Inhalants are an equal opportunity form of substance abuse. They are used by young people of all economic levels and all ethnic backgrounds. Almost half a million young people use inhalants in any month. Before eighth grade, inhalants are more popular than marijuana among students. After eighth grade, inhalants become the fourth most abused substance after alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana.
Parents are often out of the loop.
Inhalants are as close as your kitchen sink or your child's classroom. Young people in the 12-17 age group most commonly use gasoline and lighter fluid, followed by glue and toluene. Sudden sniffing death can result from heart or lung failure, asphyxiation, paralysis of breathing mechanisms or accidents from being intoxicated. The key to preventing inhalant use is education. Parents must teach their children about the dangers of inhalants before it is too late.