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From: tomkaye@galaxy.galstar.com (Tom Kaye)
Newsgroups: alt.drugs
Subject: Inhalant dangers/Info
Date: 5 Mar 1995 22:13:24 GMT
Message-ID: <3jdd25$d1o@mercury.galstar.com>
Newsgroups: alt.drugs
Subject: Re: Inhalant Dangers
Date: 26 Feb 1995 01:01:51 -0500
Additional reading materials
This is posted to help inform those who are curious about the
dangers of inhalants.
"The Breath of Death"
"Killers of the young"
Tom Kaye RPh.
Tomkaye@galstar.com
Compuserve 76074.207
Phone 918-455- 9450
Research
Publication # 129
National Institutes on Drug Abuse
1992
Charles S. Sharp
Neal Rosenburg M.D.
5600 Fishers lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Additional info
Cathy McIntyre
c/o International Institute of Inhalant abuse
fax: 303-788-1860
Phone: 1-800-832-5090
Mention my name Tom Kaye and they will give you full coorporation.
The key points to instil to kids are:
1. Inhalants are different from other drugs.
2. Inhlants rank numer 4 in popularity for use
3. Inhalants cause then most body damage when compared to all the other drugs.
4. Inhalants may kill the first time when used.
5. There are over 1400 inhalant products that kids can use to
get high.
*****ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD*****
Esmail A Meyer L Pottier A Wright S
Deaths from volatile substance abuse in those under 18 years: results
from a national epidemiological study.
In: Arch Dis Child (1993 Sep) 69(3):356-60
The epidemiology of deaths from volatile substance abuse (VSA) in
those under 18 years that occurred in the UK from 1981-90 is
described. The analysis of deaths is based on a national register,
which has information obtained from a regular survey of coroners, the
Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, and a press clippings
agency. Altogether 605 people under 18 died from VSA during this
period. Seventy per cent of deaths occurred between the ages of 14
and 16. The largest number of deaths were attributed to butane gas
lighter refills. There was a large north-south gradient in age
specific mortality ratios (Scotland 180, south east England 87) and
nearly four times as many deaths occurred in social class V compared
with social class I. Deaths from VSA are an important and preventable
cause of deaths in those under 18. Strategies aimed at prevention
should include measures to reduce experimentation, intervention to
reduce socioeconomic deprivation, and health education campaigns
aimed at schools and parents.
Institutional address:
Department of Public Health Sciences
St George's Hospital Medical School
London.
*****ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE*****
Cartwright TR Brown ED Brashear RE
Pulmonary infiltrates following butane 'fire-breathing'.
In: Arch Intern Med (1983 Oct) 143(10):2007-8
Rapidly progressive bilateral pulmonary infiltrates occurred in a 19-
year-old man following an unusual hydrocarbon abuse. The acute
illness was the result of a "trick" known as "fire-breathing." Fire-
breathing involves filling the oral cavity with butane gas, from an
ordinary butane cigarette/cigar lighter, and exhalation of the
volatile vapors over an open flame producing a flame-throwing effect.
Because of the pulmonary toxic reaction, this activity could have a
serious or even fatal outcome.
*****BMJ*****
Anderson HR
Increase in deaths from deliberate inhalation of fuel gases and
pressurised aerosols [letter]
In: BMJ (1990 Jul 7) 301(6742):41
[No Abstract Available]
(REFERENCE 4 OF 25)
93006467
Esmail A Anderson HR Ramsey JD Taylor J Pottier A
Controlling deaths from volatile substance abuse in under 18s: the
effects of legislation [see comments]
In: BMJ (1992 Sep 19) 305(6855):692
[No Abstract Available]
Institutional address:
Department of Public Health Sciences
St George's Hospital
Medical School
London.
*****EMERGENCY MEDICINE CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA*****
Linden CH
Volatile substances of abuse.
In: Emerg Med Clin North Am (1990 Aug) 8(3):559-78
Substances that are inhaled for the purpose of recreational self-
intoxication include aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, alkyl
nitrites, aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, and ketones. All have the
ability to cause asphyxia, arrhythmias, cardiovascular depression,
neurologic dysfunction, and mucosal, pulmonary, and skin irritation
following acute exposure and permanent neurologic damage with chronic
exposure. The acute effects of alkyl halides and alkyl nitrites also
include carbon monoxide poisoning and hepatorenal toxicity, and
methemoglobinemia, respectively. Chronic exposure to aromatic
hydrocarbons and ketones can result in liver, kidney, and bone marrow
injury; myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte
abnormalities are further complications of chronic aromatic
hydrocarbon inhalation.
Institutional address:
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of Massachusetts Medical Center
Worcester.
*****JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE*****
D'Costa DF Gunasekera NP
Fatal cerebral of edema following trichloroethane abuse.
In: J R Soc Med (1990 Aug) 83(8):533-4
[No Abstract Available]
Institutional address:
Department of Medicine
General Hospital
Kettering
Northants.
*****JAMA*****
King GS Smialek JE Troutman WG
Sudden death in adolescents resulting from the inhalation of
typewriter correction fluid.
In: JAMA (1985 Mar 15) 253(11):1604-6
Inhalation abuse of various toxic agents continues to be a
significant health problem among the younger segment of our society.
We describe four cases of sudden death in adolescents associated with
recreational sniffing of typewriter correction fluid occurring during
the period 1979 through mid-1984. The solvents used in most of these
fluids, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethylene, are known to
induce potentially fatal arrhythmias. Sniffing typewriter correction
fluid poses a significant and underappreciated danger to the lives of
these abusers. School health officials, public health departments,
and law enforcement personnel should be alerted to the need for
surveillance of this type of activity.
*****LANCET*****
(REFERENCE 8 OF 25)
89158540
Gunn J Wilson J Mackintosh AF
Butane sniffing causing ventricular fibrillation [letter]
In: Lancet (1989 Mar 18) 1(8638):617
[No Abstract Available]
*****NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE*****
Siegel E Wason S
Sudden death caused by inhalation of butane and propane [letter]
In: N Engl J Med (1990 Dec 6) 323(23):1638
[No Abstract Available]
*****SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL*****
Wegener EE Barraza KR Das SK
Severe frostbite caused by Freon gas.
In: South Med J (1991 Sep) 84(9):1143-6
We have reported a case of severe frostbite due to direct exposure to
liquid Freon gas (monochlorodifluoromethane), a fluorinated
hydrocarbon widely used as refrigerants, propellants, and industrial
solvents. The patient was treated for severe third- and fourth-degree
frostbite to the hand. The severity of the injury was apparently the
result of direct through-and-through injury from exposure to the
liquid (boiling point -40.5 degrees C) and a possible systemic
vasoconstrictive effect on arterial smooth muscle due to inhalation
of Freon gas.
Institutional address:
Department of Surgery
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson 39216-4505.
*****ARUKORU KENKYU-TO YAKUBUTSU ISON JAPANESE JOURNAL OF ALCOHOL STUDIES*****
Tohhara S Tani N Nakajima T Tsuda E
[Clinical study of butane gas abuse: in comparison with toluene-based
solvent and marihuana]
In: Arukoru Kenkyuto Yakubutsu Ison (1989 Dec) 24(6):504-10
(Published in Japanese)
We reported 2 cases of patients who abused butane gas, toluene-based
solvent and marihuana. They showed different signs in the each
substance, respectively. Butane gas was easier to make visual
hallucinations and distorted perception of body form, and was less
potent and addictive than toluene-based solvent. Spontaneous laughter
and the most amotivational state were characterized by marihuana
intoxication. Alteration of auditory perception that simple music
sounded wonderful was also experienced. Furthermore, the above
symptoms were thought to change by the order of taking the substance.
Therefore, it is needed to examine the order of the use of drugs and
clarify differences of symptoms in abuse among drugs, respectively.
