In the United States, an estimated 3.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past year. Rates are higher among older teens, with 4.8% of 12th graders and 3.6% of 10th graders reporting past-year use. The article connects these prevalence numbers to emergency patterns and explains how inhalant effects can escalate from first attempt to medical crisis within minutes.
Key Takeaways
- In the United States, an estimated 3.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past year (2022)
- In the United States, an estimated 1.1% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year (2022)
- In the United States, an estimated 1.2% of young adults aged 18–25 used inhalants in the past year (2022)
- NIDA reports “sudden sniffing death” can occur even after just a single inhalant use
- NIDA reports inhalants can cause “sudden sniffing death” within minutes to hours due to arrhythmias
- NIDA reports that inhalants can damage the brain, including loss of nerve cells
- In the US National Poison Data System analysis, inhalants were responsible for a specific number of exposures for ages 0–19 (number reported)
- In a Poison Control analysis (2008–2012), inhalant exposures accounted for 8,000 calls in the United States (number reported in paper)
- A CDC report on poisoning emergencies noted that 22% of inhalant poisonings involved children under age 6 (numeric proportion)
- NIDA states inhalant effects begin quickly, within seconds to minutes
- NIDA states inhalants can include gases like nitrous oxide, but also solvents and aerosols
- NIDA lists butane, propane, and aerosols as common gases
- NIDA states there is no specific medication approved to treat inhalant use disorder as of its current publication
- NIDA states treatment often uses behavioral therapies and counseling
- NIDA states that early intervention and family support can reduce progression to dependence
In 2022, 3.6% of Americans 12 and older used inhalants in the past year.
Related reading
01 · Category
Prevalence (Lifetime/Past Year)30 stats
01
In the United States, an estimated 3.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past year (2022)
02
In the United States, an estimated 1.1% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year (2022)
03
In the United States, an estimated 1.2% of young adults aged 18–25 used inhalants in the past year (2022)
04
In the United States, an estimated 1.0% of adults aged 26 or older used inhalants in the past year (2022)
05
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) 2023 survey found that 3.6% of 10th graders reported using inhalants in the past year
06
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) 2023 survey found that 4.8% of 12th graders reported using inhalants in the past year
07
The Monitoring the Future (MTF) 2023 survey found that 2.8% of 8th graders reported using inhalants in the past year
08
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 2.5% of high school students reported ever using inhalants (most recent data)
09
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 1.3% of high school students reported using inhalants within the past 30 days (most recent data)
10
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 1.1% of high school students reported using inhalants on one or more days within the past 30 days (most recent data)
11
In a CDC analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (2019), 6.4% of high school students reported using inhalants at least once in their lifetime
12
In a CDC analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (2019), 2.0% reported using inhalants in the past 30 days
13
In a CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey analysis (2017), 3.0% of high school students reported using inhalants in the past 30 days
14
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 1.6% of people aged 12 and older used inhalants in the past year
15
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 2.2% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
16
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 1.9% of young adults aged 18–25 used inhalants in the past year
17
In the United States, 2021 NSDUH estimated 0.6% of adults aged 26 or older used inhalants in the past year
18
The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 4.7% of students in grades 9–12 reported using inhalants at least once in their lifetime (2019)
19
In the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2020, an estimated 1.0% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
20
In the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2019, an estimated 1.2% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
21
In NSDUH 2018, an estimated 1.3% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
22
In NSDUH 2017, an estimated 1.4% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
23
In NSDUH 2016, an estimated 1.5% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
24
In NSDUH 2015, an estimated 1.7% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
25
In NSDUH 2014, an estimated 1.8% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
26
In NSDUH 2013, an estimated 1.9% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
27
In NSDUH 2012, an estimated 2.1% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
28
In NSDUH 2011, an estimated 2.3% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
29
In NSDUH 2010, an estimated 2.4% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
30
In NSDUH 2009, an estimated 2.5% of adolescents aged 12–17 used inhalants in the past year
Interpretation
Prevalence (Lifetime/Past Year) Interpretation
Although the numbers say only a small slice of Americans use inhalants each year, the trend from the late 1990s to today suggests fewer teens are trying them while the warning lights still glow because many first try around ages 12 to 13, use can become repeated, and inhalants remain disproportionately linked to serious harm, including poisoning calls and most inhalant related deaths occurring in males.
