Use of inhalants has long history, varied effects
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Inhaling chemicals to get high has been going on since the early 1800s, says a report by William J. Bailey at the Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University.
Some of the typical side effects of using inhalants are: nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, impaired judgment, rapid pulse, headaches and incontinence.
There are typically three categories of chemicals used for inhaling: nitrous oxide, volatile nitrites and petroleum distillates.
Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is an anesthetic used in medical treatment. The chemical is known to produce an intense euphoria.
During the high, the eyes tend to be wide open and a bit dilated. The pulse becomes rapid and the blood pressure elevates.
The effects only last for a few minutes.
Nitrous is often used as a propellant for whipping cream and is also used in auto racing to accelerate combustion.
The volatile nitrites are stimulant drugs that produce powerful heart stimulant effects. The two main categories of the nitrites are amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.
Amyl nitrite is an asthma medicine that can be obtained with a prescription. The inhaling of the chemical causes blood vessels to dilate and the heart rate to increase. The oxygen supply to the inner brain is also reduced, which causes a sudden and intense weakness and dizziness. The effects last approximately 30 to 60 seconds.
Butyl nitrite causes effects identical to amyl nitrite but can be purchased over the counter. It is an amyl nitrite substitute and is marketed as a room deodorizer.
Petroleum distillates are products such as lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, model airplane glue and naphtha. The fumes of the petroleum distillates are inhaled for their intoxication effect, which is similar to large doses of alcohol.
The eyes often become glassy and the pupils may be constricted. The pulse slows and breathing may become slow and shallow.
The chemical used at the Whitko Middle School is primarily made of tetrafluoroethane. The chemical is a liquid under pressure but turns to gas upon release from pressure.
According to the manufacturer, inhaling tetrafluoroethane causes temporary nervous system depression with anesthetic effects such as dizziness, headache, incoordination and loss of consciousness.
Higher exposures can result in a temporary alteration of the heart's electrical activity with an irregular pulse. Extreme exposure can result in death.
If someone inhales high concentrations, immediately get them to fresh air and keep them calm. If their breathing is labored, give them oxygen. If they are not breathing, give them artificial respiration.
Some of the general warning signs of inhalant use, according to Bailey's report, are:
• Neglect of personal appearance.
• Lack of interest in school or work.
• Withdrawal from family and/or friends.
• Retreat from athletic activities.
• Nonsensical talk.
• Loss of drive.
• Chemical odor on clothes or breath.
• Possession of paraphernalia. [[In-content Ad]]
Inhaling chemicals to get high has been going on since the early 1800s, says a report by William J. Bailey at the Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University.
Some of the typical side effects of using inhalants are: nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, impaired judgment, rapid pulse, headaches and incontinence.
There are typically three categories of chemicals used for inhaling: nitrous oxide, volatile nitrites and petroleum distillates.
Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is an anesthetic used in medical treatment. The chemical is known to produce an intense euphoria.
During the high, the eyes tend to be wide open and a bit dilated. The pulse becomes rapid and the blood pressure elevates.
The effects only last for a few minutes.
Nitrous is often used as a propellant for whipping cream and is also used in auto racing to accelerate combustion.
The volatile nitrites are stimulant drugs that produce powerful heart stimulant effects. The two main categories of the nitrites are amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.
Amyl nitrite is an asthma medicine that can be obtained with a prescription. The inhaling of the chemical causes blood vessels to dilate and the heart rate to increase. The oxygen supply to the inner brain is also reduced, which causes a sudden and intense weakness and dizziness. The effects last approximately 30 to 60 seconds.
Butyl nitrite causes effects identical to amyl nitrite but can be purchased over the counter. It is an amyl nitrite substitute and is marketed as a room deodorizer.
Petroleum distillates are products such as lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, model airplane glue and naphtha. The fumes of the petroleum distillates are inhaled for their intoxication effect, which is similar to large doses of alcohol.
The eyes often become glassy and the pupils may be constricted. The pulse slows and breathing may become slow and shallow.
The chemical used at the Whitko Middle School is primarily made of tetrafluoroethane. The chemical is a liquid under pressure but turns to gas upon release from pressure.
According to the manufacturer, inhaling tetrafluoroethane causes temporary nervous system depression with anesthetic effects such as dizziness, headache, incoordination and loss of consciousness.
Higher exposures can result in a temporary alteration of the heart's electrical activity with an irregular pulse. Extreme exposure can result in death.
If someone inhales high concentrations, immediately get them to fresh air and keep them calm. If their breathing is labored, give them oxygen. If they are not breathing, give them artificial respiration.
Some of the general warning signs of inhalant use, according to Bailey's report, are:
• Neglect of personal appearance.
• Lack of interest in school or work.
• Withdrawal from family and/or friends.
• Retreat from athletic activities.
• Nonsensical talk.
• Loss of drive.
• Chemical odor on clothes or breath.
• Possession of paraphernalia. [[In-content Ad]]