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What Are the Effects of White Ink Inhalation?

The inhalation of white ink, such as that found in correction fluids, is a form of recreational drug abuse that can have lethal effects. The solvents used in these products include carbon tetrachloride, naphthalene and mineral spirits, among others. The misuse of these solvents can cause irritation to the airways, damage to the liver and kidneys and, ultimately, death.

  1. Carbon Tetrachloride

    • The inhalation of white ink that has carbon tetrachloride, as a solvent, is toxic and can lead to brain and liver damage. A study published in the "Journal of Applied Toxicology" investigated the effects of this solvent at four different concentrations in rats. The researchers exposed the test animals to the solvent and then removed their livers and brains after 20 hours. The histological examinations revealed damage to both organs at all concentration levels.

    Naphtha

    • Naphtha, also called naphthalene, is a solvent used as a carrier molecule to disperse pigment in white ink and is a known recreational inhalant. An article in the January 2005 issue of "Acta Anaesthesiology Scandinavica" documented the effects caused by inhaling this solvent. Researchers found that naphthalene produced an initial euphoria and intoxication but noted that long-term abuse was associated with heart and lung impairment, in addition to kidney failure.

    Alcohols, Acetates and Ketones

    • Inhalation of common household markers is a method of recreational substance abuse. The solvents used in these innocuous writing utensils, including alcohol, acetate and ketones, can alter respiratory function. A report in the May 2003 issue of the "Journal of Environmental Health" investigated the effects of fumes produced by eight brands of felt-tip markers on mice. The study found that the intensities of the effects varied slightly from one brand to another, but all were irritants to the respiratory system and inhibited air flow. The authors concluded that solvents used in the markers also caused neurological disorders in the form of tremors and hyperactivity.

    Mineral Spirits

    • Mineral spirits are used as solvents in correction fluids, such as White Out and Liquid Paper. A clinical report in the July 1991 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" documented the case of a 42-year-old female, who developed severe dyspnea, or shortness of breath, from short-term inhalation of mineral spirits. The authors stated that on the way to the hospital, the patient experienced a heart attack and had to be resuscitated. The report concluded that limited inhalation of mineral spirits can produce lethal toxicity.

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