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There is a killer stalking our children. It disguises itself as ordinary household products found in every home: glue, fuels, correction fluid, markers, nail polish, spray paint, and almost any aerosol spray. Harmless when used correctly, they can be deadly when "huffed" for a quick high.

Huffing has become more popular among adolescents for two main reasons: products are easily obtained, and the effects don't show up on drug tests. It is not illegal to purchase, or be in possession of, the products that can be huffed.

Chemical vapors can be inhaled, sniffed, or snorted from open containers, rags soaked in the chemical, and by spraying the aerosol inside the nose. Inhaling substances sprayed into a bag is also frequently used.

Children are at great risk from the first time they try huffing. Some of the adverse effects may include: loss of inhibition, hallucinations, depression, weight loss, and lack of coordination. The brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs can suffer irreversible damage.

Some of the warning signs parents can look for:
Empty spray cans, rags, and plastic bags hidden in the child's room or other places.
A chemical smell on the child's breath.
Paint stains on the child's clothes or face.
Confusion, headaches, or slurred speech.
Sores around the mouth and nose.
Unexplained tiredness and weight loss.

Among the serious effects huffing can have on your child are convulsions, coma, cardiac arrest, asphyxia, bone disease, suffocation, and severe liver damage. Sudden death can result in only a few minutes after huffing.

Prevention is better and easier than treating an addiction to inhalants. Talking to your child about the serious effects of huffing is important. Treatment is difficult and withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks.

The inhalants are easily available. You can't keep your child away from them. Education on the very serious effects of inhalant abuse is the only intervention at this time. Maybe we can make huffing less appealing to our children.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Foster.
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