The main focus of this study is to present some historical information on inhalant use as well as to review certain findings from the last three decades concerning the "sniffing" of volatile hydrocarbons. Additionally, in order to examine some suggested hypotheses which have emerged from prior inhalant studies, an analysis of 248 inhalant users who were treated in the emergency room of Jackson Memorial Hospital for reactions to the use of volatile hydrocarbons during a five-year period is presented. These "sniffers" appear to include individuals older than those previously studied and members of a large minority group, to be predominantly Caucasian, and to use primarily a locally manufactured transmission fluid "sealer" known as Transmission-Go.