Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

There is a fad among youngsters.  It's called huffing.  It's deadly.

What follows is an attempt to educate adults and children on the consequences of huffing.

Inhalants Deadly Effects

Extended use of inhalants can cause weight loss, fatigue and an electrolyte (salt) imbalance.  Repeated use can permanently damage the nervous system, greatly reducing physical and mental abilities.  Also, because inhalants are easily adsorbed in the bloodstream and metabolized through the liver and kidneys, long-term sniffing can damage blood, bone marrow, the liver, and the kidneys.

Deep breathing of vapors or extended use of inhalants during a short period of time may result in other serious effects such as losing self-control, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death.  Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of solvents or aerosols can produce heart failure and instant death.  High concentrations of inhalants can also cause death from suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs.  Inhalants can also depress the central nervous system so much that breathing slows down until it stops.

Inhalants Symptoms

Don't overlook these symptoms, especially if they are chronic, in combination, or don't respond to medication:

• red or runny nose
• sores or rash around the mouth and nose
• nausea and headaches
• chronic cough
• sudden memory loss or lack of concentration

• chemical smell on the breath, on clothes or in the bedroom
• paint stains on clothing and skin
• soda cans, rags, sandwich bags with a chemical smell

• abrupt changes in schoolwork and attendance
• changes in personal hygiene
• extreme mood swings
• red, irritated eyes
• sudden weight loss
• sudden loss of interest in friends, sports or hobbies

The methods for inhaling dangerous chemicals have become more varied over the years, and more dangerous.

Sniffing - Breathing in the substance's vapors through the nose.  A youngster may sniff a container of white out, glue, paint thinner, or gasoline to inhale the fumes through the nostrils.

Huffing - Breathing in the substance's vapor through the mouth.  A child can spray paint on a handkerchief and hold it over his or her mouth and breathe in the fumes.

Bagging - Inhaling the vapors through a bag.  A youth can spray fumes on a cloth or piece of clothing then insert it into a plastic or paper bag to increase the concentration of the vapors.  Then he or she puts the bag opening over the mouth or nose and breathes in.  Some users may also place their heads directly inside the bag.

Inhalant Products

Dangerous inhalants are found all around the house.  Some examples include fabric protectors, air fresheners, nail polish removers, vegetable cooking sprays, liquid correction fluid, spray cleaners, felt tip markers, cigarette lighters, gasoline and propane fuel, spray paint, lacquers, paint thinner, hair spray, Gumout, and WD-40.

Do what you can to educate your children about the dangers of huffing.  Be on the lookout for your children or their friends showing symptoms of inhalant abuse.  If you see these signs, treat them and seek help like you would any drug abuse problem.