequivocal no, as ingestion initiates a cascade of destructive physiological events.
Defining Turpentine: Source and Chemical Makeup
Turpentine, often referred to as spirit of turpentine or oil of turpentine, is a volatile essential oil traditionally obtained by distilling the resin harvested from living pine trees. This natural product, called gum turpentine, is chemically distinct from petroleum-based substitutes like mineral spirits. Its primary components are monoterpenes, which are organic compounds with the general formula C₁₀H₁₆. The majority of true turpentine consists of alpha-pinene (60 to 80% of the composition) and significant amounts of beta-pinene. These molecules are cyclic hydrocarbons that give turpentine its characteristic strong scent and potent solvent properties. Commercial turpentine today is often sulfate turpentine, a byproduct of the paper and pulp industry, but the difference in origin does not reduce the toxicity.
Acute Toxicity and Systemic Damage
Ingesting turpentine initiates immediate systemic damage because it is a volatile hydrocarbon rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Initial contact causes severe irritation and chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Once absorbed, the monoterpenes are metabolized, and the resulting compounds circulate throughout the body, targeting specific organ systems.
Respiratory Damage
One of the most concerning outcomes is the risk of aspiration, which occurs if the substance is inhaled into the lungs, often during vomiting. Turpentine’s low surface tension allows it to spread easily across lung tissue, causing severe chemical pneumonitis. This condition leads to inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, and can result in rapid respiratory failure. As little as 15 milliliters of turpentine has been reported as a lethal dose in a child.
Organ and CNS Effects
The kidneys are highly susceptible to damage from the circulating toxic metabolites, a condition known as nephrotoxicity. This can manifest as hematuria (blood in the urine) and quickly progress to acute renal failure, halting the body’s ability to filter waste. The substance also affects the central nervous system (CNS) after absorption into the bloodstream. Systemic effects include CNS depression, characterized by dizziness, drowsiness, and staggering. In severe cases, turpentine poisoning can lead to convulsions, seizures, and ultimately, coma. The chemical’s corrosive nature can also cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting blood. Damage to the cardiovascular system, such as a rapid drop in blood pressure and circulatory collapse, further contributes to the high mortality rate.
Historical Context of Turpentine Misuse
The contemporary question about drinking turpentine stems from centuries of its use in folk and traditional medicine. Historically, turpentine was widely available as a natural product derived from pine forests, making it a common household item. Despite its known harshness, the substance was often viewed as a potent remedy due to its strong effects.
A primary historical application was as a purported vermifuge, believed to kill or expel intestinal parasites. It was a widespread practice to dose children with a few drops of turpentine, often mixed with sugar or molasses to mask the taste. This method was ineffective and put patients at extreme risk of poisoning, yet the practice persisted well into the 20th century.
Turpentine was also applied externally and internally as a general tonic for various ailments. It was used in chest rubs for respiratory illnesses and applied topically for wounds, sometimes providing antiseptic effects. However, the internal administration of turpentine as a general cure-all was based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific understanding. These dangerous, outdated practices are entirely unsupported by modern toxicology.
Immediate Action in Case of Exposure
In the event of turpentine exposure, the immediate step is to contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Expert medical advice is available 24 hours a day, and professionals provide guidance based on the patient’s condition and exposure type. It is essential to have the container or product information available to relay to the emergency operator.
If the person is conscious, they may be given a small amount of water or milk to help dilute the chemical, but only if instructed by a healthcare professional. Vomiting should never be induced unless specifically directed by Poison Control or a medical doctor. Inducing vomiting significantly increases the risk of aspiration into the lungs, leading to life-threatening chemical pneumonitis.
Upon arrival at a medical facility, treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and stabilizing the patient. Staff will monitor vital signs, provide breathing support, administer intravenous fluids, and monitor kidney function for signs of renal damage. Procedures like endoscopy may be performed to assess the extent of chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach.