Some modern starting fluid products contain mostly volatile hydrocarbons such as heptane (the main component of natural gasoline), with a small portion of diethyl ether, and carbon dioxide (as a propellant).
[4][5] Starting fluid is not recommended for regular use with some two-stroke engines because it does not possess lubricating qualities by itself.
Engines that haven't been run recently are especially vulnerable to damage from oil starvation; starting fluid, a strong solvent, tends to strip residual oil off of cranks and cylinder walls, further reducing lubrication during the period of fuel starvation.
[7][8] Sometimes referred to as "passing the shirt," the starting fluid is sprayed on a piece of cloth and held up to one's face for inhalation.
This trend has gradually picked up since the turn of the century, as phrases such as "etherized" and "ethervision" have gained popularity.