Inhalants

What are inhalants?
These are defined as a group of chemicals which evaporate easily and are abused by sniffing or inhaling. They cause a “high” when they are inhaled. Many of these are found in common household products which are not normally thought of as drugs. For more information about substances call the Substance Abuse Council.

What are the effects of sniffing?
The effects of sniffing inhalants are similar to those of alcohol. Sniffers will usually show dizziness and loss of muscle coordination. Slowed reflexes and slurred speech are also common. Nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, decreased blood pressure, and headaches also can occur.

What are the immediate risks of sniffing inhalants?
A person can die suddenly if he/she gets the sprays or liquid into the airway, which causes suffocation. The inhaled substance can also cause death through irregular heart beats and heart failure. Breathing may be stopped when the central nervous system is depressed by levels of the chemicals to the brain.

What long-term damage can occur?
Long-term exposure to chemicals can include; bone marrow damage, damage to the lungs, liver, and kidneys, brain damage or permanent damage to the nervous system. Vision, memory, and the ability to think clearly may be impaired.

Who abuses inhalants?
Inhalants are abused by people of all ages, but most often by young people between the ages of 7 and 17. This may be because inhalants are easy to obtain and are low in cost.

What are the risks of using inhalants during pregnancy?
The chemicals which are inhaled are absorbed into the blood stream and cross the placenta to the fetus. This increases chances of damage to the fetus. Women who are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use inhalants.

Legal Information
Inhalants are difficult to control since they are legally available for legitimate uses.  Only amyl nitrite is controlled under federal law.  Some states have restricted the sale of products that are typically used as inhalants.  Some stores will no longer sell these products to minors.