Inhalants / Question
Published: February 18, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have experimented with inhaling Benzene. I have heard that the chemical is too thin for your kidneys or liver to filter from your bloodstream and can one-day cause leukemia. (Not sure how it's spelled, but its cancer of the blood.) I don't plan to ever have it again. Please help.
Signed: Inhaled Benzene
Dear Inhaled Benzene,
TeenHealthFX assumes you are referring to Benzene, a hydrocarbon ring that is a strong irritant, toxin, and carcinogen. Inhaling anything chemical is extremely dangerous! FX is glad that you stopped. And if any of our other readers are doing this, they should stop immediately!
These chemicals replace the oxygen in your body creating a high feeling while depriving your brain and vital organs of precious oxygen. Inhaling any kind of chemical can lead to serious health problems. The short and long term effects of inhaling are:
- Shortness of breath
- Bad headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Double vision
- Hallucinations
- Lack of coordination
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of short-term memory
- Lung and kidney problems
- Permanent brain damage
Remember that even inhaling once can be extremely dangerous. Just one time can kill you. "Sudden sniffing death" can occur from chemicals causing an irregular heartbeat.
Benzene is often used to make plastics, rubber, drugs, resins pesticides and other products. It is also found in gasoline and cigarette smoke. Benzene is an extremely dangerous chemical has been suspected as a cause of various leukemias (cancer of the blood) only when a person has had considerable exposure to it. Long time exposure (such as working in a lab) can affect bone marrow and blood production. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, and death. Contact with low to moderate levels of benzene for a short time can cause headaches, vomiting, disorientation, shakiness, elevated heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
TeenHealthFX does not know how much or how frequently you have inhaled. You should see your doctor immediately to get proper medical attention! Inhaling is a very serious issue and cannot be taken lightly. Contact the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at 1-800-269-4237 for treatment and more information about inhalant abuse. Please check out this link for more information on benzene and inhaling, and Effects of Inhaling.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Persons aged 15-24, who represent only 14% of the 
