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Inhalants are substances that are typically consumed through inhalation.
Inhalants are substances that are typically consumed through inhalation.
True
The most common method of inhalation is consumption via the stomach.
The most common method of inhalation is consumption via the stomach.
False
Inhalants rank as the second most abused substance among teenagers.
Inhalants rank as the second most abused substance among teenagers.
False
There are three groups of inhalants: solvents, anesthetics, and nitrites.
There are three groups of inhalants: solvents, anesthetics, and nitrites.
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Solvents cannot dissolve or dilute materials that are insoluble in water.
Solvents cannot dissolve or dilute materials that are insoluble in water.
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Inhalants are not harmful and have no associated risks.
Inhalants are not harmful and have no associated risks.
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Children aged 12-17 frequently use inhalants to get high.
Children aged 12-17 frequently use inhalants to get high.
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The toxicity of solvents is only determined by the number of carbon atoms.
The toxicity of solvents is only determined by the number of carbon atoms.
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A higher number of carbon atoms in a solvent generally results in lower lipopholicity and higher volatility.
A higher number of carbon atoms in a solvent generally results in lower lipopholicity and higher volatility.
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Sudden sniffing death syndrome can occur from irregular heartbeats induced by prolonged inhalant use.
Sudden sniffing death syndrome can occur from irregular heartbeats induced by prolonged inhalant use.
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Toluene abuse can cause cognitive abnormalities similar to those seen in multiple sclerosis.
Toluene abuse can cause cognitive abnormalities similar to those seen in multiple sclerosis.
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Nitrites are classified as solvents and are used primarily for industrial cleaning.
Nitrites are classified as solvents and are used primarily for industrial cleaning.
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Chloroform is commonly used as an anesthetic and in cleaning applications.
Chloroform is commonly used as an anesthetic and in cleaning applications.
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Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to convulsions or seizures due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to convulsions or seizures due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
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Volatile organic compounds typically have a high molecular weight and low volatility.
Volatile organic compounds typically have a high molecular weight and low volatility.
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Asphyxiation from inhalant use occurs when oxygen availability in the lungs is displaced.
Asphyxiation from inhalant use occurs when oxygen availability in the lungs is displaced.
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Study Notes
Inhalants
- Inhalants are various substances inhaled to achieve a high.
- Users intentionally inhale fumes, vapors, or gases.
- Common sources include spray paints, markers, and cleaning fluids.
Methods of Inhalation
- Sniffing/Snorting: Inhaling substances through the nose or mouth.
- Spraying Aerosols: Inhaling substances from aerosol spray cans.
- Huffing: Inhaling substances by holding a cloth or fabric over the container and inhaling.
- Bagging: Inhaling substances by placing a bag over the head and inhaling from the bag.
Prevalence
- Over 2.6 million children aged 12-17 in the US use inhalants annually to get high.
- Inhalants are considered a "gateway drug," the first psychostimulant teenagers often try.
- After alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, inhalants are the fourth most commonly abused substance.
- The exact mortality rate associated with inhalant abuse is unknown, but attributed to various other cases.
Why Inhalants are Common Among Teenagers
- Easy to obtain.
- Inexpensive.
- Instant effects.
- Common misconception of safety.
Types of Inhalants
- Solvents: Liquid organic chemicals of varying properties.
- Anaesthetics: Used to numb or induce a loss of sensation.
- Nitrites: Used to dilate blood vessels.
Solvents
- A class of liquid organic chemicals with varied properties.
- Lipophilicity: Ability to dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids.
- Volatility: Tendency to vaporize into a gas.
- Commonly used to dissolve, dilute, or disperse materials insoluble in water.
- Examples: spray paints, nail polish remover, glue.
Inhalant Adhesion, Aerosols, Solvents, and Cleaning Agents
- Adhesives/Aerosols: Spray paint, hairspray, air fresheners, fabric protector.
- Solvents/Gases: Nail polish remover, toxic markers, toluene, cigar lighter fluid, gasoline, etc.
- Cleaning Agents: Dry cleaning fluid, spot remover, degreaser.
Metabolism and Effects
- Inhalants are readily absorbed through the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Metabolized in the liver.
- Brain absorbs inhalants quickly due to high lipid content, leading to quick accumulation and resulting effects like euphoria, delirium, and hallucinations.
- Inhalants are addictive and damaging to the liver and central nervous system (CNS).
Solvent Inherent Toxicity
- Number of carbon atoms.
- Presence or absence of double or triple bonds between carbon atoms.
- Configuration (straight chain, branched chain, cyclic).
- Presence of functional groups.
- Subtle differences in chemical structure can dramatically influence solvent toxicity.