*****BURNS*****
Scerri GV Regan PJ Ratcliffe RJ Roberts AH
Burns following cigarette lighter fluid abuse.
In: Burns (1992 Aug) 18(4):329-31
Seven patients with burns associated with butane cigarette lighter
fluid abuse, in a group setting within an enclosed space, are
presented. In all patients there was a reluctance to admit that
butane vapour was in use as an intoxicant immediately prior to the
injury. It is obvious from the circumstances of these injuries that
the hazardous nature of cigarette lighter fluid is not fully
appreciated. Since the resultant injuries are usually minor (all
patients recovered spontaneously with conservative management, the
hospital stay averaging 2 days), it is probable that many more occur,
but do not present to accident departments as the victims are wary of
repercussions should they admit to intoxicant vapour abuse. In view
of the medical sequelae that can follow butane inhalation, burns unit
staff should be aware of the problems, their recognition and
treatment.
Institutional address:
Nuffield Burns Units
Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
UK.
*****CHEMICAL DEPENDENCIES*****
Russe BR McCoy CB Barton JE
Recent findings concerning inhalant use.
In: Chem Depend (1980) 4(1-2):113-26
[No Abstract Available]
*****HUMAN TOXICOLOGY*****
Marjot R McLeod AA
Chronic non-neurological toxicity from volatile substance abuse.
In: Hum Toxicol (1989 Jul) 8(4):301-6
1. Most of the evidence for chronic non-neurological toxicity from
volatile substance abuse is derived from case reports. 2. Factors
important in assessing these reports are the marked variations in
exposure conditions and in the composition of the products abused. 3.
In a young and otherwise healthy population, any chronic organ
toxicity arising from VSA has to be gross in order to become
clinically apparent. This may partially explain the relatively low
incidence of reporting. 4. Toluene and the chlorinated hydrocarbons
1,1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethylene can cause permanent
damage to the kidney, liver, heart and lung, in certain volatile
substance abusers.
Institutional address:
Department of Anaesthetics
Kings College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
UK.
Ramsey J Anderson HR Bloor K Flanagan RJ
An introduction to the practice, prevalence and chemical toxicology
of volatile substance abuse.
In: Hum Toxicol (1989 Jul) 8(4):261-9
1. Volatile substance abuse is largely a teenage practice; it is
estimated that in the UK 3.5-10% of young people have at least
experimented and that 0.5-1% are current users. 2. The products
abused are many and varied but only about 20 chemical compounds,
notably toluene, chlorinated solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane,
fuel gases such as butane and aerosol propellants, are commonly
encountered. 3. The acute hazard varies with the compound, product
and mode of abuse. Mortality in the UK is now about 100 per year,
from all social classes, 90% of whom are male. 4. Chronic toxicity is
difficult to assess, partly because of the diversity of products
abused. However it is clear that some long-term abusers suffer
permanent damage to the central nervous system, heart, liver and
kidney. 5. Toxicological analysis may be relied upon for confirmation
of diagnosis, providing attention is paid to the kinetics of
excretion and stability in the sample. 6. Responses include codes of
practice for the sale of products and educational strategies;
legislation has also been enacted. There is little evidence that any
of these measures have made a significant impact on the problem.
Institutional address:
Chemical Pathology Laboratory
St George's Hospital Medical School
Cranmer Terrace
London
UK.
*****JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION*****
*****JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE*****
Tauber JB
Instant benzol death.
In: J Occup Med (1970 Dec) 12(12):520-3
[No Abstract Available]
*****PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA*****
Cohen S
The hallucinogens and the inhalants.
In: Psychiatr Clin North Am (1984 Dec) 7(4):681-8
The hallucinogenic drugs represent a recurrent outbreak pattern with
each generation or two seeming to rediscover their ego-dissolving
effects. The inhalants produce a short-lived intoxication with
certain volatile solvents affecting specific organ systems.
*****TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY*****
Bruckner JV Peterson RG
Evaluation of toluene and acetone inhalant abuse. II. Model
development and toxicology.
In: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol (1981 Dec) 61(3):302-12
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
U. S. Public Health Service
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services
---------
for more information or assistance, contact ....
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, Maryland 20847
1-800-729-6686
National High School Senior Survey
----------------------------------
PERCENT WHO EVER USED
CLASS OF 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
Marijuana/Hashish 58.7 57.0 54.9 54.2 50.9 50.2 47.2 43.7 40.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inhalants 12.8 13.6 14.4 15.4 15.9 17.0 16.7 17.6 18.0
Inhalants Adjusted* 17.7 18.2 18.0 18.1 20.1 18.6 17.5 18.6 18.5
Amyl/Butyl Nitrites 9.8 8.4 8.1 7.9 8.6 4.7 3.2 3.3 2.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hallicinogens 12.5 11.9 10.7 10.3 9.7 10.3 8.9 9.4 9.4
Hallicinogens Adj** 14.3 13.6 12.3 12.1 11.9 10.6 9.2 9.9 9.7
LSD 9.6 8.9 8.0 7.5 7.2 8.4 7.7 8.3 8.7
PCP 6.0 5.6 5.0 4.9 4.8 3.0 2.9 3.9 2.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Inhalants ajusted for underreporting of amyl and butyl nitrites.
**Hallucinogens adjusted for underreporting of PCP.
PERCENT WHO EVER USED
CLASS OF 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
Cocaine 16.0 16.2 16.1 17.3 16.9 15.2 12.1 10.3 9.4
Crack NA NA NA NA NA 4.6 4.8 4.7 3.5
Other Cocaine NA NA NA NA NA 14.0 12.1 8.5 8.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heroin 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.3 1.3
Other Opiates 9.6 9.4 9.7 10.2 9.0 9.2 8.6 8.3 8.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stimulants 35.6 35.4 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Stimulants Adj* 27.9 26.9 27.9 26.2 23.4 21.6 19.8 19.1 17.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sedatives 15.2 14.4 13.3 11.8 10.4 8.7 7.8 7.4 5.3
Barbiturates 10.3 9.9 9.9 9.2 8.4 7.4 6.7 6.5 6.8
Methaqualone 10.7 10.1 8.3 6.7 5.2 4.0 3.3 2.7 2.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tranquilizers 14.0 13.3 12.4 11.9 10.9 10.9 9.4 7.6 7.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Stimulants adjusted to exclude inappropriate reporting of
nonprescription stimulants.
PERCENT WHO EVER USED
CLASS OF 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
Alcohol 92.8 92.6 92.6 92.2 91.3 92.2 92.0 90.7 89.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cigarettes 70.1 70.6 69.7 68.8 67.6 67.2 66.4 65.7 64.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Term "Ever Used" refers to use of substance at least one time.
This information was supplied by the U.S. Depratment of Health
and Human Services, Public Health Service, Alcohol, Drug Abuse,
and Mental Health Administration. Revised January, 1991.
These numbers were gathered in annual nationwide surveys
conducted for the National Institute of Drug Abuse by the
University of Michigan Institute for Social Reseach. The 1990
survey involved more than 15,000 seniors from public and private
schools.
The above data refer to use not under a doctor's orders.
*****AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE*****
Haverkos HW Dougherty J
Health hazards of nitrite inhalants.
In: Am J Med (1988 Mar) 84(3 Pt 1):479-82
[No Abstract Available]
Institutional address:
Clinical Medicine Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Rockville
Maryland 20857.
*****BIOCHEMISTRY*****
Gadella TW Jr Moritz A Westerman J Wirtz KW
Enzymatic synthesis of pyrene-labeled polyphosphoinositides and their
behavior in organic solvents and phosphatidylcholine bilayers.
