Inhalants Poison Control

Inhalant Abuse - Defined Inhalant abuse is the inhalation of volatile substances for the express purpose of attaining a high. Average age of an inhalant abuser is 14 years old. Largest group of abusers are Middle Schoolers

Poison Alert There are over 1,400 potentially abusable on the market today. These are poisons not meant for human consumption! Paint Glue Paint thinner Toxic markers Lighter fluid Spray paint Room fresheners Nitrous oxide

Why do people use inhalants? Generally inexpensive Don’t know the consequences Easily accessible

Reasons given by youth Hallucinations Enjoy the dizziness and “out there” feeling A belief the high can be controlled Instant gratification

Biggest Dangers of Inhalants Sudden Death Asphyxia: solvent gases limits O2, causing breathing to stop Suffocation: typically seen with inhalant users who use bags to trap substances Choking of vomit Careless behaviors in potentially dangerous situations Sudden sniffing death syndrome: cardiac arrest

Over time or right away Nausea Nose bleeds Loss of smell Muscle weakness Violent behaviors Irregular heart beat Nervous system damage Irreversible brain damage Liver, lung and kidney damage Involuntary passing of urine and feces

Let’s take a look! Warning – those who are squeamish, watch anyway!

Effects on your organs

Signs of a user Slurred speech Drunk, dizzy or dazed appearance Unusual breath odor Chemical smell on clothing Paint stains on body or face Red eyes Runny nose