Risks

Most of the inhalants are highly flammable. That is why there is a high risk of accidents, related to ignition.

The use of inhalants may lead to the following damages:

•    Acoustic nerves and muscles – cells damages, which can cause deafness.
•    Blood – Inhalants may drastically reduce the amount of oxygen, which the blood delivers to the organs.
•    Bone marrow – it is proved that the vapours, containing benzene, may cause leukemia.
•    Brain – it is possible damages to occur in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, manifesting in personality changes, memory impairment, hallucinations, loss of coordination and slurred speech.
•    Heart – sudden death syndrome is unexpected disturbance in the heart rhythm and may cause heart failure.
•    Impairment of kidney functions. It is also possible stones to be formed within the kidneys.
•    Impairment of the liver functions.
•    Lungs – the repeated use may damage the lungs and cause breathing difficulty.
•    Muscles – inhalants abuse may lead to muscle weakness.
•    Peripheral nervous system – the damage to the nervous system may result in tingling, numbness and paralysis;
•    Skin – specific rush may occur around the nose and mouth.

The use of inhalants may cause death even after single use. This can happen because of the following reasons:

•    Sudden death upon inhalation – the heart beats fast and irregularly and suddenly stops (cardiac arrest).
•    Asphyxia – toxic vapours displace the oxygen in the lungs and as a result, the breathing stops.
•    Suffocation – when vapours are inhaled from a plastic bag, placed over the head, the bag can block air from entering the lungs.
•    Convulsions or seizures.
•    Coma – the brain turns off everything except the basic vital functions.
•    Chocking – inhaling of vomit after the use of inhalants.
•    Injuries, including accidents caused by driving under inhalant influence.