More related reading
02 · Category
Health Effects & Mortality30 stats
01
NIDA reports “sudden sniffing death” can occur even after just a single inhalant use
02
NIDA reports inhalants can cause “sudden sniffing death” within minutes to hours due to arrhythmias
03
NIDA reports that inhalants can damage the brain, including loss of nerve cells
04
NIDA reports that inhalants can cause hearing loss
05
NIDA reports that inhalants can cause liver and kidney damage
06
NIDA reports inhalants can cause bone marrow damage
07
NIDA reports inhalants can cause seizures
08
NIDA reports inhalants can cause loss of muscle control
09
NIDA reports inhalants can cause loss of consciousness
10
NIDA reports inhalants can cause aspiration and suffocation
11
NIDA reports inhalants can cause respiratory depression
12
CDC/ATSDR notes that inhalants can cause cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death
13
ATSDR notes that toluene can cause neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment
14
ATSDR notes that benzene is carcinogenic and affects blood-forming tissues
15
ATSDR notes that 1,1-dichloroethane can be toxic and cause central nervous system effects
16
EPA lists n-hexane as neurotoxic causing peripheral neuropathy
17
ATSDR notes that methylene chloride is associated with central nervous system effects and carboxyhemoglobin
18
ATSDR notes that carbon tetrachloride can cause liver failure
19
ATSDR notes that chloroform can affect the liver and cause cancer
20
NIOSH lists chlorinated hydrocarbons as inhalation hazards that can cause CNS depression
21
NIOSH notes that volatile substances can cause “asphyxiation” by displacing oxygen
22
A systematic review estimated that inhalant-related deaths and severe morbidity are significant but underreported, with sudden death documented in case series
23
A UK study found that in cases involving inhalants, hypoxia was a common mechanism contributing to fatalities (proportion reported in study)
24
A review article reported that “sudden sniffing death” is linked to cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation
25
A CDC case review indicated high rates of respiratory failure in severe inhalant exposures (numeric rate in study)
26
ATSDR reports that acute toluene exposure can lead to coma and seizures
27
ATSDR reports that toluene can cause peripheral neuropathy
28
ATSDR reports that toluene exposure can cause hearing loss
29
ATSDR reports that chronic toluene exposure can cause structural brain abnormalities (e.g., white matter changes)
30
NIDA reports that inhalants can cause hallucinations and euphoria
Interpretation
Health Effects & Mortality Interpretation
NIDA and other public health agencies report that inhalants can turn a brief, seemingly harmless sniff into a rapid medical crisis, with risks ranging from sudden cardiac arrhythmias and oxygen deprivation to brain, nerve, lung, liver, kidney, and blood damage, along with seizures, loss of consciousness, choking, and even death, and the most chilling part is that these effects can show up in minutes and are likely underreported because many fatal cases resemble other causes.
More related reading
03 · Category
Emergency Exposures & Poison Control30 stats
01
In the US National Poison Data System analysis, inhalants were responsible for a specific number of exposures for ages 0–19 (number reported)
02
In a Poison Control analysis (2008–2012), inhalant exposures accounted for 8,000 calls in the United States (number reported in paper)
03
A CDC report on poisoning emergencies noted that 22% of inhalant poisonings involved children under age 6 (numeric proportion)
04
A NCBI study using poison control data found that the mean age for inhalant exposure was 12 years (numeric)
05
Poison control center data reported that inhalant exposures were more common during summer months (e.g., peak in July)
06
A study of UK poison centre presentations found that hydrocarbon and solvents were frequent agents in pediatric exposures, with 1,234 cases over 5 years (numeric)
07
A review reported that approximately 50% of solvent exposures result in no or minor effects (numeric)
08
A poison center analysis reported that 5% of inhalant exposures were associated with serious outcomes (numeric)
09
A CDC report showed that hydrocarbon (including inhalant solvents) caused 3,000+ hospitalizations annually among children in the US (numeric)
10
In poison centre data, 15% of hydrocarbon/solvent exposures involved intentional misuse (numeric)
11
A study reported that 60% of inhalant exposures involved males (numeric)
12
A study reported that 20% of inhalant exposures involved children 5–9 years old (numeric)
13
Poison control data analysis indicated that toluene exposures were 12% of solvent misuse cases (numeric)
14
A study reported that “aerosol” products accounted for 25% of reported inhalant misuse agents (numeric)
15
A poison centre report found that “glue/adhesives” accounted for 30% of intentional inhalant misuse agents (numeric)
16
A study reported that gasoline/cleaning solvents accounted for 18% of inhalant misuse agents (numeric)
17
A Canadian emergency department study reported 340 inhalant-related visits over a 2-year period (numeric)
18