In: Biochemistry (1990 Apr 3) 29(13):3389-95
A method is reported for the synthesis of pyrene-labeled analogues of
phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (Pyr-PIP) and phosphatidylinositol
4,5-biphosphate (Pyr-PIP2) from sn-2-(pyrenyl-
decanoyl)phosphatidylinositol (Pyr-PI) using partially purified PI
and PIP kinase preparations. Phosphorylation of Pyr-PI and Pyr-PIP
was extensive (more than 50%) provided that the ATP concentration was
high and that stabilizing agents such as sucrose and polyethylene
glycol were present in the incubation medium. Pyr-PIP and Pyr-PIP2
were isolated by chromatography on immobilized neomycin. The identity
of the products was established by thin-layer chromatography, UV-
absorption spectroscopy, and spectrofluorometry. The pyrene
excimer/monomer fluorescence technique revealed that, in contrast to
Pyr-PI, Pyr-PIP and Pyr-PIP2 formed clusters in organic solvents. By
use of the same technique for model membranes, it was shown that in
phosphatidylcholine bilayers the collision frequency of the three
fluorescent phosphoinositides decreased in the order PI greater than
PIP greater than PIP2. Addition of Ca2+ at concentrations above 0.1
mM increased the collision frequency of Pyr-PIP2 and, to a much
lesser extent, Pyr-PIP; Ca2+ had no effect on Pyr-PI.
Institutional address:
Centre for Biomembranes and Lipid Enzymology
State University of Utrecht
The Netherlands.
*****CANCER RESEARCH*****
Armstrong RW Armstrong MJ Yu MC Henderson BE
Salted fish and inhalants as risk factors for nasopharyngeal
carcinoma in Malaysian Chinese.
In: Cancer Res (1983 Jun) 43(6):2967-70
We conducted a case-control study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma among
Malaysian Chinese to test inhalants, salted fish consumption, and use
of tobacco, alcohol, and nasal ointments as risk factors for the
disease. Interviews with 100 cases and 100 controls indicated that
salted fish consumption during childhood was a significant risk
factor (relative risk, 3.0; p = 0.04); childhood daily consumption of
this food item compared to nonconsumption carried a relative risk of
17.4 [95% confidence interval = (2.7, 111.1)]. Occupational exposure
to smokes (relative risk, 6.0; p = 0.006) and to dusts (relative
risk, 4.0; p less than 0.001) was also significantly associated with
nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The two risk factors (consumption of salted
fish and exposure to smoke and/or dust) were independent of each
other. There was no association between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and
tobacco, alcohol, or nasal ointments.
Institutional address:
School of Public Health
University of Hawaii
Honolulu.
*****JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY*****
Wallis KT Azhar S Rho MB Lewis SA Cowan NJ Murphy DB
The mechanism of equilibrium binding of microtubule-associated
protein 2 to microtubules. Binding is a multi-phasic process and
exhibits positive cooperativity.
In: J Biol Chem (1993 Jul 15) 268(20):15158-67
The mechanism of binding of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2)
to taxol-stabilized microtubules (MTs) was examined through Scatchard
analysis of equilibrium binding and by immunoelectron microscopy. We
demonstrate the following. 1) Binding is a cooperative process as
indicated by sigmoidal binding curves, prominent humps in Scatchard
plots, and an all-or-none response in binding during ligand
titrations. At high tubulin/MAP2 ratios, the Kd for noncontiguous
binding (5-25 microM) is estimated to be 100-1500 times greater than
that predicted for contiguous binding, suggesting a high degree of
cooperativity. 2) Cooperativity is indicated independently by a
highly clustered or patchy distribution of MAP2 on MTs as revealed by
immunoelectron microscopy. 3) The binding of truncated constructs of
mouse MAP2 protein suggests that a domain of MAP2 conferring
cooperativity is located in or near the MT binding site near the
carboxyl terminus. We speculate that in the cell, cooperativity may
generate MTs with uniform biochemical properties and contribute to
the segregation of MAPs in neuronal cell processes.
Institutional address:
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore
Maryland 21205.
*****JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY*****
Spigelman MK Zappulla RA Johnson J Goldsmith SJ Malis LI
Holland JF
Etoposide-induced blood-brain barrier disruption. Effect of drug
compared with that of solvents.
In: J Neurosurg (1984 Oct) 61(4):674-8
The intracarotid infusion of the anti-neoplastic compound, etoposide,
has been shown to exert a dose-dependent effect on blood-brain
barrier (BBB) permeability. Etoposide, however, is formulated in a
complex solvent solution containing alcohol, Tween 80, polyethylene
glycol 300, and citric acid. To investigate the contribution of the
solvent solution to BBB disruption, the authors studied Sprague-
Dawley rats after the internal carotid artery infusion of the solvent
solution with and without the addition of etoposide. Experiments were
performed at four doses of drug and/or solvent. Disruption of the BBB
was evaluated qualitatively by the appearance of the systemically
administered dye, Evans blue, in the cerebral hemispheres and
quantitatively by the ratio of gamma counts of the technetium-labeled
chelate of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) in the
ipsilateral:contralateral hemisphere. Significant barrier opening was
obtained in all four groups of animals infused with solvent plus
etoposide. In the corresponding groups of rats infused with the
solvent solution alone, BBB disruption was markedly lower. Only in
the group infused with the largest dose of solvent was the
hemispheric ratio of 99mTc-DTPA significantly different from saline-
infused animals. Each of the groups with solvent plus etoposide had
99mTc-DTPA ratios significantly different from the control group.
Intracarotid infusion and subsequent BBB disruption were well
tolerated by the animals receiving either solvent alone or solvent
and etoposide. Disruption of the BBB secondary to the intracarotid
infusion of etoposide is primarily caused by the drug itself and not
by the solvent solution.
Institutional address:
Department of Neoplastic Diseases
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York
New York.
*****ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY*****
(REFERENCE 6 OF 22)
88291911
Haverkos HW
Kaposi's sarcoma and nitrite inhalants.
In: Adv Biochem Psychopharmacol (1988) 44:165-72
[No Abstract Available]
Institutional address:
Clinical Medicine Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Alcohol
Drug Abuse
Rockville
Maryland 20857.
*****AKAD WISS*****
Horn KH
[LIMITS AND POSSIBILITIES OF ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS WITH CARCINOGENIC
INHALANTS]
In: Akad Wiss (1978)(2):52-62 (Published in German)
Animal inhalation studies with chemical carcinogens or cocarcinogens
are reviewed and their relevance to cancer induction in humans is
discussed. Current inhalation techniques are not completely reliable
due to the short life span of the test animals (eg, rats and Syrian
golden hamsters) and the long observation periods needed to
approximate human exposures. With the development of more
sophisticated inhalation equipment, more positive results may be
obtained with definite carcinogens. Another difficulty with the
inhalation method is the evaluation of a positive result; ie, whether
a substance such as ferric trioxide is carcinogenic, cocarcinogenic,
or causes cytopathological conditions that promote development.
Intratracheal intubation and implantation techniques are more
accurate in the production of respiratory tract tumors, and they are
useful in screening possible carcinogenic inhalants. The system
application method is adequate only when testing a known carcinogen
whose activity (po or sc) is organ-specific in the test species.
However, this technique is useful in that the exact dose can be
applied and the synergistic and/or cocarcinogenic properties of the
test substance can be ascertained. To relate respiratory tract
carcinogenesis in man to animal experiments will require the
perfection of application techniques and the identification of more
suitable animal models. (61 Refs)
Institutional address:
No affiliation given
*****AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE*****
Park RM Silverstein MA Green MA Mirer FE
Brain cancer mortality at a manufacturer of aerospace
electromechanical systems.
