Overexposure to solvents can cause headaches, nausea,
dizziness, or a drunken or "high" feeling. These symptoms
generally disappear readily within hours, or less, of the
cessation of exposure. Examples of solvents often encountered
in the household include toluene, benzene, xylene, acetone,
and trichloroethylene (in glues and adhesives); methylene
chloride (in paint strippers); butane (in lighter fluid);
fluorocarbons (in aerosols); trichloroethane (in liquids "white
out" agents); and petroleum distillates (in gasoline).
The use of large enough quantities of any these products in
areas of inadequate ventilation could result in inadvertent
exposure sufficient to cause symptoms. Solvent poisoning can
also occur in the setting of solvent abuse; this entails the
intentional inhalation of solvents to achieve and altered state of
consciousness and perception. Solvent abuse is most common
among adolescent boys ages 13-15 years, and may be
associated with alcohol abuse in later years.