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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).
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B.
CEREBRAL CORTEX Cellular death here causes
permanent personality changes, memory impairment, hallucinations
and learning disabilities.
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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.
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D.
OPHTHALMIC NERVE Toluene may affect this
nerve causing sight disorders.
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A.
BLOOD Some substances like nitrites and
methylene chloride (paint thinner) chemically block
the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
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B.
LUNGS Repeated use of spray paint as an inhalant
can cause lung damage.
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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.
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D.
LIVER Halogenated compounds like trichloroethylene
(a component of aerosol paints and correction fluid)
have been linked to damage of this organ.
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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.
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A.
MUSCLE Chronic inhalant abuse can lead to
muscle wasting, reduced muscle tone and strength.
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B.
BONE MARROW Benzene, a component of gasoline,
has been shown to cause leukemia.
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ADDITIONAL
DAMAGE CAUSED BY INHALANTS
PERIPHERAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM Chronic inhalation of nitrous oxide
(whipped cream propellant) and hexane (found in some glues
and camp stove fuels) results in damage to the peripheral
nerves. Symptoms can include numbness, a tingling sensation
or total paralysis.
ACOUSTIC NERVE AND MUSCLE
Toluene inhalation destroys cells that relay sound to the
brain. Chronic abusers can become deaf.
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damage.htm
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