There are over 1,000 inhalants- common products most often found in the home, office, and classroom. These products are legal because they have a useful purpose. They are safe when used for that purpose. But when young people misuse them by breathing them into their lungs, inhalants are poisonous. Over time, the abuse of inhalants can cause severe permanent damage to the body, especially the brain. The scariest thing about inhalants is that they can cause death from using them only once. Educating young people about their dangers is an important step in preventing inhalant abuse.

Inhalant use often starts as young as 8 or 9 years old. Adolescents 12 to 14 years of age are most likely to use inhalants. By the eighth grade, 15% of students will have "sniffed" or "huffed" a toxic substance to get high. Inhalants are cheap, easy to get, and easy to hide. Common objects - soda cans, plastic bags, rags, and socks - can be used to hold and hide abuseable substances. Because inhalants are legal, kids can easily make excuses if they are caught with them. Most inhalant use is done with friends. The signs of inhalant use include breath and clothing that smell like chemicals, spots or sores around the mouth and nose, paint or stains on fingers or clothing, glassy-eyed look, nose bleeds, nausea, and loss of appetite.

In an emergency situation, call 911, remain calm and try not to aggravate the user because stress, scares or excitement combined with inhalant use can made the heart stop instantly. This "Sudden Sniffing Death" is responsible for half of all deaths due to inhalant use. Hold suspected abused products or substances for identification.

Inhalant use can lead to further illicit drug abuse and to lifelong problems. If you suspect a problem has already begun with inhalant use, consult a school counselor, doctor, or drug treatment center, or call Infoline (211) for a referral.