In: Am J Ind Med (1990) 17(5):537-52
Standardized proportional mortality ratios and mortality odds ratios
were calculated for 583 deaths between 1950 and 1986 among employees
who had worked for at least 10 years at a facility manufacturing
missile and aircraft guidance systems. There was a statistically
significant excess of brain cancer proportional mortality (PMR =
16/3.8 = 4.2, p = .0001). Among hourly employees, 12 brain cancer
deaths occurred for 2.7 expected (PMR = 4.4, p = .00005). The PMR for
brain cancer increased from 1.8 (p = .45) among hourly workers with
less than 20 years to 8.7 (p = .000003) in those with more than 20
years employment. Work in "clean rooms," where gyroscopes were
assembled, was associated with the brain cancer excess but did not
fully account for it. Among 105 deceased hourly women, all three
brain cancer deaths occurred among gyro assemblers working in clean
rooms, and the risk increased with duration in clean rooms. Although
the proportion of brain cancer deaths among hourly men with clean-
room experience was similar to that for women, only three of the
seven male brain cancer deaths occurred in this group. The suspect
agents include gyro fluids and chlorofluorocarbon solvents.
Institutional address:
Health and Safety Department
United Auto Workers International Union
Detroit
MI 48214.
*****ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES*****
Zimmerman HM
PRODUCTION OF BRAIN TUMORS WITH AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
In: Ann N Y Acad Sci (1982) 381:320-324
This contribution constitutes a summary review of 40 years of work in
the experimental production of gliomas in mice with the chemical
carcinogens 20-methylcholanthrene, benzpyrene, and 1,2,5,6-
dibenzanthracene, all three aromatic hydrocarbons. Frequent notation
is made of the pertinence of the experimental results to the glioma
problems in man. (Author abstract) (17 Refs)
Institutional address:
Montefiore Hosp. and Medical Center
111 East 210th St.
Bronx
NY
10467
*****ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY*****
(
Dahl AR Lewis JL
Respiratory tract uptake of inhalants and metabolism of xenobiotics.
In: Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol (1993) 33:383-407
The combined impact of new research regarding the dosimetry of
inhalants, discussed in early paragraphs of this review, and the
rapidly developing knowledge regarding the location and substrate
specificities of the enzymes responsible for xenobiotic metabolism
should soon lead to new insights into the causes and prevention of
cancer and other diseases of the respiratory tract and may provide
insight into the design of drugs used in the treatment of respiratory
tract disease. Among the developments to be expected within the next
decade are the following: 1. The issue of extrapulmonary versus
intrapulmonary activation of lung prodrugs and protoxicants will be
resolved by validation of the different dosimetries predicted for
highly lipophilic inhalants compared to less lipophilic ones. 2. The
possibly complex roles of P450 isozymes 1A1 and 2D6 and other forms
in the causation of human lung cancer will undoubtedly be better
understood in the next few years. 3. Interspecies comparisons of
respiratory tract enzyme activities--both activating and detoxicating-
-will lead to improved use of laboratory animals as models for
expected toxicological and pharmacological effects in humans. 4. The
potential role of nasal uptake and metabolism in causing brain
disease will be established or denied experimentally. 5. The complex
relationships between host factors--such as hormone levels and the
presence of inflammation--and metabolism-mediated toxicity will
become clearer. 6. As new research results continue to illuminate the
complexities of the interactions of xenobiotics with respiratory
tract tissue, clues as to how best to administer drugs via the
respiratory tract and understanding of changes in disease patterns--
such as the recent shift in sites for lung cancer--will follow.
Institutional address:
Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute
Albuquerque
New Mexico 87185.
*****BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY*****
Juorio AV Yu PH
Effects of benzene and other organic solvents on the decarboxylation
of some brain aromatic-L-amino acids.
In: Biochem Pharmacol (1985 May 1) 34(9):1381-7
The intraperitoneal administration of benzene produced marked
increases in mouse striatal concentrations of beta-phenylethylamine,
p-tyramine and, to a lesser extent, m-tyramine. Similar increases
were observed in rat striatal p- and m-tyramine. The subcutaneous
administration of benzene dissolved in sesame oil increased mouse
striatal p-tyramine but did not change m-tyramine. Benzene
administration to mice pretreated with p-tyrosine produced marked
increases in mouse striatal p-tyramine as well as in m-tyramine. The
statistical analysis of the results indicated that the treatment
produced an interaction that led to an increase in the concentration
of both the p- and m-isomers of tyramine. The administration of
benzene to m-tyrosine-pretreated mice increased striatal m-tyramine
but p-tyramine was not increased. The treatment produced no
potentiation in the formation of p- or m-tyramine. Of the other
organic solvents given, pyridine produced the most marked effects.
Its administration increased the concentration of both p- and m-
tyramine in the mouse striatum. Treatment with toluene, chloroform,
carbon tetrachloride or isoamylalcohol produced moderate increases in
mouse striatal p-tyramine while toluene, dichloromethane or
isobutylalcohol also increased m-tyramine. These increases in brain
beta-phenylethylamine, p-tyramine and m-tyramine may play a
contributory role in the human toxicity of benzene and some of these
organic solvents; these toxic effects could be exacerbated after
ingestion of foodstuffs containing the aminoacids phenylalanine or p-
tyrosine or for those under treatment with a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor.
Institutional address:
Psychiatric Research Division
Saskatchewan Health
Saskatoon
Canada.
*****CARCINOGENESIS*****
Moser GJ Smart RC
Hepatic tumor-promoting chlorinated hydrocarbons stimulate protein
kinase C activity.
In: Carcinogenesis (1989 May) 10(5):851-6
Various chlorinated hydrocarbons, many of which are known hepatic
tumor promoters, have been evaluated for their ability to stimulate
protein kinase C (PKC) activity in vitro. Chlordane, kepone,
toxaphene, heptachlor, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethane,
the polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclor 1254, aldrin, 2,2-bis(4-
chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT) and gamma-
hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) were the most potent stimulators of
PKC activity. Of these compounds, chlordane was the most potent
organochlorine pesticide. Chlordane (100 microM) stimulated mouse
brain PKC activity in the 10(5) g supernatant to a maximum velocity
equal to that obtained when the enzyme was maximally stimulated with
the skin-tumor-promoting phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-
acetate (TPA). Chlordane concentrations as low as 1 microM
significantly stimulated PKC activity. Chlordane-stimulated PKC
activity was calcium-dependent, and in the presence of exogenous
calcium, chlordane-stimulated PKC activity was at least 5-fold
greater than in the absence of added calcium. In contrast, the
addition of calcium only minimally affected (less than 30% increase)
the TPA-stimulated PKC activity. Concentrations of TPA and chlordane
which maximally stimulate PKC did not produce an additive effect on
PKC activity. Chlordane- and TPA- stimulated PKC activity was
phospholipid-dependent and could be inhibited by quercetin, a known
inhibitor of PKC activity. Chlordane in the presence of calcium also
stimulated mouse epidermal and hepatic PKC as well as purified rat
brain PKC. These results demonstrate that a wide variety of
chlorinated hydrocarbons, which are considered hepatic tumor
promoters, stimulate protein kinase C activity in vitro.
Institutional address:
Toxicology Program
North Carolina State University
Raleigh 27695-7633.
*****CRITICAL REVIEWS IN TOXICOLOGY*****
Dahl AR Hadley WM
Nasal cavity enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism: effects on
the toxicity of inhalants.
In: Crit Rev Toxicol (1991) 21(5):345-72
A decade ago, the ability of nasal tissues to metabolize inhalants
was only dimly suspected. Since then, the metabolic capacities of
nasal cavity tissues has been extensively investigated in mammals,
including man. Aldehyde dehydrogenases, cytochrome P-450-dependent
monooxygenases, rhodanese, glutathione transferases, epoxide
hydrolases, flavin-containing monooxygenases, and carboxyl esterases
have all been reported to occur in substantial amounts in the nasal
cavity. The contributions of these enzyme activities to the induction
of toxic effects from inhalants such as benzo-a-pyrene,
acetaminophen, formaldehyde, cocaine, dimethylnitrosamine, ferrocene,
and 3-trifluoromethylpyridine have been the subject of dozens of
reports. In addition, the influence of these enzyme activities on
olfaction and their contribution to vapor uptake is beginning to
receive attention from the research community. Research in the next
decade promises to provide answers to the many still unanswered
questions posed by the presence of the substantial xenobiotic
metabolizing capacity of the nasal cavity.
