Adolescents especially find the use of inhalants attractive simply because the substances unlike marijuana, cocaine, speed, or alcohol are legal and easily obtained. The use of inhalants is deadly serious. Reports of deaths of first-time users are common. Only alcohol use kills more youths. Quite simply, the inhaled chemicals can displace oxygen from the lungs and from the brain, suffocating the user or causing lasting brain damage.
Some chemicals can cause the heart to race out of control until it fails.
Death and injury can occur because the inhaled chemicals lower inhibitions and impair judgment, leading to dangerous behavior and accidents. The chemicals affect the central nervous system and can cause a person to lose consciousness, become dizzy or nauseated, confused, and off-balance. They may cause hallucinations and alter a person's mood. Many of the chemicals are addictive. Long-term use can damage and destroy organs and tissues.