


amyl, poppers, bulbs

Inhalants are substances that are sniffed to give the user an immediate 'high'. The street names of inhalants depend on the product used. For example, amyl nitrite is sometimes called 'amyl' or 'poppers', while nitrous oxide may be called 'bulbs'. Aerosol cans


Types of inhalants

The main categories of inhalants are:

  • volatile solvents (including aerosols)
  • nitrites
  • gases

Volatile solvents

Volatile solvents are substances that change rapidly from a liquid or semi-solid state to a gas when exposed to air. They are found in a range of readily obtainable products, including:

  • petrol
  • paint thinner
  • spray paint
  • paint removers
  • hair spray
  • deodorants
  • air fresheners
  • lighter fuels
  • the propellant gases used in aerosol spray cans.


Some volatile solvents that come in an aerosol spray can, such as hair spray and many deodorants, are inhaled for the effects produced not only by the product's main ingredient, but by the aerosol's propellant gases.


Gold, silver and other metallic spray paints are sniffed mainly for the effects caused by the solvents used to suspend the metallic particles in the spray. Sniffing metallic paints is called 'chroming'.


Nitrites have historically been used to enhance sexual experience. The most popular are amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.

Amyl nitrite relaxes most of the muscles involved in non-conscious processes, such as digestion and breathing. Among other things, it dilates blood vessels, increasing their diameter, which leads to increased heart rate and body temperature (the 'rush').

These drugs are occasionally used for their muscle-relaxing rather than their psychoactive properties, in particular in conjunction with anal sex.

Nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') is the most popular anaesthetic inhalant, and is often associated with the dance and rave scenes.


Inhalants that come in a gaseous form include products used in medical anaesthetics (such as ether or chloroform).

Inhalants and the law

Most inhalants are common products and are readily available.


How inhalants are used

Inhalants are usually inhaled directly from the container or sprayed onto a cloth or into a plastic bag, and then inhaled. If a plastic bag is used there may be increased risk of suffocation.

Petrol fumes are sniffed from a can or a bottle, or from a cloth soaked in petrol and held over the nose and mouth.

Short term effects


  • slurred speech
  • blurred vision
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • euphoria
  • loss of coordination.

Other short-term effects may include:

  • irritation of the eyes and throat
  • hallucinations
  • loss of memory
  • headaches
  • nose bleeds.

Some inhalants, such as amyl nitrite, can cause enhanced sensual awareness and a loss of inhibitions. Amyl nitrate is immuno-suppressive; a person's immune response dips immediately on inhaling it, and stays down for about 96 hours.

Using a plastic bag to inhale substances increases the risk of suffocation.

Long term effects

Little research has been done on the long-term effects of most inhalants. Possible health problems may include:

  • brain damage affecting coordination, movement and memory
  • weight loss
  • fatigue and tremors
  • paranoia, hostility and depression
  • social and psychological delays in development.

How common is inhalant use?

The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that 4.2% of Australians aged 14 and over have ever tried inhalants, while 1.0% used them in the year preceding the survey. In another survey, 17.3% of Australian high school students reported having deliberately sniffed inhalants at some point in their lives, while 12.6% reported having done so in the preceding year.

Inhalants and driving

It is not safe to drive while using inhalants, given their effects on vision and coordination.

Inhalants and pregnancy

It is generally risky to take any drug while pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice.

Using inhalants during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects, seizures, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Using inhalants with other drugs

Combining amyl nitrate and Viagra is particularly problematic. It may cause loss of consciousness and, in extreme cases, even death.


Psychological dependence — that is, using inhalants to help cope with the problems of everyday life —may develop with prolonged use. Physical dependence can also occur, as the person develops a tolerance to the substance they are using.


Chronic users may have withdrawal symptoms such as hand tremors and headaches when they stop using the drugs.


The possibility of death from using inhalants is rare, however it is a risk. 'Sudden sniffing death' has followed the use of a range of inhalants including aerosols and correction fluids. It is believed that chemicals in these products can cause heart failure, particularly if the user is stressed or does heavy exercise after inhaling.

If nitrites are swallowed they can interfere with the blood's ability to transport oxygen. Death from a lack of oxygen, pneumonia, cardiac failure or cardiac arrest, or from breathing in vomit, is a possible consequence.


Little research has been carried out on treatments for inhalant abuse.