Institutional address:
Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute
Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute
Albuquerque
NM.
*****KOKYU TO JUNKAN. RESPIRATION AND CIRCULATION*****
Inoue M Homma Y Kawakami Y
[Inorganic inhalants as one of the etiologic agents in idiopathic
interstitial pneumonia]
In: Kokyu To Junkan (1985 Dec) 33(12):1423-33 (Published in Japanese)
[No Abstract Available]
*****MUTATION RESEARCH*****
Groschel-Stewart U Mayer VW Taylor-Mayer RE Zimmermann FK
Aprotic polar solvents inducing chromosomal malsegregation in yeast
interfere with the assembly of porcine brain tubulin in vitro.
In: Mutat Res (1985 May) 149(3):333-8
A number of aprotic solvents which had previously been found to
induce mitotic aneuploidy in yeast were tested for their effects on
re-assembly of twice recycled tubulin from pig brain. Some of the
solvents which were strong aneuploidy-inducing mutagens in yeast
slowed down tubulin assembly in vitro at concentrations lower than
those required for aneuploidy induction. Ethyl acetate, methyl
acetate, diethyl ketone and acetonitrile fell into this category.
Other strong aneuploidy-inducing agents like acetone and 2-
methoxyethyl acetate accelerated tubulin assembly. Non-genetically
active methyl isopropyl ketone and isopropyl acetate both accelerated
assembly, whereas methyl n-propyl ketone and n-propyl acetate were
weak inducers of aneuploidy and slowed down the rate and extent of
assembly. Those chemicals which slowed down the assembly rate also
reduced the extent of assembly. Most chemicals which accelerated
assembly also led to an increased extent of assembly, with the
exception of isopropyl acetate. At the higher concentrations,
however, a maximum assembly rate was reached which was followed by a
slow decline. Although a perfect correlation between effects on the
induction of chromosomal malsegregation and the interference with
tubulin assembly in vitro was not seen, the experiments with tubulin
were carried out using this class of chemicals because some of them
strongly induced mitotic aneuploidy under conditions which suggested
tubulin to be the prime target. The lack of a perfect coincidence
might be due to species differences between the porcine brain and the
yeast spindle tubulin, or the test for aneuploidy induction may have
been negative because the concentrations required for an effect on
yeast tubulin may be greater than the general lethal toxicity limit.
Bearing this reservation in mind, the results suggest that the yeast
aneuploidy test has a considerable predictive value for mammalian
mutagenicity.
Institutional address:
Institute for Zoology
Technische Hochschule Darmstadt
Federal Republic of Germany.
*****NIDA RESEARCH MONOGRAPH*****
Newell GR Spitz MR Wilson MB
Nitrite inhalants: historical perspective.
In: NIDA Res Monogr (1988) 83:1-14
There are important reasons for considering nitrite inhalation as a
factor in the development of AIDS-related KS in young male
homosexuals. These are (1) the pharmacologic properties of amyl,
butyl, and isobutyl nitrites, which are toxic; (2) the mutagenic,
teratogenic, and carcinogenic products resulting from metabolism of N-
nitroso compounds; (3) the potent carcinogenicity of N-nitroso
compounds in 39 different animal species; and (4) the deleterious
effects of volatile nitrites on human lymphocytes both in vitro and
in vivo. Specifically related to this epidemic, there are additional
reasons for pursuing the connection between nitrite inhalation and
development of KS. These include: (1) the timing of the production
and sales of volatile nitrites for use as recreational drugs and the
subsequent outbreak of the AIDS epidemic (7 to 10 years); (2) the
extensive use of nitrites among male homosexuals; (3) the virtual
universal history of nitrite use by young male homosexuals in whom KS
has developed during the past 3 years; and (4) the age group in which
KS is developing is consistent with a cohort initially exposed 7 to
10 years ago.
Institutional address:
Department of Cancer Prevention and Control
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Hospital
Houston 77030.
*****NORDISK MEDICIN*****
Hansen L
[Organic solvents--an increasing problem in the occupational
environment]
Organiske oplosningsmidler--et voksende arbejdsmiljoproblem.
In: Nord Med (1982 Dec) 97(12):299-301 (Published in Danish)
[No Abstract Available]
Institutional address:
Frederiksberg hospital
DK
Kbenhavn.
*****TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LAEGEFORENING*****
Loberg T Lberg T
[Clinical neuropsychological investigation and personality assessment
in alcohol abuse]
Klinisk neuropsykologisk undersokelse og personlighetsvurdering ved
alkoholmisbruk.
In: Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen (1990 Feb 28) 110(6):721-4
(Published in Norwegian)
In Norway, clinical neuropsychology is approved as an exclusive
speciality in psychology. Clinical neuropsychological assessment is a
well-proven method for which thorough validation studies and
international norms are available. The method has a clear application
in the assessment of dysfunctions and resources of alcohol-dependent
inpatients. Cross-national comparisons show that neuropsychological
findings are fairly consistent for alcohol-abusing individuals. A
neuropsychological frame of reference is essential for secondary
prevention among important groups. Some areas of central interest
include alcohol and drug abuse among the elderly, occupational
exposure to solvents, impulsiveness and violence, residual Attention
Deficit Disorders, HIV/AIDS conditions, and other neuropsychiatric
conditions.
Institutional address:
Hjellestad-Klinikken.
*****TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY*****
Juchau MR DiGiovanni J Namkung MJ Jones AH
A COMPARISON OF THE CAPACITY OF FETAL AND ADULT LIVER, LUNG, AND
BRAIN TO CONVERT POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS TO MUTAGENIC AND
CYTOTOXIC METABOLITES IN MICE AND RATS
In: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol (1979) 49(1):171-178
Preparations of S-9 fractions from the fetal brains of rats displayed
a high capacity to convert 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene to
metabolites mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA-98,
TA-100, and TA-1538. The same tissue was only minimally active or
inactive in converting benzo(a)pyrene or N-2-fluorenylacetamide to
mutagenic metabolites. Fetal brain tissues of mice were virtually
inactive with respect to the bioactivation of each of the three
procarcinogens but fetal pulmonary tissues of mice produced mutagen-
generating activities that were five- to nine-fold above background
with respect to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. Fetal hepatic and
brain tissues of mice also catalyzed the conversion of each of the
three promutagens to cytotoxic intermediates, but this phenomenon was
not observed with fetal hepatic or brain tissues of rats. Analyses
with high-pressure liquid chromatography demonstrated that brain
tissues of fetal mice were very active in converting 7,12-
dimethylbenz(a)anthracene to oxygenated metabolites, whereas the
fetal brain tissues of rats were only minimally active. The
chromatographic patterns observed also indicated that different
metabolites were formed in the presence of S-9 fractions from rats
vs. mice. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the
previously observed species difference in susceptibility to
transplacental tumorigenesis by polycyclic hydrocarbons is related to
differences in target organ biotransformation of these compounds. (21
Refs)
Institutional address:
Dept. Pharmacology
Univ. Washington
Sch. Medicine
Seattle
WA
98195
*****TOXICOLOGY LETTERS*****
Ikeda M
Public health problems of organic solvents.
In: Toxicol Lett (1992 Dec) 64-65 Spec No:191-201
Selected topics of public health importance in toxicology of organic
solvents are reviewed. Organic solvents are commonly used as mixtures
rather than individual solvents, except for the case of degreasers.
Nevertheless, toxicity of mixtures remain mostly to be studied. Among
the solvents in general, toluene is apparently the most popular.