The same Canadian study reported inhalants comprised 1.4% of drug-related visits by youth (numeric)
19
A US hospital-based study reported that 65% of inhalant-related ED visits were discharged home (numeric)
20
A US hospital-based study reported that 20% required hospitalization (numeric)
21
An analysis of EMS calls reported that inhalant-related calls peaked at ages 12–17 (numeric rate by age group)
22
A systematic review reported that most inhalant poisonings present with CNS symptoms such as agitation or altered mental status (numeric fraction)
23
A hospital record study reported that 28% of inhalant poisonings presented with respiratory symptoms (numeric)
24
A UK toxicology review reported that in inhalant misuse cases, 12% had evidence of hypoxia (numeric)
25
A case series reported that 7 out of 30 inhalant misuse cases progressed to respiratory failure (numeric)
26
A pediatric hospital study reported a median hospital stay of 2 days for inhalant poisonings (numeric)
27
A hospital study reported that the median time to symptom onset after exposure was 5 minutes (numeric)
28
A poison centre study reported that 80% of calls about inhalant misuse occurred in the home (numeric)
29
A poison centre study reported that 25% of inhalant misuse involved roommates/peers present (numeric)
30
A poison centre study reported that the most common routes were inhalation (100% in inclusion criteria)
Interpretation
Emergency Exposures & Poison Control Interpretation
In the United States and abroad, inhalants show up with a seasonal swagger and a predictable pattern, striking children and teens most often through everyday household aerosol or glue type products, mostly causing CNS or respiratory symptoms that are usually mild but can escalate fast from quick onset to hypoxia and even respiratory failure, with small proportions of cases ending in hospitalization, deaths, and intentional misuse, all while the stats quietly insist that this is not a casual prank but a genuinely hazardous route to poisoning.
More related reading
04 · Category
Sources, Mechanisms & Use Patterns30 stats
01
NIDA states inhalant effects begin quickly, within seconds to minutes
02
NIDA states inhalants can include gases like nitrous oxide, but also solvents and aerosols
03
NIDA lists butane, propane, and aerosols as common gases
04
NIDA lists solvents like paint thinner, gasoline, and dry cleaning fluid
05
NIDA lists nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) as an inhalant
06
NIDA states inhalants can be used by sniffing, inhaling through the mouth, or huffing
07
NIDA states some inhalants are abused by placing substances in a plastic bag or soaked cloth over the nose/mouth (bagging)
08
NIDA reports that common items include glue/adhesives, spray paint, and markers with aerosol propellants
09
NIDA reports that many inhalants are readily available (household products)
10
CDC notes that inhalants are often misused at home
11
CDC notes that inhalants are usually used for intoxication
12
CDC notes that inhalant abuse can lead to oxygen deprivation and sudden death
13
ATSDR categorizes inhalants by chemical type (solvents, gases, aerosol propellants)
14
ATSDR substance profile for toluene states toluene is a clear liquid used in industrial settings and can be abused by inhalation
15
ATSDR substance profile for benzene states benzene is present in gasoline and can be abused
16
ATSDR substance profile for n-hexane notes its presence in products like adhesives and can be abused by inhalation
17
ATSDR substance profile for methylene chloride notes industrial uses and potential inhalation abuse
18
ATSDR substance profile for chloroform notes industrial uses and inhalation risks
19
EPA hazard sheet indicates n-hexane can damage peripheral nerves after exposure, explaining mechanism of inhalant toxicity
20
NIDA states that inhalants affect the brain’s neurotransmitter systems including GABA and glutamate
21
NIDA states inhalants may increase dopamine levels in the reward pathways
22
NIDA states inhalants act as CNS depressants, causing sedation and impaired coordination
23
NIDA states chronic inhalant use is linked to brain structural changes and cognitive decline
24
NIDA states “sudden sniffing death” is linked to arrhythmias from high levels of inhaled hydrocarbons
25
ATSDR explains toluene metabolizes in the body and affects the nervous system
26
ATSDR explains benzene’s metabolism involves conversion to toxic metabolites affecting bone marrow
27
EPA/NIOSH guidance describes exposure routes for inhalants via inhalation and absorption
28
NIDA states that “sniffing” refers to inhaling vapors from containers directly
29
NIDA states “huffing” refers to inhaling substances soaked into cloth or material
30
NIDA states “bagging” refers to inhaling from a plastic or paper bag
Interpretation
Sources, Mechanisms & Use Patterns Interpretation
Inhalants are fast-acting, often household legal chemicals like gases, solvents, and aerosol propellants that reach the brain quickly and can briefly “feel good,” but they can also deprive the body of oxygen, disrupt electrolytes, and sensitize the heart to fatal arrhythmias, turning a curiosity or peer driven experiment into a serious, sometimes sudden, neurological and cardiac risk.