Inherent Toxicity (Continued)
- Higher number of carbon atoms leads to higher lipopholicity and lower volatility.
- Lower numbers of carbon atoms mean lower lipopholicity and higher volatility.
- Lipophilicity is the main determinant of how quickly the substance diffuses through lipid bilayer membranes.
- Partition coefficients of solvents (state/vapor) determine absorption in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and skin.
Chemical Categories and Sources/Commercial Use
- Chlorinated hydrocarbons: degreasing operations, food preparation, agriculture.
- Aromatic hydrocarbons: Petroleum, gasoline, paints, lacquers, glues, cleaning agents.
- Alcohol: Household, pharmaceuticals, beverages.
- Glycol: Anti-freeze, hydraulic fluids.
- Fuel: Automotive gasoline, jet fuels.
Adverse Effects of Solvent Abuse: Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome
- Highly concentrated chemicals induce irregular heartbeats; a prolonged period of sniffing can lead to sudden cardiac death within minutes.
- The risk isn't limited to prolonged use and can occur in a single session.
- A healthy individual could suffer severe consequences, especially from butane, propane, or aerosol chemicals.
CNS Effects from Solvent Abuse
- Chronic use of toluene and naphthalene damages the protective sheath around nerve fibers in the brain and peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis.
- Neurotoxicity can damage brain regions responsible for cognitive function.
- Movement, vision, and auditory functions can be impaired, progressing to severe dementia.
Other Adverse Effects
- Asphyxiation: Inhaled substances displace oxygen, reducing available oxygen in the lungs.
- Suffocation: Using a plastic bag to inhalate gases can lead to suffocation.
- Seizures/Convulsions: Abnormally high electrical activity in the brain can cause seizures.
- Coma: Severe impairment of the brain's ability to control essential functions.
- Fatal Injury: Risk of death from vehicular accidents during the intoxication period.
Nitrites Abuse
- Enhance sexual pleasure by dilating and relaxing blood vessels.
- Immediate effects are typically seen within seconds, lasting 2-5 minutes.
Immediate and Longer-Term Effects of Nitrites
- Immediate effects: Muscles relax, increased blood flow to the heart, increased heart rate, blood rushes to the brain for excitement.
Popularity, Method of Use, Duration, Effects, Law, Cost, Source, and Risks of Nitrites
- Popularity, legality, cost of nitrites vary by location.
- "Poppers" are typically inhaled.
- Duration is typically 2-5 minutes.
- Positive effects include increased feelings of excitement, sexual arousal, and social interaction.
- Negative effects include dizziness, fainting, and other serious health problems.
Nitrous Oxide
- Sometimes referred to as "laughing gas."
- Immediate effects last less than a minute.
- Repeated use prolongs the experience and enhances effects.
- Causes temporary loss of motor control and a dissociative psychological effect.
- Can cause dreamy, altered mental state and mild sensory hallucinations (auditory and visual).
Chemicals in Cigarettes
- Contains butane, cadmium, stearic acid, hexamine, toluene, nicotine, acetic acid, methane, arsenic, carbon monoxide, methanol, ammonia and many more components.
What's in a Cigarette?
- Tobacco, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia, nicotine, tar, filter material (titanium oxide), flavors, liquid, vapor, benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, nitrosamines, non-particulate matter. -Over 4,000 chemicals, over 50 carcinogens. 200 are heavy metals (eg. Cadmium).
Secondhand Smoke
- Also known as environmental tobacco smoke.
- A combination of side stream smoke (from cigarette end) and exhaled smoke.
- 67% of the smoke from a burning cigarette is not inhaled and ends up in the surrounding environment.
Why People Continue Smoking
- Nicotine addiction.
- Perceived benefits (stress relief, relaxation, weight loss).
- Social context.
- Mental health issues.
How Tobacco Affects the Body: Personal Appearance
- Stained teeth.
- Stained fingers.
- Clothing damage.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Wrinkles.
- Bad breath.
How Tobacco Affects the Body: Potential Health Issues
- Irritability, headaches, coughing, insomnia, depression, anxiety, restlessness, nausea, dizziness, difficulty concentrating.
- Physical and psychological dependence (addiction).
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Provides nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Nicotine patch, lozenges, gum, inhalers.
- Nicotine levels reach their peak 1-4 hours after consumption and lasts for about 7 seconds.
Non-Nicotine Therapies
- Medications like Bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Champix).
- Used to treat nicotine addiction.
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Description
This quiz explores the different types of inhalants, their usage, and the associated risks, particularly among teenagers. Learn about the categories of inhalants, their physiological effects, and the dangers of misuse. Test your knowledge to understand the impacts of these substances on health and society.
