Craving gas/exhaust/tar smells

[njpr]

So over the last 3 months i have been craving really badly the smell of exhaust, gas, kerosine, tar, etc. I have never been like this before (i always like the smells but never craved them).  I have been very hormonal and have been brusing easy my arms are constantly brused for no reason ( i am not sure if this is related but i thought i would mention it).  I also had really bad headaches for a 2 week stretch, but they went away. Does anyone have any clues as to what all this could mean? or am i crazy?

[udiJ]

I also found myself with a strong "strange" craving to inhale gasoline.  I was  in my late 50's when it started, and do not drink alcohol, or do drugs of any kind.  I found myself looking around the house and sniffing different things, but found no satisfaction to my urges until I picked up that gasoline can in the garage.  That was what I was craving!!!  I have no idea why!  This went on as a daily routine for about 8 months.  I would lose track of time with my face hovering over that gas can for hours.  My husband would leave for work, and I would go to the garage and begin smelling the gas.  The next thing I was aware of was that it was afternoon!  I lost the whole day in a sort of dream state.  It all seemed so real, except the time I was a cartoon.  How strange that was.  Not only was I satisfying my urge, but this was entertaining.  I then realized that I was probably doing something very dangerous to my health.  I prayed for strength, and God helped me to overcome.  It has been several years now since I have inhaled gasoline.  Lately however, the memory of it is creeping back into my mind.  I must stop it before it starts again, and with God's help, and my determination, I'll succeed.  I hope this may have helped someone who has experienced this strange problem.  I still don't know the cause of the sudden urge to inhale gasoline.  I wish I did, but I'm to ashamed to ask my Dr.  I believe it has something to do with some deficiency in vitamins or other nutrients.  Thanks for the opportunity to "get this off my chest"!  Oh yes, by the way, a friend told me one day, during my inhaling days, that although she knows I am a very clean person, that I am beginning to smell odd.  I suppose the gas had penetrated my skin, hair, etc.  It is all so confusing to me!!!!!!

[skw2011]

I am pregnant and have urges to smell permanent markers and gasoline and Im terrified because i don't want any harm to my baby beings that its "under development" and not to mention it kills the brain cells and can lead to death in the worst case scenario, but after long research and speaking with my OB I found out its due to an iron deficiency. This could be the same for you as well. Add more iron rich foods into your diet and see if that helps any. Im not 100% sure it will work but its worth a shot. I wish the best because I understand the urge and craving. Its strange and makes you feel like you've done something wrong, but its not you. its a deficiency of some sort you've just got to try trial and error on ruling out iron, vitamin D, etc.

[Paxiled]

Before anyone goes nuts with iron, make sure it's actually a problem.  If it's not, and you take too much in, it can be harmful.

[peekawho]

You need to be seen by your primary care physician.  Many times, odd cravings or smells can be symptoms of serious underlying disorders.

Especially with your history of bruising and a 2 week long cluster of headaches.