People do not think of inhalants as drugs because most of the products were never meant to be used that way. Nearly all inhalants produce effects similar to anesthetics, which act to slow down body functions, yet the user feels stimulated. There are about 1400 products potentially usable as inhalants. The substances in solvents can pass through the placental barrier and enter the fetal bloodstream. However, except for evidence of birth defects among petrol inhalers, the evidence that use of other inhalants or solvents can damage the fetus is inconclusive.
Inhalants rank fourth in popularity behind alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana among young people.
Junior high students seem to be among the most common-abusers. This figure has remained constant since 1979. Over the past 3 years, there have been about 180 reported deaths due to inhalants in 40 states. However, some deaths involving inhalants are listed as auto accidents or suicides, so fatalities could be higher.