Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Solvents
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Solvent Abuse [posted 1/8/99]
Question: I caught my 14 year old son sniffing gas. I researched it and showed him
what the effects could be. He promised he would never do it again. However, last night, we
caught him and a friend doing it again. How addictive is it? What do you suggest I do?
Answer: Socially – very. See a specialist-you have a problem.
Effects of Solvents on Health
[posted 7/17/98]
Question: Patient has had head trauma and works in a paint factory where there are
lots of solvents. What are the long term effects likely to be?
Answer: Solvents are thought to affect the lungs, usually not the nervous
system. When the nervous system is affected it is usually in the peripheral nerves, not
the brain. However, one would need to know the specific different solvents he/she is
exposed to prior to any meaningful help.
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