Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

While many parents worry about their children using alcohol or illicit drugs, a growing number of young people are abusing common, household products as inhalants. Inhalants are substances that can be breathed and used for their mood-altering vapors. Young children and teenagers are more likely to abuse inhalants, because the chemicals are low-cost, readily available and often legal for youth to buy. Inhalants offer a fast high that leaves the body quickly. It is a short-term substitute for more expensive drugs. Over one in five youngsters have purposely "sniffed" or "huffed" strong fumes to get high by the time they reach the eighth grade. "Sniffing" refers to breathing in the inhalant directly from the container. "Huffing" refers to inhaling from a solvent-soaked rag that is placed over the nose or mouth.

Children and youth are surrounded at home and school by products that can pose a danger if abused. Some common inhalants include hair spray, nail polish remover, paint, household cleaners and air fresheners. Inhalant abuse can cause brain damage or even death. The vapors can take the place of valuable oxygen in the lungs and central nervous system, causing the user to suffocate (also called Sudden Sniffing Death). Symptoms of inhalant abuse include:

• Spots or sores around the mouth
• Drunk, dazed, or glassy-eyed look
• Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Anxiety, excitability, irritability
• Breath and clothing that smell like chemicals

Parents and young people need to be more aware of the problem of inhalant abuse, because of the harmful and sometimes deadly outcomes. To learn more, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 257-3612.