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Inhalants
What You Should Know
st.alexius.org/eap
What are Inhalants?
The Poisons Are Right Under Your
Nose...
…and under your sink, in your shed or garage
or workroom, in your office and in your yard.
They are at school, in stores and at work. These
ordinary, legal products are safe when used
according to directions. They are poisons if
swallowed or sniffed, huffed or bagged.
Inhalants are highly toxic substances that
produce dangerous chemical vapors. When
inhaled, these chemicals can cause damaging,
mind-altering effects and sudden death. The
three main types of inhalants are: solvents, gases
and nitrates. Inhalants can be found in a range
of products, like paint thinners, glues, cleaning
products, gases, lighter fluids and aerosol sprays.
Amazingly, there are more than 1,400 inhalable
products currently on the market.
Inhalant abuse is the deliberate misuse of these
chemicals, which include a broad array of cheap
and easily attainable household products, to
reach an intoxicated state of mind or “high.”
Tragically, many people do not put inhaling in
the same category as alcohol and other drug
abuse. In fact, some people tend to view inhalant
“sniffing,” “snorting,” “bagging” (fumes inhaled
from a plastic bag) or “huffing” (inhalant soaked
rag in the mouth) as a kind of childish fad. That
kind of attitude could turn out to be a very
grave mistake.
Common products include:
• Aerosol deodorant
• Air freshener
• Computer gas "duster"
• Correction fluid
• Gasoline
• Glue (solvent-based)
• Hair spray
• Helium
• Lighters and lighter refills
• Markers (solvent-based)
• Nail polish, nail polish remover
• Nitrous oxide (whipped cream cans,
"whippets")
• Paint thinner
• Propane
• Spray paint
What Are the Signs of Abuse?
The Bottom Line
General signs of any kind of substance abuse
include problems in school or work, less concern
about appearance, temperamental behavior,
poor memory, confusion, irritability and mood
swings. Some behaviors associated with chronic
abuse of inhalants may include:
Inhalants can be damaging to both your body and
brain. The dangerous effects can be irreversible,
and the truth is, when you inhale or "huff" one of
these toxic chemicals, you can die instantly – even
the very first time you try it.
• p
revalence of spray or soda cans, plastic
bags, old rags or socks that smell of
chemicals around the house, car or
bedroom
• s ores rash around mouth or nose
• r ed, runny nose or nosebleeds
• h
and tremors
• c hronic cough, decrease in appetite,
weight loss or headaches
Signs of acute intoxication may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
slurred speech
drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance
drowsiness or unconsciousness
paleness
chemical smell on breath or clothing
paint stains on clothing or skin
Long-Term Effects
Inhalants go through the lungs and into the
bloodstream and are quickly distributed to the
brain and other organs in the body. Even brief
exposure to inhalants can lead to brain or nerve
damage. Inhalants also can damage the heart,
liver, lungs and kidneys.
If you are concerned about someone close to
you, find out if they are experiencing problems
and how you can help. Explain the risks involved.
Be understanding, but firm. Work with him or
her on healthier alternatives that are exciting and
challenging without the needs for drugs or other
toxic substances.
For more information on the dangers
of inhalants, contact your:
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Call: St. Alexius Medical Center
(701) 530-7195
or
1-800-327-7195
st.alexius.org/eap
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YOUR EMPLOYEE
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IS:
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onfidential: All information is strictly
between you and the counselor.
• I nformal: A simple phone call starts the
process, and there is no red tape.
• F ree: Your employer has paid the fees.
There’s no charge for initial counseling
services.
st.alexius.org/eap
900 E. Broadway Ave.
PO Box 5510
Bismarck, ND 58506-5510