Inhalant use is the intentional breathing (through the mouth or nose) of gas or vapors for an immediate high. The speed and force at which these fumes are taken into the body can be not only dangerous, but also deadly. Inhalants starve the blood of oxygen and can throw the users heart off rhythm (with first use or 100^th use), resulting in “sudden sniffing death syndrome.” Other inhalant deaths have resulted from suffocation or users choking on their own vomit. The practice of huffing can also cause permanent damage to the brain, liver, lungs and kidneys, as well as the loss of hearing and smell.

Many common household products are a source for this dangerous activity. The other scary part is that the rate of use is highest among younger kids (preteens), because these products are cheap, legal and so common that kids need only open their home pantry or garage door for a quick and undetectable high.

The signs of use are difficult to detect as well. But parents can look out for: unusual breath odor, slurred speech, drunk or dazed appearance, paint stains or chemical smell on their child’s body or clothing, excessive vomiting and red or runny eyes and nose.

Though it’s nearly impossible to secure all potential inhalant products, here’s what you can do:

Reduce Availability: Know which products can be used as inhalants. Secure the more dangerous chemicals while monitoring the others.

Educate Your Child on the Dangers: Arm your child with knowledge by discussing the many risks associated with using inhalants.

Rule-Out Use: Be clear that inhalant use (just like alcohol and other drugs) is not permitted.

For more information visit: www.inhalants.org.

Sources: (1) CADCA: Get Ready for National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week, Feb. 2010. SAMHSA: Inhalant Use: Prevention in the Home. NIPC: Inhalants.