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What Are Inhalants?
This is a fact sheet from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. Although people are exposed to volatile solvents and other
inhalants in the home and in the workplace, many do not think of inhalable substances as drugs because most of them were never meant to be used in that
way.
Young people are likely to abuse inhalants, in part because inhalants are readily available and inexpensive. Sometimes children unintentionally misuse
inhalant products that are found in household products. Parents should see that these substances are monitored closely so that they are not inhaled by
young children.
Inhalants fall into the following categories:
Solvents
- industrial or household solvents or solvent-containing products, including paint thinners or solvents, degreasers (dry-cleaning fluids),
gasoline, and glues
- art or office supply solvents, including correction fluids, felt-tip-marker fluid, and electronic contact cleaners
Gases
-
gases used in household or commercial products, including butane lighters and propane tanks, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers
(whippets), helium, and refrigerant gases
- household aerosol propellants and associated solvents in items such as spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, and fabric protector sprays
-
medical anesthetic gases, such as ether, chloroform, halothane, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrites
- 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.
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