Immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing,
coughing, nose-bleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of
appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays also decrease the heart and
respiratory rates, and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrite cause
rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces.
Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain hemorrhage.
Deeply inhaling the vapors, or using large amounts over a short
period of time, may result in disorientation, violent behavior,
unconsciousness, or death. High concentrations of inhalants can cause
suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the
central nervous system to the point that breathing stops.
Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance,
and muscle fatigue. Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time
can permanently damage the nervous system.
Type What is What does it How is
it called? look like? it used?
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Nitrous Laughing gas Propellant for Vapors inhaled
Oxide Whippets whipped
cream in aerosol
spray can
Small 8-gram metal
cylinder sold with
a balloon or
pipe (buzz bomb)
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Amyl Poppers Clear yellowish Vapors inhaled
Nitrite Snappers liquid in ampules
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Butyl Rush Packaged in small Vapors inhaled
Nitrite Bolt bottles
Locker room
Bullet
Climax
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Chlorohydro- Aerosol Aerosol paint cans Vapors inhaled
carbons sprays Containers of cleaning
fluid
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Hydrocarbons Solvents Cans of aerosol Vapors inhaled
propellants,
gasoline, glue,
paint thinner
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