Can inhaling rubbing alcohol kill you?

Have you ever found yourself wondering if inhaling rubbing alcohol can kill you? Well, look no further because we’ve got the answers for you! From its main ingredients to its effects on the body, this article will explore everything that you need to know about rubbing alcohol and its potential fatality.

What Is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a type of denatured ethyl alcohol containing around 70% isopropyl or ethanol alcohol. It’s commonly used as an antiseptic or disinfectant for surfaces and skin. In some countries, it’s known as surgical spirits while in others it’s called “rubbing” or “massage” alcohols.

Fun fact: Although rubbing alcohols are made primarily from isopropyl or ethanol alcohols, there are different types of rubbing alcohols available worldwide. These include methylated spirit (Spiritus Armoris), which contains methanol mixed with additives like pyridine and methylethylketone; propan-2-ol-based solutions; chitosan -based versions; among many more.

Does Inhaling Rubbing Alcohol Kill You?

Inhaling any form of household chemicals such as paint thinners, gasoline, glue perfumes etc., present health risks including coughing fits and headaches but death due to inhalation of these substances remains uncommon unless taken in very high amounts frequently over a long time period [1].

If taken at too much quantity over time, specifically in uncontrolled environments without adequate ventilation (such as confined areas) breathing evenly can be difficult for the nose and throat passages causing lackadaisical behavior which leads to respiratory depression – whereby respiration slows down drastically finally resulting to unconsciousness [1].

How Do Inhalants Work?

When used correctly by applying topically using cotton balls or swabs, rubbing alcohol poses no serious harm to humans. It’s absorbed by the skin very quickly and enters your bloodstream through capillaries. However, inhaling rubbing alcohol fumes is another story.

Inhalation of any drug substance allows it access directly into the bloodstream via alveoli giving an immediate high [5]. When you breathe in rubbing alcohol, it goes straight from your lungs to your brain which causes euphoria for some people [2].

On a chemical level, inhalants act as central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs since they decrease certain functions such as breathing rate, consciousness level and heart rate among other things [3]. They can affect neurotransmitters like dopamine or endorphins just like opioids would do but much faster than injecting yourself after smoking them on foil paper.

What Are The Short-Term Effects Of Rubbing Alcohol Inhalation?

Apart from experiencing momentary excitement or hallucinations because of inhaling mass quantities of fuel; short-term effects also include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Lackadaisical behavior
  • Blurred vision
  • Reduced coordination

These symptoms are known risky not only to young individuals but also to adults who engage unknowingly in these behaviors exposing themselves unintentionally over long periods leading higher risks for addiction [5]

What Happens If You Inhale Too Much Rubbing Alcohol?

As mentioned earlier,a little bit of concentrated ethyl/isopropyl rubs applied topically pose no danger/risk essentially though moderate consumption may lead mild symptoms explained above but heavy intake constitutes “too much.”

The inhalation technique entails swift transportation amounts into the bloodstream without interruption since lung activity increases oxygen supply directing uptake so when medically important doses are exceeded respiratory depression ensues – and following a sequence if unabated – possible brain damage/ cortical tremors could arise thereafter.

Some of the signs that you may have inhaled too much rubbing alcohol and need to seek emergency medical attention include:

  • Chest pains
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Seizures

Can Rubbing Alcohol Kill You?

Although inhaling rubbing alcohol, like any other inhalant, carries risk of accidental injury or death if not properly handled over an extended time. This is especially true for young people who experiment with these substances.

Since rubbing alcohol inhalation slows breathing and heart rates quickly, brain damage or even death can follow when using larger amounts than necessary [2].

Treatment For Rubbing Alcohol Overdose

If you suspect someone has inhaled too much rubbing-alcohol-containing fumes, it’s essential they receive prompt medical care. Here are some tips on how someone might help them until professional assistance arrives:

  1. Ensure ventilation right where individual collapsed occurred.
  2. Look out for cognitive ability changes such as confusion levels/staring at nothing during interaction.
  3. Help the victim remain calm by encouraging short/ easy breaths through their nose while waiting for medics arrive
    4 Call a local doctor/quick reaction team

Remember! While intake within safety limits doesn’t expressly lead to committing fatal acts although routine usage could impact addiction levels – but bearing all ethical guides regarding drug use; consult your physician before trying any new form intoxicants [5].

Final thoughts: Inhaling rubbing alcohol fumes is potentially dangerous and poses serious health risks including respiratory depression which impairs oxygen flow , reduced consciousness level among others Since different types of rubbings alcohols exist worldwide do confirm applied variants have compliant composition recommended medicinal application with varying percentages present (to avoid saturation). If needed urgently check-in with trained personnel before taking action.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article should not be substituted for medical guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

References
1.Carlozzi et al.(2012). The danger of inhalant abuse. Psychiatrists and Social Workers, 32-36.

2.Campbell, C, &Teghtmeyer(2020)Alcohol in MythBusters: Crafty Myths—Is it possible to perfectly clean a surface with rubbing alcohol? J Pharm Pract. doi:10.1177/0897190020960603

3.Goodell(2015)Hazardous Inhalants.Mayo Clin Proc.In Press.

4.Waidelich et al(2009) Acute methamphetamine toxicity: fatal hyperthermia.J Emerg Med21:29–31

5.Smith,D (2018).Disaccredication’ ,Corruption and Conformity in the US HealthCare System : A unique perspective of an active participant. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

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