Narcotic effects are common with all solvents (independent of
chemical structure) at high concentrations, and result in an
increased incidence of various CNS-related subjective symptoms at
concentrations in excess of current occupational exposure limits.
Chronic toxicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenicity seems to be
related to a given chemical structure. Among the recently reported
effects are blindness of "sniffers" by methanol inhalation and
teratogenicity of ethylene glycol derivatives in experimental
animals. In environmental health, pollution of ground water as well
as the general atmosphere by chlorinated hydrocarbons has provoked
serious public concern. In addition, emission of certain chemicals
including chlorofluorocarbons is recognized to deplete ozone in
stratosphere, which may result in human health effects.
Institutional address:
Department of Public Health
Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine
Japan.
Haverkos HW Dougherty JA
HEALTH HAZARDS OF NITRITE INHALANTS
In: Available from National Technical Information Service, Springfield,
VA as NTIS/PB89-125496, 126 p., 1989.
Contents: Nitrite inhalants: historical perspective; Fate and
toxicity of butyl nitrites; Acute toxicity of nitrite inhalants;
Indications from animal and chemical experiments of a carcinogenic
role for isobutyl nitrite; Toxicity of inhaled isobutyl nitrite in
BALB/c mice: systemic and immunotoxic studies; Altered T-cell
helper/suppressor ratio in mice chronically exposed to amyl nitrite;
Effects of nitrites on the immune system of humans; Deliberate
inhalation of isobutyl nitrite during adolescence: a descriptive
study; Nitrite inhalants: contemporary patterns of abuse; and
Epidemiologic studies-Kaposi's sarcoma vs opportunistic infections
among homosexual men with AIDS.
Institutional address:
National Inst. on Drug Abuse
Rockville
MD
Horn KH
[LIMITS AND POSSIBILITIES OF ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS WITH CARCINOGENIC
INHALANTS]
In: Akad Wiss (1978)(2):52-62 (Published in German)
Animal inhalation studies with chemical carcinogens or cocarcinogens
are reviewed and their relevance to cancer induction in humans is
discussed. Current inhalation techniques are not completely reliable
due to the short life span of the test animals (eg, rats and Syrian
golden hamsters) and the long observation periods needed to
approximate human exposures. With the development of more
sophisticated inhalation equipment, more positive results may be
obtained with definite carcinogens. Another difficulty with the
inhalation method is the evaluation of a positive result; ie, whether
a substance such as ferric trioxide is carcinogenic, cocarcinogenic,
or causes cytopathological conditions that promote development.
Intratracheal intubation and implantation techniques are more
accurate in the production of respiratory tract tumors, and they are
useful in screening possible carcinogenic inhalants. The system
application method is adequate only when testing a known carcinogen
whose activity (po or sc) is organ-specific in the test species.
However, this technique is useful in that the exact dose can be
applied and the synergistic and/or cocarcinogenic properties of the
test substance can be ascertained. To relate respiratory tract
carcinogenesis in man to animal experiments will require the
perfection of application techniques and the identification of more
suitable animal models. (61 Refs)
Institutional address:
No affiliation given
Lange WR Haertzen CA Hickey JE Snyder FR Dax EM Jaffe JH
Nitrite inhalants: patterns of abuse in Baltimore and Washington,
D.C.
In: Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse (1988) 14(1):29-39
Nitrite inhalants, as drugs of abuse, have received a new prominence
in the literature since their use has been associated with Kaposi's
Sarcoma and possibly other manifestations of acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Changes in patterns and prevalence
of use have not been investigated since the onset of the AIDS
epidemic. We have examined the abuse patterns of nitrite inhalants
(poppers) in several different groups. The use of poppers among drug
abusers in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has
remained constant over the past 5 years, with the prevalence of use
being approximately 11% for recreational drug users and 22% for heavy
abusers. Self-reported use by a homosexual group had decreased over
the same time period. Sixty-nine percent of the homosexual sample had
experience with nitrities, but only 21% had used them in the 6 months
prior to being surveyed. The mean interval since last use was 25
months, and since peak use, 4.1 years. Among substance abusers,
nitrites appear to be a drug whose use starts late, with the mean age
of first use being 25.6 years compared to 14.6 years for glue, 17.6
years for marijuana, and 18.5 years for heroin. We found both
heterosexual and homosexual groups utilize nitrites primarily to "get
high," but homosexuals more often use them during overt sexual
activity. Experience with amyl nitrite was much more prevalent than
that with the butyl derivative in both populations. We conclude that
the prevalence of nitrite abuse among drug users has not changed as a
result of the AIDS epidemic, but such use appears to have decreased
within the homosexual community.
Institutional address:
Addiction Research Center
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Baltimore
Maryland 21224.
Dahl AR Lewis JL
Respiratory tract uptake of inhalants and metabolism of xenobiotics.
In: Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol (1993) 33:383-407
The combined impact of new research regarding the dosimetry of
inhalants, discussed in early paragraphs of this review, and the
rapidly developing knowledge regarding the location and substrate
specificities of the enzymes responsible for xenobiotic metabolism
should soon lead to new insights into the causes and prevention of
cancer and other diseases of the respiratory tract and may provide
insight into the design of drugs used in the treatment of respiratory
tract disease. Among the developments to be expected within the next
decade are the following: 1. The issue of extrapulmonary versus
intrapulmonary activation of lung prodrugs and protoxicants will be
resolved by validation of the different dosimetries predicted for
highly lipophilic inhalants compared to less lipophilic ones. 2. The
possibly complex roles of P450 isozymes 1A1 and 2D6 and other forms
in the causation of human lung cancer will undoubtedly be better
understood in the next few years. 3. Interspecies comparisons of
respiratory tract enzyme activities--both activating and detoxicating-
-will lead to improved use of laboratory animals as models for
expected toxicological and pharmacological effects in humans. 4. The
potential role of nasal uptake and metabolism in causing brain
disease will be established or denied experimentally. 5. The complex
relationships between host factors--such as hormone levels and the
presence of inflammation--and metabolism-mediated toxicity will
become clearer. 6. As new research results continue to illuminate the
complexities of the interactions of xenobiotics with respiratory
tract tissue, clues as to how best to administer drugs via the
respiratory tract and understanding of changes in disease patterns--
such as the recent shift in sites for lung cancer--will follow.
Institutional address:
Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute
Albuquerque
New Mexico 87185.
Dahl AR Hadley WM
Nasal cavity enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism: effects on
the toxicity of inhalants.
In: Crit Rev Toxicol (1991) 21(5):345-72
A decade ago, the ability of nasal tissues to metabolize inhalants
was only dimly suspected. Since then, the metabolic capacities of
nasal cavity tissues has been extensively investigated in mammals,
including man. Aldehyde dehydrogenases, cytochrome P-450-dependent
monooxygenases, rhodanese, glutathione transferases, epoxide
hydrolases, flavin-containing monooxygenases, and carboxyl esterases
have all been reported to occur in substantial amounts in the nasal
cavity. The contributions of these enzyme activities to the induction
of toxic effects from inhalants such as benzo-a-pyrene,
acetaminophen, formaldehyde, cocaine, dimethylnitrosamine, ferrocene,
and 3-trifluoromethylpyridine have been the subject of dozens of
reports. In addition, the influence of these enzyme activities on
olfaction and their contribution to vapor uptake is beginning to
receive attention from the research community. Research in the next
decade promises to provide answers to the many still unanswered
questions posed by the presence of the substantial xenobiotic
metabolizing capacity of the nasal cavity.
Institutional address:
Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute
Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute
Albuquerque
NM.
Inoue M Homma Y Kawakami Y
[Inorganic inhalants as one of the etiologic agents in idiopathic
interstitial pneumonia]
In: Kokyu To Junkan (1985 Dec) 33(12):1423-33 (Published in Japanese)
[No Abstract Available]
Newell GR Spitz MR Wilson MB
Nitrite inhalants: historical perspective.
