THE EFFECTS OF

USING
INHALANTS
Presented by: Group 6
FIRST, WHAT ARE
INHALANTS?
WHAT ARE INHALANTS?
Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that
can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering,
effect.This definition encompasses a broad range of chemicals that
may have different pharmacological effects and are found in
hundreds of different products. As a result, precise categorization of
inhalants is difficult. One classification system lists four general
categories of inhalants — volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and
nitrites — based on the forms in which they are often found in
household, industrial, and medical products.
 THERE ARE 4 KINDS OF INHALANTS

VOLATILE SOLVENTS
are liquids that vaporize at room temperature.
They are found in a multitude of inexpensive,
easily available products used for common
household and industrial purposes. These
include paint thinners and removers, dry-
cleaning fluids, degreasers, gasoline, glues,
correction fluids, and felt-tip markers.
 THERE ARE 4 KINDS OF INHALANTS

AEROSOLS
are sprays that contain propellants
and solvents. They include spray
paints, deodorant and hair sprays,
vegetable oil sprays for cooking, and
fabric protector sprays.
 THERE ARE 4 KINDS OF INHALANTS

GASES
include medical anesthetics as well as gases used in
household or commercial products. Medical
anesthetics include ether, chloroform, halothane, and
nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is the most abused of
these gases. Other household or commercial products
containing gases include butane lighters, propane
tanks, and refrigerants.
 THERE ARE 4 KINDS OF INHALANTS

NITRITES
Nitrtes are often considered as special class of inhalants. It
acts primarily to dilate blood vessels and relax the muscles.
While other inhalants are used to alter mood, nitrites are used
primarily as sexual enhancers. Nitrites now are prohibited by
the Consumer Product Safety Commission but can still be
found, sold in small bottles labeled as "video head cleaner,"
"room odorizer," "leather cleaner," or "liquid aroma."
 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS
OF ABUSING INHALANTS?
LONG TERM EFFECTS OF ABUSING SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF ABUSING
INHALANTS INHALANTS
asphyxiations feelings of excitement and euphoria
suffocation convulsions or seizures feeling relaxed
coma increased risk-taking
choking loss of coordination
fatal injury dizzy/light-headed
loss of hearing visual distortions
brain damage confusion
irritation to eyes/nose/throat
bone marrow damage
nausea
nerve damage
headaches
 HOW TO PREVENT INHALANT USE

• Be aware of the signs of use: paint or stains on the body or clothing, loss of appetite or nausea, a chemical breath
odor, spots or sores around the mouth and/or nose, red or runny eyes or nose, anxiety, or a drunk and dazed
appearance.

• Know what items in your home could be used as inhalants and monitor their use.

• If you suspect someone you know is an inhalant abuser, seek professional help immediately.

• If you find the person unconscious or you suspect the person is under the influence of an inhalant: call the
professionals immediately.

• Keep the person calm to reduce cardiac stress.

• Try to determine the source of the inhalant so the medical professionals can help more quickly.
GROUP 6

THANK
YOU!