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Quick Facts Statistics Use of inhalants increased in 2005 among eighth graders. This trend is troubling, since these substances are being abused by younger students. According to the 2005 Monitoring the Future Study, the proportion of young people who believe it is dangerous to use inhalants has declined among eight and 10th graders over the past five years. Research indicates a correlation between early inhalant use and delinquent behaviors, substance abuse and other problems later in life. (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Section 1, Tables 1.19 to 1.27.) Effects of inhalants Inhalant use can cause a number of health problems due to their poisonous nature. * Short-term: breathing difficulty, nausia, headaches, rashes. * Long-term: damage to the brain, nerve cells, heart, lungs, liver, and kidney. * Convulsions or seizures - caused by abnormal electrical discharges from the brain How inhalants cause death: * Sudden Sniffing Death - Inhalants cause fatal heart arrhythmias. This is the leading cause of death from inhalants. * Suffocation - from inhaling fumes when head is covered in a plastic bag * Choking - occurs after inhalation of vomit following inhalant use * Fatal injury - from accidents suffered while intoxicated What is the attraction of inhalants? The products are widely available, inexpensive, easy to conceal and legal for their intended purpose. Most users do not realize how dangerous inhalants can be. Young people start because they don't think these substances can hurt them. Once hooked, they find it a tough habit to break. But the biggest reason is that adults are often unaware of the problem, don't talk to children about it, and don't take steps to follow up when there are suspicions of use. Who is at risk for using inhalants? All kids are at risk. Youth drug use cuts across all geographic, socio-economic, racial and ethnic boundaries.

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