Inhalants are chemicals in gaseous form that, when breathed in, decrease the flow of oxygen to the brain. Inhalant abuse is the intentional misuse of these chemicals to alter the mind. It most commonly occurs among children of upper elementary and middle school ages. Older adolescents are less likely to experiment with inhalants, although some teenagers who began abusing inhalants at a younger age continue for years. More boys than girls report using inhalants, but use among girls seems to be increasing.

Inhalants may be more popular than other drugs among children because they are inexpensive and accessible. More than 1,400 inhalant products have the potential to be abused and many are found in the home. These include glues and adhesives; cleaning products; paints, lacquers, and paint thinners; gasoline and other fuels; hair sprays; marking pens; and correction fluids. Young children, especially, may equate legal availability with safety.

Although some youngsters experiment with inhalants only, regular users often use other drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana. Inhalant abuse may occur at about the same age or at a slightly younger age than use of these other drugs.

Inhalants can be breathed directly from containers or poured or sprayed on cloths or into plastic bags before being inhaled. They may be breathed in through the nose (“sniffing”) or through the mouth (“huffing”).

The chemicals in inhalants pose a danger to both experimenters and chronic abusers. Death can occur almost immediately from irregular cardiac activity or suffocation.

Injuries and suicides are also associated with inhalant intoxication. Repeated abuse of these products can lead to permanent damage to the brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Signs of chronic inhalant abuse include:

• rashes or sores around the mouth or nose
• red or runny nose or frequent nosebleeds
• weight loss, often accompanied by a decrease in appetite
• restlessness, anxiety, or excitable behaviours
• modiness or irritability
• inability to concentrate or confusion
• headaches
• persistent cough
• hand tremors