Inhalants sudden sniffing death

Amyl nitrite, as with other inhalants, have the potential to cause sudden sniffing death (SSD) syndrome. The condition is brought on by unexpected disturbances in the heart s rhythm, causing heart failure and death. SSD syndrome can result when a user deeply inhales a chemical for its intoxicating effect. This causes a decrease in available oxygen to the body. If the user becomes startled or engages in sudden physical activity, the flow of adrenaline increases from the brain to the heart, inducing cardiac arrest. Death occurs within minutes. 

SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATH (SSD) SYNDROME Fatal cardiac arrest that results, under certain conditions, after someone deeply inhales a volatile chemical for its intoxicating effects. Death occurs within minutes. 

Sudden sniffing deaths have occurred in many first-time users of inhalants, highlighting the dangers of trying these drugs. Sniffing chemicals in solvents and aerosol inhalants depresses the central nervous system and causes the heart to beat slowly and irregularly. On top of this, users may have a rush of the... 

Sudden sniffing deaths are responsible for more than half of the deaths due to inhalant abuse. This has been compared to a form of Russian roulette by Harvey Weiss, director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, in which a user may die the first time they sniff, or the tenth time, or the hundredth time. If a sniffer has used inhalants before without consequence, that does not mean she does not have a chance of experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia. Sudden sniffing deaths are mostly associated with aerosols, butane, toluene, and propane. 

False. Sniffing solvents is highly dangerous. There is a danger of sudden death caused by overstimulation of the heart or asphyxiation caused by swelling of the throat tissues or inhalation of vomit. Users also expose themselves to a high level of accident risk whilst intoxicated. 

Chlorofluorocarbons are very toxic when inhaled at high concentrations and/or for extended periods of time. Lower concentrations or brief periods of exposure result in transient eye, nose, and throat irritations. Temporary CNS depression, dizziness, headache, confusion, and incoordination are associated with exposure to high concentrations (>2500 ppm in air). Gross overexposure may lead to abnormal liver function, refractory ventricular dysrhythmias, and sudden death. Intentional sniffing of aerosols has resulted in sudden death. There is significant individual variability in response to chlorofluorocarbons. 

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