Health effects

Short-term effects
Inhalants enter the blood stream directly from the lungs. The effects on the user are felt immediately as chemical contained in inhalants are fat-soluble and rapidly reach the brain and other body organs. Effects of inhalant use vary between persons and environments and it is therefore difficult to predict the effects the inhalants will have on any one person. Combinations of inhalants and varying dosage may also affect an individual's reactions.

Short-term effects include:

• loss of inhibitions
• drowsiness
• flu like symptoms
• reckless behaviour
• blurred vision
• unpleasant breath
• nosebleeds and sores around the mouth and nose
• initial feelings of wellbeing and relaxation

Short-term effects are similar to alcohol effects. They usually subside after one hour, with the initial high subsiding after only seconds or minutes. Mild hangovers or headaches can occur after the immediate effects wear off and, in extreme cases, these can last up to several days, depending on the dosage inhaled.

If large quantities are inhaled over a short period the effects are intensified and the user may become disorientated and lose control of their body and feelings. This can lead to dangerous behaviour and result in injury.

Most products, when used over a short period at limited doses, do not cause damage to the body.

Long-term effects
Heavy and frequent use of inhalants can cause serious physical and psychological health problems, including:

• pale appearance and weight loss
• tremors
• feelings of tiredness
• constant thirst
• facial sores
• memory loss
• personality changes
• irritability
• stupor or coma
• seizures
• irregular heartbeat
• problems with breathing
• brain and nerve damage.

The lead in petrol, and some chemicals in other inhalants, may build up in the body irritating the lining of the stomach and intestines, damaging the brain, nervous system, kidneys and liver and can also cause various types of cancer. Inhaling chrome based paints (chroming) may lead to bloodshot eyes as blood vessels in the eye burst, and eventually leading to blindness. Amnesia may also result as some inhalants affect the production of blood

A small number of deaths have occurred from inhalant use. Most commonly death is from cardiac arrest. Death in relation to first time use following inhalation form aerosols and fire extinguishers has also been documented.

Levels of permanent damage are unknown in regards to specific substances.