Inhalant abuse is one of the most widely used drugs, particularly among elementary and middle school youth, in the United States. In the past year alone, more than 1 million youth ages 12 to 17 used inhalants, making it the second most popular drug among young people, according to the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition . Household products are easily obtainable, which is one of the reasons that inhalants are so appealing to youth. Literally thousands of products may be within arm's reach of youth in their own homes and most parents aren't even aware of the hazards they may cause. Adults can work to prevent young people from huffing by learning about inhalants and talking openly with youth about the dangers involved.
Inhalant users can die suddenly, sometimes even the first time they try huffing.
Sudden Sniffing Death can also occur when the fumes get into a person's lungs and central nervous system so that the person is unable to breathe and, therefore, suffocates. Inhalant abusers may lose their sense of smell and develop nosebleeds, and they sometimes lose their ability to perform such functions as walking, talking, and thinking. They may also develop kidney, liver, muscle, and lung problems. Although inhalants are the second most abused drug among youth, the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition reports that about one in five young people have tried huffing by the time they enter the eighth grade.