Inhaling ether or nitrous oxide was common during the 1800s. In modern times, cases of solvent sniffing were first reported in the U.S. in 1951 and since then the practice has become increasingly common worldwide.
Solvent abuse is of special concern because of the young age of many abusers.
In addition to being particularly vulnerable to toxic chemicals because of their age, this first nonmedical use of drugs may lead to further drug abuse. Like alcohol, inhalants can have adverse effects on many other systems of the body. Because they are sniffed or inhaled, these substances are called inhalants. This is a general term that includes all chemicals used in this way. These chemicals can be inhaled because they are volatile - that is, they evaporate when exposed to air.