Repeated use can permanently damage the nervous system, greatly reducing physical and mental abilities. Also, because inhalants are easily absorbed in the bloodstream and metabolized through the liver and kidneys, long-term sniffing can damage blood, bone marrow, the liver and the kidneys. Deep breathing of vapors or extended use of inhalants during a short period of time may result in other serious effects such as losing self-control, violent behavior, unconsciousness or death. Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of solvents or aerosols can produce heart failure and instant death. High concentrations of inhalants can also cause death from suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs.
Inhalants can also depress the central nervous system so much that breath slows down until it stops.
Back to Inhalants index Inhalants Methods Sniffing - Breathing in the substances vapors through the nose. A youngster may sniff a container of white out, glue, paint thinner or gasoline to inhale the fumes through the nostrils. Huffing - Breathing in the substances vapors through the mouth. A child can spray paint on a handkerchief and hold it over his or her mouth and breath in the fumes. Bagging - Inhaling the vapors through a bag.