In: NIDA Res Monogr (1988) 83:1-14
There are important reasons for considering nitrite inhalation as a
factor in the development of AIDS-related KS in young male
homosexuals. These are (1) the pharmacologic properties of amyl,
butyl, and isobutyl nitrites, which are toxic; (2) the mutagenic,
teratogenic, and carcinogenic products resulting from metabolism of N-
nitroso compounds; (3) the potent carcinogenicity of N-nitroso
compounds in 39 different animal species; and (4) the deleterious
effects of volatile nitrites on human lymphocytes both in vitro and
in vivo. Specifically related to this epidemic, there are additional
reasons for pursuing the connection between nitrite inhalation and
development of KS. These include: (1) the timing of the production
and sales of volatile nitrites for use as recreational drugs and the
subsequent outbreak of the AIDS epidemic (7 to 10 years); (2) the
extensive use of nitrites among male homosexuals; (3) the virtual
universal history of nitrite use by young male homosexuals in whom KS
has developed during the past 3 years; and (4) the age group in which
KS is developing is consistent with a cohort initially exposed 7 to
10 years ago.
Institutional address:
Department of Cancer Prevention and Control
University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Hospital
Houston 77030.
Haverkos HW Dougherty JA
HEALTH HAZARDS OF NITRITE INHALANTS
In: Available from National Technical Information Service, Springfield,
VA as NTIS/PB89-125496, 126 p., 1989.
Contents: Nitrite inhalants: historical perspective; Fate and
toxicity of butyl nitrites; Acute toxicity of nitrite inhalants;
Indications from animal and chemical experiments of a carcinogenic
role for isobutyl nitrite; Toxicity of inhaled isobutyl nitrite in
BALB/c mice: systemic and immunotoxic studies; Altered T-cell
helper/suppressor ratio in mice chronically exposed to amyl nitrite;
Effects of nitrites on the immune system of humans; Deliberate
inhalation of isobutyl nitrite during adolescence: a descriptive
study; Nitrite inhalants: contemporary patterns of abuse; and
Epidemiologic studies-Kaposi's sarcoma vs opportunistic infections
among homosexual men with AIDS.
Institutional address:
National Inst. on Drug Abuse
Rockville
MD
Title: Dangerous inhalants are increasingly popular among adolescents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subjects: Teenagers_Drug use
Solvent abuse_Research
Gasoline, felt-tipped pens, deodorants and nail-polish remover are gaining
popularity among young people -- as drugs. Inhaling, sniffing or, as it's
called on the street, "huffing" chemical substances is an easy, cheap and
legal way to get a quick high. But many treatment professionals don't seem to
know it. "This is one of those phenomena where people on the street are often
more knowledgeable than so-called experts in public health and drug
treatment," says Dwight B. Health, Ph.D., a professor of anthropology at Brown
University.
Fully 29 percent of street youth said they sniffed, according to a recent
study by the Addiction Research Foundation. Thirty-nine percent cited
inhalants as "major problems," second only to crack. Inhalants give users an
initial euphoria that may include light-headedness, exhilaration and sometimes
hallucinations. Some users experience a sense of empowerment, which can result
in dangerous behavior. The first inhalation often wears off in just a few
minutes, but most users breathe deeply and repeatedly for longer periods and
often concentrate the material in a plastic bag or other container.
Sniffing inhalants
While under the influence, the user may experience drooling, sneezing, nausea,
coughing, hypersensitivity and progressive lack of coordination. The chemicals
in inhalants can block the nasal passages and coat the lungs. Long-term
effects include weight loss; frequent nosebleeds; sores in the nose, mouth and
throat; and damage to the liver, kidney and bone marrow. Depression is common
among users, but whether it is a symptom of the inhalant or a condition that
precedes drug use is not certain, Heath says.
Irritability, paranoia and hostility are other emotional hazards of sniffing
Citation: The Addiction Letter, August 1993 v9 n8 p1(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Dangerous inhalants are increasingly popular among adolescents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subjects: Teenagers_Drug use
Solvent abuse_Research
Gasoline, felt-tipped pens, deodorants and nail-polish remover are gaining
popularity among young people -- as drugs. Inhaling, sniffing or, as it's
called on the street, "huffing" chemical substances is an easy, cheap and
legal way to get a quick high. But many treatment professionals don't seem to
know it. "This is one of those phenomena where people on the street are often
more knowledgeable than so-called experts in public health and drug
treatment," says Dwight B. Health, Ph.D., a professor of anthropology at Brown
University.
Fully 29 percent of street youth said they sniffed, according to a recent
study by the Addiction Research Foundation. Thirty-nine percent cited
inhalants as "major problems," second only to crack. Inhalants give users an
initial euphoria that may include light-headedness, exhilaration and sometimes
hallucinations. Some users experience a sense of empowerment, which can result
in dangerous behavior. The first inhalation often wears off in just a few
minutes, but most users breathe deeply and repeatedly for longer periods and
often concentrate the material in a plastic bag or other container.
Sniffing inhalants
While under the influence, the user may experience drooling, sneezing, nausea,
coughing, hypersensitivity and progressive lack of coordination. The chemicals
in inhalants can block the nasal passages and coat the lungs. Long-term
effects include weight loss; frequent nosebleeds; sores in the nose, mouth and
throat; and damage to the liver, kidney and bone marrow. Depression is common
among users, but whether it is a symptom of the inhalant or a condition that
precedes drug use is not certain, Heath says.
Irritability, paranoia and hostility are other emotional hazards of sniffing
solvents. Mental confusion and fatigue can forebode tremors and brain damage
in heavy users. And repeated breathing can result in seizures, unconsciousness
and death from heart failure, suffocation or accidents. Deep sniffing can kill
even first-time users, says Heath, adding that sniffing is a favored way of
committing suicide among young people in some communities.
As with a lot of other drugs, regular use raises tolerance, and greater
amounts are needed to achieve the same effects. Young people rarely become
physically addicted to inhalants, with full-blown withdrawal symptoms if they
stop inhaling; but psychological dependence, or craving, is common, says
Heath.
"The dangers are real and serious," he says. What worries him most is the lack
of attention the danger of inhaling solvents gets. "Although this is a drug
threat that is imminent, it has hardly been publicized, even during this time
of governmental overreaction to alcohol and other regulated substances," he
says. "Part of the reason is that the threat comes from unregulated
substances, highlighting the fallacy of our long-misguided emphasis on
attempting to curtail supply rather than addressing demand. The irony is that,
unlike so-called controlled, or hard, drugs, many [inhalants] are toxic in
dosages that are commonplace, with fatal outcomes not uncommon."
While the use of inhalants is a one-time experiment for many young people,
others fall into habitual use. These regular users tend to be poor, do badly
in school, and come from unstable families. Until recently, it was a problem
known only to a few public health officials for its prevalence among Inuit,
Native American, Australian Aborigine and homeless Central and South American
children.
"In much the same way that AIDS was long ignored because it appeared to be
blacks and homosexuals who were most involved, sniffing may long have been
ignored as a curious affliction among populations who themselves have tended
to be ignored," Heath says. "But now we know that sniffing is not restricted
to marginal populations."
Researchers are beginning to pay attention to the problem of solvent-inhaling,
and they are finding that more and younger children are involved than they
imagined, Heath says. The peak years -- eighth to 10th grades -- were first
included in a survey of U.S. drug use in 1991, by which time the number of
high school seniors who had experimented with inhalants had increased to 18
percent, from 12 percent a decade earlier, according to the University of
Michigan's Institute for Social Research.
"In anthropological terms, it is interesting to see this as an instance where,
contrary to the usual finding, a pattern of behavior that characterized
populations that were marginal in many senses -- geographically remote, poor,
with cultures that are often depreciated -- diffused upward or inward from the
periphery to the center, from folk to urban culture, and from various
frontiers to the metropoles," Heath says. "In terms of public health and
social welfare, it is important to be alerted to a set of risks that few
practitioners had thought about before."
