This pretty 21-year-old student has died after inhaling a deadly drug called chloroethane – which is increasingly popular with young people in Brazil – while at the beach with one of her friends.

Eduarda Ribeiro Ruiz inhaled the recreational drug, which she bought from a stranger, on a beach in the Brazilian city of Guaruja on the morning of 30th May, according to the police.

She shortly began to experience shortness of breath and called the emergency services who took her to a local emergency unit where she passed away.

She was with a friend at the time of the incident.

The police have registered the case as a suspicious death and have opened an investigation, according to the Department of Public Safety. The results of the post-mortem have not yet been disclosed.

Chloroethane is a popular but illegal drug typically taken during carnival. It is known locally as ‘lanca-perfume’ or ‘lolo’.

It is believed to be one of the most popular drugs among young people in the South American country today.

Carnival goers originally sprayed each other with the substance to provide a cold sensation and fragrant smell. However, people started to inhale it through the mouth or nose.

Its effects usually last for 15 to 45 minutes and because of its short duration, many people inhale numerous times and its use can become addictive.

Experts warn that its use can lead to behavioural changes such as loss of critical judgement, unconsciousness, and psychotic episodes.

Experts also say the drug can affect kidney, heart and brain function. In the long term, it can also affect psychomotor function.

Use of the substance can also impair respiratory capacity and continuous use can increase heart rate, which, in turn, can increase blood pressure leading to death.