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Inhalant abuse is a significant issue as it is often a child's fist exposure to dangerous, mind-altering substance use. Abusing inhalants can kill and can cause brain, liver, and kidney damage or lead to the use of alcohol and other illegal drugs by children. In New Hampshire, just over one in ten youth report inhalant abuse, and we have established an aggressive, concerted effort to educate families, communities, and youth about the dangers of common household products and chemicals."
What is inhalant abuse?
It is the deliberate sniffing or huffing of common products found in homes
to obtain a "high."
What are the effects of inhalant abuse?
- nausea or vomiting
- double vision
- irregular heartbeat and/or cardiac arrest
- disoriented/slurred speech
- loss of bodily functions
What products are abused?
- some glues,
- marking pens
- gasoline,
- butane lighters,
- air conditioning gases,
- freon
- paint thinners,
- spray paint,
- computer air dusters,
- canned air fresheners
- any product in aerosol cans
Many children say they begin sniffing when in grade school,
how can you tell if a young person is an inhalant abuser?
Symptoms include:
- red or runny eyes and nose, unusual breath odor
- chronic inhalant abuser may exhibit anxiety, irritability or restlessness
- drunk or dazed appearance
- spots and/or sores around the mouth
Teach youth product safety:
Teach them to read labels and follow directions carefully. Inhalants are poison and can kill suddenly, even those who sniff for the first time.
Get the Facts!
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