NCJ Number
189875
Date Published
July 2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report provided recent scientific information on the danger and harmful effects of inhalant abuse, the extent of abuse, and efforts to deal with the problem effectively.
Abstract
Often ignored are the dangers to children from the use of various common household products containing volatile solvents or aerosols. Products such as glues, nail polish remover, lighter fluid, spray paints, deodorant and hair sprays, canned whipped cream, and cleaning fluids are widely and legally available. Many young people inhale the vapors from these sources in search of quick intoxication without being aware of the serious health consequences. Inhalants are breathed in through the nose or the mouth in a variety of ways. Inhalants are often among the first drugs that young children use. National data indicated about 6 percent of U.S. children had tried inhalants by the time they reached fourth grade. Despite declines in abuse among schoolchildren in recent years, inhalants were still being abused at higher rates than they were a decade ago. Although the chemical substances found in inhalants may produce various pharmacological effects, most produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication with initial excitation, then drowsiness, disinhibition, lightheadedness, and agitation. Inhalant abusers risk an array of devastating medical consequences, including death. Prolonged sniffing of solvents or aerosol sprays can induce irregular and rapid heart rhythms and heart failure. Research showed that inhalants are extremely toxic. The most toxic effect identified is widespread and long-lasting damage to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. In addition, damage can occur to significant organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The report briefly discussed the risks associated with the use of nitrates. Nitrates are inhalants that act primarily to dilate blood vessels and relax muscles. These inhalants are used mainly by older adolescents and adults. Research links the abuse of nitrates to the development and progression of infectious diseases and tumors and impairs the immune system mechanisms. Glossary and references