Argues that inhalant use has cycled through fads across history and that, although availability of some agents such as leaded gasoline may decline, experimentation among younger adolescents probably will continue, so pediatric practitioners should be aware of these agents and their potential toxicities.
Abstract
Volatile substances have been used to alter consciousness since ancient times. Societal trends have brought forth one inhalant fad after another. It would be reasonable to expect this pattern to change as certain of the inhalants come under greater control or become less available (e.g., leaded gasoline). Experimentation with these agents among younger adolescents probably will continue, and for this reason, pediatric practitioners should be aware of the use of these agents and their potential toxicities.