InhalantsVolatile Solvents, Aerosols, Anesthetic Gases
Poppers, Snappers, Bolt, Bullet, Climax, Locker Room, Rush, Buzz Bombs, Whippets
There are industrial or household solvents or solvent-containing products, such as paint thinners, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline and glues. There are also art or office supply solvents, including correction fluids, felt-tip-marker fluid and electronic contact cleaners.
Gases used in household or commercial products, including butane lighters and propane tanks, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers (whippets), and refrigerant gases.
Household aerosol propellants and associated solvents in items such as spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, and fabric protector spray.
Medical anesthetic gases such as ether, chloroform, halothane, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Aliphatic nitrites, including cyclohexyl nitrite, which is available to the general public; amyl nitrite, which is available only by prescription; and butyl nitrite, which is now an illegal substance. Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering results. Effects of inhalants vary from one substance to another. Depending on which substance is used, the user might experience any of the following effects:
In general, persons under the influence of inhalants will appear confused and disoriented. Their speech will usually be slurred. There is an important distinction between the anesthetic gases and the other two subcategories of inhalants. The volatile solvents and the aerosols usually cause elevated blood pressure. Anesthetic gases usually cause blood pressure to become lower than normal. This is because the anesthetic gases restrict the pumping action of the heart, causing it not to constrict as forcibly as it usually does. Lowered blood pressure is the result. Inhalants' effects are felt virtually immediately. However, the duration of effects depends on the substance used. Commonly abused inhalants usually produce effects that last just a few seconds for some, and up to several hours for others. Some inhalants will depress the central nervous system to the point where respiration ceases. Others can cause heart failure. Some inhalant overdoses induce severe nausea and vomiting, and the unconscious user may drown in his or her own vomit. Thus, there is a significant risk of death due to inhalant overdose. Long term abusers can suffer from permanent damage to the central nervous system, liver damage, bone and bone marrow damage and greatly reduced mental and physical abilities.
Other irreversible effects caused by inhaling specific solvents are as follows:
Serious but potentially reversible effects include:
Death from inhalants usually is caused by a very high concentration of fumes. Deliberately inhaling from an attached paper or plastic bag or in a closed area greatly increases the chances of suffocation. Even when using aerosols or volatile products for their legitimate purposes (i.e., painting, cleaning), it is wise to do so in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