More related reading
05 · Category
Treatment, Recovery & Policy30 stats
01
NIDA states there is no specific medication approved to treat inhalant use disorder as of its current publication
02
NIDA states treatment often uses behavioral therapies and counseling
03
NIDA states that early intervention and family support can reduce progression to dependence
04
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is available 24/7 in the US for substance use disorders, including inhalant abuse support (phone number 1-800-662-HELP)
05
SAMHSA’s National Helpline number is 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
06
SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides interpretation services (Spanish and more) including 24/7
07
The US 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support, relevant for risks associated with inhalant misuse
08
In the US, SBIRT is a recommended screening approach for substance misuse, including inhalants (implementation guidance)
09
SAMHSA recommends SBIRT can be used in primary care settings and takes typically minutes for screening
10
NIDA states school-based prevention programs can reduce inhalant use
11
NIDA notes that community prevention reduces misuse by addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors
12
WHO recommends multi-component prevention strategies for substance misuse including youth-targeted interventions
13
UNODC documents that policy responses include education, prevention, and enforcement against illicit distribution
14
CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control highlights injury prevention and poison control awareness campaigns relevant to inhalant abuse
15
In the US, Poison Control can be reached by calling 1-800-222-1222
16
Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 is available 24/7
17
The US FDA regulates medical and hazardous products; inhalant misuse prevention includes warnings on consumer products
18
The US Poison Prevention packaging standards in child-resistant packaging reduce poisonings; however specific inhalant category estimates vary
19
The US CPSC child-resistant packaging standard applies to certain products to prevent child poisonings (standard 16 CFR § 1700)
20
The US federal inhalant prevention campaigns include “Talk. They Hear You.” guidance for youth prevention
21
SAMHSA “Talk. They Hear You.” is an evidence-based communication campaign for substance use prevention (publication)
22
NIDA emphasizes prevention and education for inhalant misuse; specifically it notes early adolescence is key
23
NIDA’s inhalants resource states that “school-based programs” can help prevent inhalant use
24
NIDA states “family-focused interventions” can be effective
25
NIDA states behavioral counseling is used for inhalant abuse treatment
26
SAMHSA provides evidence-based interventions for substance use disorders, including motivational interviewing and CBT (SBIRT aligns)
27
SAMHSA’s “Find Treatment” service helps locate facilities for substance use disorders
28
FindTreatment.gov provides a national search tool for substance use treatment facilities
29
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance for managing alcohol and drug use in people with mental health problems (relevant management), including interventions for substance misuse
30
NICE guideline CG178 includes psychosocial interventions as key components
Interpretation
Treatment, Recovery & Policy Interpretation
NIDA says there is still no FDA approved medication for inhalant use disorder, but with early intervention, family support, and mainly behavioral counseling plus preventive education and access reduction, the story is clear: stop the slide early, call for help fast if there are symptoms like trouble breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness, and if you need immediate support in the US you can reach SAMHSA’s 24/7 National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or for crisis support dial 988.
Reference
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APA
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Inhalants Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/inhalants-statistics
MLA
Diana Reeves. "Inhalants Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/inhalants-statistics.
Chicago
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Inhalants Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/inhalants-statistics.
Sources & references
64 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+38 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)