The specific focus is on the issue of children and inhalant abuse. Inhalant abuse may also be referred to as solvent abuse, huffing or sniffing. There are over 1,000 inhalants. Most are common products found in the home, office or classroom. Ongoing inhalant abuse is associated with failure in school, delinquency, and inability to adjust socially.
Inhalant abuse can lead to other substance abuse.
Chronic inhalant abuse dissolves brain cells. Chronic use of any inhalant increases the risk of brain injury. Death can occur from asphyxia, suffocation, and aspiration, engaging in dangerous behavior, and sudden sniffing death syndrome. The information on children and inhalant abuse was provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This overview wasprepared by Sharon Smith, Research Assistant, under the direction of Margaret Dalton, Esq., Project Director, Information Clearinghouse on Children, Children's Advocacy Institute, September 1999.