MCOSA, MPN, MISD, MCTFT, and CADCA
sponsored
HOUSEHOLD HIGHS: UNDERSTANDING INHALANTS
June 14, 2013
What is an inhalant?
Common household products can cause death when they are intentionally misused.
Inhalant abuse has been around for centuries
Why Inhalants?
Availability
Unknown to Adults
Legal
Cheap
Portable
Perception of Safety
Instant, Brief Effects
Mean Age of First Inhalant Abuse – 1999 -2005
YEAR
MALE
FEMALE
1999
16.0
16.9
2001
16.5
15.0
2003
16.5
15.5
2005
15.7
14.5
Youth Inhalant Abuse
Age Range 6-24
Average Age 15.3 years
Inhalants Can Cause Death
 Sudden Sniffing Death
 Cardiac Arrhythmia
 Toxic Effects and Overdose
 Asphyxiation
 Lack of O2
 Choke on Vomit
 Choke on Plastic Bags
 Fires and Explosions
 Accidents
There is very little treatment available for inhalant abuse. People can become addicted to inhalants.
Long Term Effects of Inhalants
Damage to:
Brain Cells
Hippocampus
Myelin Sheath
Liver
Kidneys
Lung Functions
Organs
Bone Marrow
Heart Rhythm
Hearing And Vision
Muscles
Sources of Inhalants:
Aerosols
Hair Sprays
Deodorants
Cooking Sprays
Furniture Polish
Solvent, Volatile Chemicals
Gasoline
Glue
Shoe Polish
Turpentine
Correction Fluid
Lacquer
Insecticides
Air Fresheners
Computer Cleaner
Spray Paint
Markers
Rubber Cement
Household Cleaners
Nail Polish
many more . . . .
Gases
Nitrous Oxide
Spray Whipped Cream
Butane
Helium
“Whippets”
Propane
Freon
Signs of Possible Inhalant Abuse:
Severe Headaches
Chemical Odor (even on breath)
Paint or Chemical Stained Bags
Empty Product Containers
Watery, glassy, runny eyes
Persistent Rash around Mouth
Stains on face, nails, clothes
Large Quantities of Products
Aerosols with Loose Tops
Brain Damage in a Toluene User (Toluene is Found in: Gasoline; some glues; some paints, thinners
and paint removers; some nail polishes; typewriter correction fluid. Toluene is avidly absorbed by the
lungs, brain, heart, liver, reproductive organs and other lipid-rich tissues.)
Messages to Use with Kids:
Inhalants are poisons, toxins, pollutants, and fire hazards
- Products are designed for a specific purpose
- Follow directions on label
- Dangerous when used in unintended ways
- They contain poisons, toxic chemicals, and gases
- They pollute
- They are a fire danger
- They were never intended to go inside your body
- They are created from petroleum
Avoid using a “how to” primer for experimenters and substance abusers
Messages to Avoid with Kids:
Avoid discussing
- Inhalants as a drug (unless you are working with a group where there are primarily inhalant abusers
or children knowledgeable about inhalants)
- Euphoric effects (avoid talking about the high or head rush)
- What products may be abused
- How to abuse these products
What to do if someone is huffing:
 Don’t excite or upset person
 Do not leave person alone
 Call for help
 Call emergency medical services
 Ventilate room
 Check area for product(s)
 Call Poison Control Center

Content Providers:
Wayne Frith, Executive director of SAFE in Chesterfield County, Virginia
SAFE's mission is to engage all sectors of the community in working together to prevent substance abuse. SAFE
participated in CADCA's National Coalition Academy. At the 2007 CADCA Forum, SAFE received the Chairman's
Award for its "exemplary application of core competencies and essential processes of effective community problem
solving."SAFE has spearheaded a comprehensive inhalant abuse prevention initiative in Chesterfield County and
initiated the formation of the Virginia Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition. Mr. Frith has worked in the field of juvenile
justice and services to youth and families since 1971.
Cynthia R. Lewis-Younger, MD, MPH, Florida Poison Information Center-Tampa
Dr. Lewis-Younger currently is the Managing/Medical Director of the Florida Poison Information Center-Tampa. Prior
to accepting the Managing/Medical Director position in May 2006, Dr. Lewis-Younger was the Associate Medical
Director for the center, as well as the Medical Director of Comprehensive Occupational Medicine for Business and
Industry (COMBI). Before completing her Medical Toxicology fellowship at the Oregon Health and Sciences
University in 2002, she was an Assistant Professor of Occupational Medicine from 1995-2000 at the University of
Utah. She served as Medical Officer in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry from 1991 to 1995.
Dr. Lewis-Younger graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1979, and practiced Emergency
Medicine and Occupational Medicine in the 1980s. Dr. Lewis-Younger is Board-certified in Occupational Medicine
and Medical Toxicology.
Harvey Weiss, President, SYNERGIES, Executive Director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
Mr. Weiss has been actively involved in developing and implementing successful community-based, statewide and
national programs to reduce the instances of inhalant abuse and prenatal substance abuse for more than 15 years.
Mr. Weiss established and coordinates National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week (NIPAW) every March, which
assists communities, coalitions and organizations raise awareness and promote inhalant abuse prevention. He has
also been Chair of the Tennessee Inhalant Prevention Initiative established in December 2004. In his professional
capacity, Mr. Weiss has made over 150 presentations to international, national, state and local organizations,
appeared on national television and radio programs such as National Public Radio's Morning Edition, Good Morning
America, The View, ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN evening news broadcasts, been interviewed for publications such as
the New York Times, USA TODAY, Good Housekeeping, Advertising Age, Teen Magazine, Ann Landers, Dear Abby
and served on review panels for many publications and projects. He is the author of numerous articles on
Howard C. Wolfe, Director, New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition, Member, Massachusetts Inhalant
Abuse Task Force
Howard C. Wolfe, MA, LMFT started working in the field of adolescent substance abuse in 1970 and is the former
Associate Director of CASPAR Alcohol and Drug Education Program. In 1994 he help found the Massachusetts
Inhalant Abuse Task Force and has completed a number of projects on inhalant abuse for the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health including a statewide focus group research project on inhalant abuse as well as
developing educational materials for health professionals, teachers, and parents.
This broadcast may be viewed at: http://www.mctft.com; click on
“Broadcasts/Videos”, Click on “Past Broadcasts” then look for the program you
want to view.
Links:
Links from the June 14, 2013 Household Highs: Understanding Inhalants broadcast are listed
below:
New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition - http://www.inhalantabusetraining.org/
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition - http://www.inhalants.org/
Alliance for Consumer Education Inhalant Abuse Site - http://www.inhalant.org/