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Questions and Answers
The number of carbon atoms in a chemical has no effect on its lipopholicity.
The number of carbon atoms in a chemical has no effect on its lipopholicity.
False
Solvents with a high partition coefficient are absorbed more readily in the lungs.
Solvents with a high partition coefficient are absorbed more readily in the lungs.
True
Sudden sniffing death syndrome can only occur after prolonged inhalant use.
Sudden sniffing death syndrome can only occur after prolonged inhalant use.
False
Chronic abuse of toluene can damage the protective sheath around nerve fibers.
Chronic abuse of toluene can damage the protective sheath around nerve fibers.
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All inhalants are categorized as either solvents or anaesthetics.
All inhalants are categorized as either solvents or anaesthetics.
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Nitrites are known to enhance sexual pleasure by constricting blood vessels.
Nitrites are known to enhance sexual pleasure by constricting blood vessels.
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Asphyxiation occurs when inhaled substances displace oxygen in the lungs.
Asphyxiation occurs when inhaled substances displace oxygen in the lungs.
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Methanol is a commonly used solvent found in household products.
Methanol is a commonly used solvent found in household products.
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Inhalants are primarily substances taken through ingestion rather than inhalation.
Inhalants are primarily substances taken through ingestion rather than inhalation.
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Inhalants are considered the fourth most abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.
Inhalants are considered the fourth most abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.
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Teenagers often misuse inhalants due to their accessibility, affordability, and misconceptions about safety.
Teenagers often misuse inhalants due to their accessibility, affordability, and misconceptions about safety.
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Anaesthetics, solvents, and nitrites are types of inhalants.
Anaesthetics, solvents, and nitrites are types of inhalants.
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The fatality linked to inhalants is clearly defined and well-known.
The fatality linked to inhalants is clearly defined and well-known.
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Common sources of inhalants include food and beverages.
Common sources of inhalants include food and beverages.
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The effects of inhalants can include euphoria, delirium, and hallucinations.
The effects of inhalants can include euphoria, delirium, and hallucinations.
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The number of carbon atoms in a solvent does not influence its toxicity.
The number of carbon atoms in a solvent does not influence its toxicity.
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Study Notes
Inhalants
- Inhalants are various substances inhaled to achieve a high.
- Users intentionally inhale fumes, vapors, or gases.
- Common inhalant sources include spray paints, markers, and cleaning fluids.
Methods of Inhalation
- Sniffing/Snorting: Inhaling substances through the nose or mouth.
- Huffing: Inhaling substances by holding a substance directly against the face to be absorbed.
- Spraying aerosols: Inhaling substances from aerosol cans directly into the mouth.
- Bagging: An inhalant method involving using a plastic bag to inhale vapors.
Prevalence
- Over 2.6 million US children aged 12-17 use inhalants each year to get high.
- Inhalants are considered a gateway drug, the 4th most abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.
- The fatality rate associated with inhalants is not precisely known and is often attributed to other related factors.
Reasons for Teenager Use
- Easy availability of inhalants.
- Low cost of inhalants.
- Instant effects associated with inhaling substances.
- Misconception of the safety of inhalants.
Types of Inhalants
- Inhalants are categorized into solvents, anaesthetics, and nitrites.
Solvents
- Solvents are liquid organic chemicals of varying volatility and lipophilicity (ability to dissolve in fats, oil, or lipids).
- They have a small molecular size and lack a charge.
- Commonly used for dissolving substances not readily soluble in water.
Examples of Inhalant Types and Sources
- Adhesives (Aerosols): Household glue, rubber cement, spray paint, hairspray, air freshener.
- Solvents and gases: Nail polish remover, paint thinner, correction fluid, toluene, lighter fluid, gasoline.
- Cleaning agents: Dry cleaning fluid, spot removers, degreasers.
Absorption and Metabolism
- Inhalants are readily absorbed through the lungs, skin, and GI tract.
- They are metabolized in the liver.
- The brain is rapidly perfused and chemicals quickly accumulate, causing effects.
Solvent Toxicity (Factors)
- Number of carbon atoms.
- Degree of saturation (single, double, or triple bonds).
- Structure (straight chain, branched chain, cyclic).
- Presence of functional groups.
Inherent Toxicity
- Higher numbers of carbon atoms result in higher lipophilicity and lower volatility.
- Lower numbers of carbon atoms result in higher volatility and lower lipophilicity.
- Lipophilicity is a key determinant of diffusion across cell walls.
Solvents: Chemicals and Usage
- Specific lists of solvents and their common industrial or household uses (e.g., degreasing, cleaning, as anesthetics).
Adverse Effects of Solvent Abuse
- Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome: Highly concentrated chemicals induce irregular heartbeats, leading to sudden heart failure.
- Other Adverse Effects: Asphyxiation (lack of oxygen), suffocation, convulsions, coma, fatal injuries (e.g., accidents).
Central Nervous System Effects
- Chronic inhalant abuse damages the protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain, similar to Multiple Sclerosis.
- Neurotoxicity: Damages brain areas involved in cognition, movement, vision, and hearing.
- Results in severe dementia.
Nitrite Abuse
- Purpose: Enhancing sexual pleasure by dilating blood vessels.
- Effects: Immediate (seconds to minutes) effects like muscle relaxation, increased heart rate, and sensations.
Nitrous Oxide
- Sometimes called "laughing gas".
- Short-term effects (less than a minute) including temporary loss of motor control, and a dissociative psychological effect.
- Repeated use can extend and intensify these effects, leading to a dreamy mental state with mild hallucinations (audio/visual).
Smoking (Cigarettes)
- Tobacco and components: Contains numerous chemicals and components, including butane, cadmium batteries, stearic acid, toluene, ammonia, nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and methanol.
- Secondhand smoke: A combination of side stream smoke (from the cigarette) and exhaled smoke. Not all smoke is inhaled by the smoker.
Smoking Cessation (Nicotine Replacement)
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Provides nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Nicotine patches, lozenges, gum.
Non-Nicotine Therapy
- Medications prescribed to help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms affecting noradrenaline and dopamine.
- Bupropion (Zyban), Varenicline (Champix), Clonidine and Nortriptyline.
Why Continue Smoking?
- Nicotine addiction.
- Perceived benefits (relaxation, stress relief, weight loss).
- Social influences.
- Mental health issues.
Personal Appearance Effects of Tobacco
- Stained teeth.
- Stained fingers.
- Clothing damage.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Wrinkles.
- Bad breath.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Tobacco
- Irritability.
- Headaches.
- Anxiety.
- Restlessness.
- Coughing.
- Nausea.
- Insomnia.
- Depression.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Physical and psychological dependence.
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Description
This quiz explores the topic of inhalants, including their methods of use, prevalence among teenagers, and reasons for their consumption. Understand the risks associated with inhalant use and the substances commonly used. Test your knowledge on this critical health issue affecting youth.
