Pressurized canisters of propane and butane gas, both of which are intended for use as fuels, are abused as inhalants.įigure 7.1.
Inhaling (“sniffing”) these hydrocarbons in gasoline or aerosol propellants for their intoxicating effect is a major health problem that can lead to liver, kidney, or brain damage or to immediate death by asphyxiation by excluding oxygen. Alkanes of low molar mass-those with from 1 to approximately 10 or so carbon atoms-are gases or light liquids that act as anesthetics. These effects depend on the size of the hydrocarbon molecules and where on or in the body they are applied. Hydrocarbons are the simplest organic compounds, but they have interesting physiological effects.
