I nhalants 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 found in hundreds of different products that may have different pharmacological effects. As a result, precise categorization of inhalants is difficult. Volatile solvents are liquids that vaporize at room temperatures. They are found in a multitude of inexpensive, easily available products used for common household and industrial purposes.
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. Gases include medical anesthetics as well as gases used in household or commercial products. Nitrous oxide is the most abused of these gases and can be found in whipped cream dispensers and products that boost octane levels in racing cars. Household or commercial products containing gases include butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers, and refrigerants. Nitrites often are considered a special class of inhalants.