DAMAGE INHALANTS CAN DO TO THE BODY & BRAIN
A. BRAIN
The chemicals abused by inhalant users affect different parts
of the brain, producing a variety of sensory and psychological
disorders. Many inhalants are thought to dissolve the protective
myelin sheath that surrounds neurons - brain cells - resulting
in cell death (see brain diagram).
B. CEREBRAL CORTEX Cellular death here causes permanent personality
changes, memory impairment, hallucinations and learning disabilities.
C. CEREBELLUM This is the center that controls balance and
coordination. Inhalant-related damage results in loss of coordination
and slurred speech. Chronic abusers experience tremors and
uncontrollable shaking.
D. OPHTHALMIC NERVE Toluene may affect this nerve causing
sight disorders.
A. BLOOD
Some substances like nitrites and methylene chloride (paint
thinner) chemically block the oxygen carrying capacity of
the blood.
B. LUNGS Repeated use of spray paint as an inhalant can cause
lung damage.
C. HEART Abuse of inhalants can result in "sudden sniffing
death syndrome." This is due to a sudden and unexpected
disturbance of the heart's rhythm. All inhalants can produce
sudden sniffing death syndrome.
D. LIVER Halogenated compounds like trichloroethylene (a component
of aerosol paints and correction fluid) have been linked to
damage of this organ.
E. KIDNEY Inhalants containing toluene impair the kidney's
ability to control the amount of acid in the blood. This is
reversible when toluene leaves the body but, in the long-term,
kidney stones may develop.
A. MUSCLE
Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to muscle wasting, reduced
muscle tone and strength.
B. BONE MARROW Benzene, a component of gasoline, has been
shown to cause leukemia.
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