Chemicals in common household products can produce a dangerous reaction in the brain when breathed into the lungs. The intended use of these products are for purposes other than inhaling, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) points out. Products abused as inhalants include glue, cleaning fluids, paint, paint thinner, aerosol sprays, nail polish remover, marker pens, gasoline and propane. They are widely available because they are sold legally for other, useful purposes.
General Side Effects
Most inhalants depress the nervous system, resulting in effects similar to those of alcohol, according to Dr. Eric Chudler, a neuroscientist at the University of Washington's Department of Bioengineering in Seattle. Inhalants cause relaxation, euphoria, slurred speech, hallucinations, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Users of inhalants may lose the ability to walk, talk or think. Other noticeable signs in people using inhalants include nosebleeds, runny nose or reddened eyes. Sudden violent behavior may result because of the effect inhalants have on the brain, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA).
Brain Effects
Vapors from inhalants are absorbed through the lungs, enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain. The loss of oxygen in the lungs damages cells throughout the body, but especially those in the brain, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains. Irreversible physical and mental changes can occur because the inhalants reach the brain faster and with stronger force than many other substances. Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, visual problems or blindness, and nerve damage can result from long-term use of inhalants. Brain damage and hearing loss can occur from spray paints, glues, dewaxers and dry-cleaning chemicals, according to NIDA.
Heart Effects
"Sudden sniffing death" can occur from heart failure to a young person introduced to inhalants, NIDA says. Chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can be fatal within minutes after repeatedly inhaling the substances. Inhalants can kill a person the very first time he tries it, SAMHSA warns.
Lung Effects
Blood oxygen depletion results from varnish removers and paint thinners, NIDA states. Air in the lungs becomes displaced by inhalants, which deprives the body of oxygen. Death can result from suffocation because the high concentrations of inhalants in the lungs cause some people to lose consciousness and stop breathing. People who inhale chemicals from paper or plastic bags in a closed area risk suffocation. Labels on household products, such as paint and cleaning items, warn people to work in well ventilated areas due to the dangers of accidentally inhaling the substances.
Other Organs and Effects
The liver and kidneys risk permanent damage from inhalants, NIDA says. Bone marrow damage can result from inhaling gasoline. Inhaling glues, gasoline, gas cylinders and whipped cream dispensers can lead to peripheral damage or limb spasms.
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