Fast Facts: Inhalants

Inhalants are breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering vapors.

Inhalants are in solvent and aerosol products such as gasoline, shoe polish, paint remover, model air plane glue, nail polish remover, spray deodorants, hair spray, insecticides, lighter & cleaning fluids and liquid paper. These products are not meant to be used as drugs. However, some people, particularly youth obtain a high by sniffing or inhaling them.

Inhalants also include drugs such as ether, amyl nitrate and nitrous oxide. These drugs have a long history of being used for medical purposes.

Effects
In a few short seconds, the inhalant passes into the lungs and bloodstream, and goes quickly to the brain, heart, kidneys & liver. It can cause:

• dizziness
• euphoria
• hallucinations
• coughing
• sneezing
• nausea
• drooling
• slow reflexes
• sensitivity to light
• lack of coordination

• brain damage
• nose and mouth sores
• blood abnormalities
• nerve damage
• liver and kidney damage
• muscle weakness
• lung damage
• depression
• impaired mental abilities
• fatigue and insomnia
• sudden death

Inhalants and Pregnancy
Sniffing inhalants during pregnancy is linked with "Fetal Solvents Syndrome" which has symptons similar to those in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Since the inhaled chemicals cross the placenta to the fetus, sniffing any inhalant increases the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth and possibly lead poisoning in the unborn child.

Inhalants and The Law
The possession or use of solvents and aerosols is not prohibited under federal law. Given their many household and industrial uses, it is difficult to strictly control them. Some communities have tried to control the use of inhalants by allowing them to be sold only behind store counters.

For additional information, please contact one of the following Addictions Services Offices.