Cardiac arrhythmias and aerosol "sniffing"

Reinhardt, CF; Azar, A; Maxfield, ME; Smith, PE, Jr; Mullin, LS

HERO ID

2440

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1971

Language

English

PMID

5099701

HERO ID 2440
In Press No
Year 1971
Title Cardiac arrhythmias and aerosol "sniffing"
Authors Reinhardt, CF; Azar, A; Maxfield, ME; Smith, PE, Jr; Mullin, LS
Journal Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health
Volume 22
Issue 2
Page Numbers 265-279
Abstract Aerosol “sniffing,” a variant of glue “sniffing,” involves the deliberate inhalation of aerosol products and propellants. Approximately 65 deaths have been attributed to this practice. They have been predominantly sudden and generally lack conclusive autopsy findings. The cause of death has not been defined in most cases; however, various mechanisms have been postulated. The evidence suggests acute cardiac arrest as a frequent cause. It could result from the sudden onset of ventricular fibrillation due to sensitization of the heart to epinephrine by inhalation of high concentrations of aerosol contents. Experimental investigation revealed that the commonly used aerosol propellants, in high concentrations, are capable of sensitizing the heart to epinephrine resulting in serious cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is concluded that cardiac sensitization is a likely mechanism of death in many of the aerosol-sniffing fatalities.
Doi 10.1080/00039896.1971.10665840
Pmid 5099701
Wosid WOS:A1971I390800010
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English