Nail polish remover is an example of which inhalant type?

Nail polish remover is an example of which inhalant type?

• A. Solvent
• B. Aerosol
• C. Gas
• D. Nitrite

Answer: (A)

Inhalants are grouped by the chemical nature of the substance that’s inhaled. Nail polish remover is a solvent because its main ingredients are volatile liquids (like acetone) that dissolve other substances. When you breathe in the vapors, these solvents affect the central nervous system, producing effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness. This class—solvents—covers many common household products that release vapors you can inhale. It isn’t an aerosol, which involves a propellant to spray a dispersed mist; it isn’t a gas, since it starts as a liquid that becomes vapor; and it isn’t a nitrite, which is a different chemical family with distinct effects. So the best fit is solvent.

Inhalants are grouped by the chemical nature of the substance that’s inhaled. Nail polish remover is a solvent because its main ingredients are volatile liquids (like acetone) that dissolve other substances. When you breathe in the vapors, these solvents affect the central nervous system, producing effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness. This class—solvents—covers many common household products that release vapors you can inhale. It isn’t an aerosol, which involves a propellant to spray a dispersed mist; it isn’t a gas, since it starts as a liquid that becomes vapor; and it isn’t a nitrite, which is a different chemical family with distinct effects. So the best fit is solvent.