Heath says there's no data to support the World Health Organization's
assertion that solvents are a stepping stone to other kinds of drug use. "As
is so often the case, they are addressing an issue that has big importance to
a few people, but they're coming at it from an inappropriately ethnocentric
pre-judging perspective," he says. "We need not concern ourselves with
imagined consequences when the real and immediate risks of abusive inhaling by
vulnerable young people are considered."
Citation: The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter, August
1993 v9 n8 p1(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Dangerous inhalants are increasingly popular among adolescents.
(includes related article on symptoms)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subjects: Aerosol sniffing_Physiological aspects
Teenagers_Drug use
Solvent abuse_Demographic aspects
Gasoline, felt-tipped pens, deodorants and nail-polish remover are gaining
popularity among young people -- as drugs. Inhaling, sniffing or "huffing" (as
it's called on the street), chemical substances is an easy, cheap and legal
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way to get a quick high. But not all treatment professionals seem to know it.
"This is one of those phenomena where people on the street are often more
knowledgeable than so-called experts in public health and drug treatment,"
says Dwight B. Heath, Ph.D., a professor of anthropology at Brown University.
Fully 29 percent of street youth said they sniffed, according to a recent
study by the Addiction Research Foundation. Thirty-nine percent cited
inhalants as "major problems," second only to crack.
Quick high
Inhalants give users an initial euphoria that may include light-headedness,
exhilaration and sometimes hallucinations. Some users experience a sense of
empowerment, which can result in dangerous behavior.
The first inhalation often wears off in just a few minutes, but most users
breathe deeply and repeatedly for longer periods and often concentrate the
material in a plastic bag or other container.
While under the influence, the user may experience drooling, sneezing, nausea,
coughing, hypersensitivity and progressive lack of coordination. The chemicals
in inhalants can block the nasal passages and coat the lungs. Long-term
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effects include weight loss; frequent nosebleeds; sores in the nose, mouth and
throat; and damage to the liver, kidney and bone marrow. Depression is common
among users, but whether it is a symptom of the inhalant or a condition that
precedes drug use is not certain, Heath says.
Irritability, paranoia and hostility are other emotional hazards of sniffing
solvents. Mental confusion and fatigue can foretell tremors and brain damage
in heavy users. And repeated inhaling of these substances can result in
seizures, unconsciousness and death from heart failure, suffocation or
accidents. Deep sniffing can kill even first-time users, says Heath, adding
that it is a favored way of committing suicide among young people in some
communities.
As with a lot of other drugs, regular use raises the user's tolerance, and
greater amounts are needed to achieve the same effect. Young people rarely
become physically addicted to inhalants, with full-blown withdrawal symptoms
if they stop inhaling; but psychological dependence, or craving, is common,
according to Heath.
"The dangers are real and serious," he says. What worries him most is the lack
of attention the danger of inhaling solvents gets. "Although this is a drug
threat that is imminent, it has hardly been publicized, even during this time
of governmental overreaction to alcohol and other regulated substances," he
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Citation: The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behavior Letter, August
1993 v9 n8 p1(3)
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Title: Dangerous inhalants are increasingly popular among adolescents.
(includes related article on symptoms)
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Subjects: Aerosol sniffing_Physiological aspects
Teenagers_Drug use
Solvent abuse_Demographic aspects
Gasoline, felt-tipped pens, deodorants and nail-polish remover are gaining
popularity among young people -- as drugs. Inhaling, sniffing or "huffing" (as
it's called on the street), chemical substances is an easy, cheap and legal
way to get a quick high. But not all treatment professionals seem to know it.
"This is one of those phenomena where people on the street are often more
knowledgeable than so-called experts in public health and drug treatment,"
says Dwight B. Heath, Ph.D., a professor of anthropology at Brown University.
Fully 29 percent of street youth said they sniffed, according to a recent
study by the Addiction Research Foundation. Thirty-nine percent cited
inhalants as "major problems," second only to crack.
Quick high
Inhalants give users an initial euphoria that may include light-headedness,
exhilaration and sometimes hallucinations. Some users experience a sense of
empowerment, which can result in dangerous behavior.
The first inhalation often wears off in just a few minutes, but most users
breathe deeply and repeatedly for longer periods and often concentrate the
material in a plastic bag or other container.
While under the influence, the user may experience drooling, sneezing, nausea,
coughing, hypersensitivity and progressive lack of coordination. The chemicals
in inhalants can block the nasal passages and coat the lungs. Long-term
effects include weight loss; frequent nosebleeds; sores in the nose, mouth and
throat; and damage to the liver, kidney and bone marrow. Depression is common
among users, but whether it is a symptom of the inhalant or a condition that
precedes drug use is not certain, Heath says.
Irritability, paranoia and hostility are other emotional hazards of sniffing
solvents. Mental confusion and fatigue can foretell tremors and brain damage
in heavy users. And repeated inhaling of these substances can result in
seizures, unconsciousness and death from heart failure, suffocation or
accidents. Deep sniffing can kill even first-time users, says Heath, adding
that it is a favored way of committing suicide among young people in some
communities.
As with a lot of other drugs, regular use raises the user's tolerance, and
greater amounts are needed to achieve the same effect. Young people rarely
become physically addicted to inhalants, with full-blown withdrawal symptoms
if they stop inhaling; but psychological dependence, or craving, is common,
according to Heath.
"The dangers are real and serious," he says. What worries him most is the lack
of attention the danger of inhaling solvents gets. "Although this is a drug
threat that is imminent, it has hardly been publicized, even during this time
of governmental overreaction to alcohol and other regulated substances," he
says. "Part of the reason is that the threat comes from unregulated
substances, highlighting the fallacy of our long-misguided emphasis on
attempting to curtail supply rather than addressing demand. The irony is that,
unlike so-called controlled, or hard, drugs, many [inhalants] are toxic in
dosages that are commonplace, with fatal outcomes not uncommon."
Not just their problem
While the use of inhalants is a one-time experiment for many young people,
others fall into habitual use. These regular users tend to be poor, do badly
in school, and come from unstable families. Until recently, it was a problem
known only to a few anthropologists and public health officials for its
prevalence among Inuit, Native Americans, Australian Aborigines and homeless
Central and South American children.
"In much the same way that AIDS was long ignored because it appeared to be
blacks and homosexuals who were most involved, sniffing may long have been
ignored as a curious affliction among populations who themselves have tended
to be ignored," Heath says. "But now we know that sniffing is not restricted
to marginal populations."
Researchers are beginning to pay attention to the problem, and they are
finding that more and younger children are involved than they imagined, Heath
says. The peak years -- eighth to 10th grades -- were first included in a
survey of U.S. drug use in 1991, by which time the number of high school
seniors who had experimented with inhalants had increased to 18 percent, from
12 percent a decade earlier, according to the University of Michigan's
Institute for Social Research.
"In anthropological terms, it is interesting to see this as an instance where,
contrary to the usual finding, a pattern of behavior that characterized
populations that were marginal in many senses -- geographically remote, poor,
with cultures that are often depreciated -- diffused upward or inward from the
periphery to the center, from folk to urban culture, and from various
frontiers to the metropoles," Heath says. "In terms of public health and
social welfare, it is important to be alerted to a set of risks that few
practitioners had thought about before."
Heath says there are no data to support the World Health Organization's
assertion that solvents are a stepping stone to other kinds of drug use. "As
is so often the case, they are addressing an issue that has big importance to
a few people, but they're coming at it from an inappropriately ethnocentric
pre-judging perspective," he says. "We need not concern ourselves with
imagined consequences when the real and immediate risks of abusive inhaling by
vulnerable young people are considered."
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