Inhalant Abuse: It's Deadly. Inhalant abuse can kill.
Inhalant Abuse Can Kill - Know the Facts
Aerosol dusters can be deadly if inhaled. Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalant or sniffing, bagging or huffing of common products found in homes and schools to obtain a "high."
Inhaling can cause sickness and death. Effects range from nausea, forgetfulness and inability to see clearly. Abusers may lose control of their body, including the use of arms and legs with effects lasting 15 to 45 minutes.
In addition, inhaling can severely damage many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Even worse, abusers can die suddenly -- without any warning. "Sudden Sniffing Death" can occur during or right after sniffing. The heart begins to overwork, beating rapidly but unevenly, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Even first-time abusers have been known to die.
Inhalant Abuse – Who is at Risk?
Tragically, hundreds of people have died and thousands have been injured from inhaling aerosol duster products. CPSC is considering a ban on products that contain more than 18 milligrams of either HFC-152a or HFC-134a, a colorless and odorless gas used as a propellant in aerosol sprays and dusters.
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that, unlike other illicit drug use, inhalant abuse is especially high among adolescents aged 12 to 17; starting as early as middle school.
Abused Products
Ordinary household products, which can be safely used for legitimate purposes, can be problematic in the hands of an inhalant abuser. The following categories of products are reportedly abused: glues/adhesives, nail polish remover, marking pens, paint thinner, spray paint, butane lighter fluid, gasoline, propane gas, typewriter correction fluid, household cleaners, cooking sprays, deodorants, fabric protectors, whipping cream aerosols, and air conditioning coolants.
Abuse Signs - What to look for
If someone is an inhalant abuser, some or all these symptoms may be evident:
- Unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing.
- Slurred or disoriented speech.
- Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance.
- Signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't normally be, such as on the face or fingers.
- Red or runny eyes or nose.
- Spots and/or sores around the mouth.
- Nausea and/or loss of appetite.
- Chronic inhalant abusers may exhibit such symptoms as anxiety, excitability, irritability, or restlessness.
- Sitting with a pen or marker near nose.
- Constantly smelling clothing sleeves.
- Showing paint or stain marks on the face, fingers, or clothing.
- Hiding rags, clothes, or empty containers of the potentially abused products in closets and other places.
Prevention
One of the most important steps you can take is to talk with your children or other youngsters about not experimenting even a first time with inhalants. In addition, talk with your children's teachers, guidance counselors, and coaches. By discussing this problem openly and stressing the devastating consequences of inhalant abuse, you can help prevent a tragedy.
Be alert for symptoms of inhalant abuse. If you suspect there's a problem, you should consider seeking professional help.
Contact a local drug rehabilitation center or other services available in your community, or:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.