Inhalant abuse can kill.
It can kill suddenly, and it can kill those who sniff for the first time.

Every year, young people in this country die of inhalant abuse.  Hundreds also suffer severe consequences, including permanent brain damage, loss of muscle control, and destruction of the heart, blood, kidney, liver, and bone marrow.

Today more than 1,000 different products are commonly abused.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 1996 that one in five American teenagers have used inhalants to get high.

Many youngsters say they begin sniffing when they're in grade school.  They start because they feel these substances can't hurt them, because of peer pressure, or because of low self-esteem.  Once hooked, these victims find it a tough habit to break.

These questions and answers will help you identify inhalant abuse and understand what you can do to prevent or stop this problem.

What is inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes and schools to obtain a "high."

What are the effects of inhalant abuse?
Sniffing can cause sickness and death.  For example, victims may become nauseated, forgetful, and unable to see things clearly.  Victims may lose control of their body, including the use of their arms and legs.  These effects can last 14 to 45 minutes after sniffing.

In addition, sniffing can severely damage many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys.

Even worse, victims 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 from sniffing inhalants.

What products are abused?
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.

How can you tell if a young person is an inhalant abuser?
If someone is an inhalant abuser, some or all of these symptoms may be evident:

What could be other telltale behaviors of inhalant abuse?
Inhalant abusers also may exhibit the following signs:

What is a typical profile of an inhalant abuser in the U.S.?
There is no typical profile of an inhalant abuser.  Victims are represented by both sexes and all socioeconomic groups throughout the U.S.  It's not unusual to see elementary and middle-school age youths involved with inhalant abuse.

How does a young person who abuses inhalants die?
There are many scenarios of how young people die of inhalant abuse.  Here are some of them:

A 13 year-old boy was inhaling fumes from cleaning fluids and became ill a few minutes afterwards.  Witnesses alerted the parents, and the victim was hospitalized and place on life support systems.  He died 24 hours after the incident.

An 11 year-old boy collapsed in a public bathroom.  A butane cigarette lighter fuel container and a plastic bag were found next to him.  He also had bottles of typewriter correction fluid in his pocket.  CPR failed to revive him, and he was pronounced dead.

A 15 year-old boy was found unconscious in a backyard.  According to three companions, the four teenagers had taken gas from a family's grill propane tank.  They put the gas in a plastic bag and inhaled the gas to get high.  The victim collapsed shortly after inhaling the gas.  He died on the way to the hospital.

What can you do to prevent inhalant abuse?
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.