What Are Inhalants?
Inhalants are gaseous substances that can be found in common household
products such as hair spray, nail polish remover, cleaning fluids,
gasoline, glue, lighter fluid, marking pens, paint thinners and more.
Using inhalants is commonly called "huffing" or
"sniffing." Another term, "bagging" refers to users
putting their heads in a bag filled with, say, gasoline-soaked rags,
shaking it, and huffing a huge amount of the concentrated fumes in one
breath. Because inhalants are so common, most kids - and many adults - do
not realize how dangerous, damaging, and deadly they really are.
Kids Pay a High Price for Inhaling
Kids often feel that they are indestructible, but inhaling familiar
household products can hurt any child, teen, or adult. When inhaled
through the mouth or nose, inhalants depress the central nervous system
and displace the oxygen in the lungs. At first, users may lose
self-control and feel giddy or drowsy. They can lapse into
unconsciousness. They can die from suffocation for three reasons:
- The nervous system is depressed to the
point that breathing stops
- The user is unable to remove the plastic
bag from his or her face
- The user suffocates from inhaling his or
her own vomit
Long Term Effects
Chronic inhalant abusers may permanently lose the ability to walk, talk,
and think. Chronic inhalant abuse can permanently damage a kid's brain,
lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, the central nervous system, the throat and
nasal passages. It can also cause temporary blindness, loss of bladder and
bowel control, severe depression or psychotic behavior.
How to Spot a Sniffer of Huffer
There is no one tip-off that someone you know might be sniffing or
huffing. Some signs to look for are:
- A reddish line around his (or her) mouth
- Not "acting right"
- Chemical smell on the breath
What to Do If You Know Someone Using Inhalants
Inhalants are extremely dangerous. If you know someone who is using them,
you need to take action. Talk to an adult such as a parent, a teacher,
your D.A.R.E. Officer, or a school counselor. Don't think of it as ratting
the person out; you may be saving his or her life.
