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Blurb from YAMS:

I am unclear of the direct or indirect impact of my website and the knowledge that I share with people around the world, but in blind faith — I wanted to share what I have learned with you.

I just watched a special on A&E about Inhalants. To my surprise, thousands of people — usually, pre-teens, are addicted to inhalants. What are inhalants? According to the television series, inhalants are household cleaning products that are available in anyone’s cabinets. Parents have not been aware of this particular kind of drug abuse, and I would like to help spread this message. You can remain anonymous and do not have to leave comments, but I beg that you speak about inhalants to your peers, family, and children so this is no longer a secret. Kindly visit inhalants.org for more information.

What Is Inhalant Abuse:

Inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes and communities with the purpose of “getting high.” Inhalants are easily accessible, legal, everyday products. When used as intended, these products have a useful purpose in our lives and enhance the quality of life, but when intentionally misused, they can be deadly. Inhalant Abuse is a lesser recognized form of substance abuse, but it is no less dangerous. Inhalants are addictive and are considered to be “gateway” drugs because children often progress from inhalants to illegal drug and alcohol abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that one in five American teens have used Inhalants to get high.

Huffing, Sniffing, Dusting and Bagging:

Inhalation is referred to as huffing, sniffing, dusting or bagging and generally occurs through the nose or mouth. Huffing is when a chemically soaked rag is held to the face or stuffed in the mouth and the substance is inhaled. Sniffing can be done directly from containers, plastic bags, clothing or rags saturated with a substance or from the product directly. With Bagging, substances are sprayed or deposited into a plastic or paper bag and the vapors are inhaled. This method can result in suffocation because a bag is placed over the individual’s head, cutting off the supply of oxygen.

Other methods used include placing inhalants on sleeves, collars, or other items of clothing that are sniffed over a period of time. Fumes are discharged into soda cans and inhaled from the can or balloons are filled with nitrous oxide and the vapors are inhaled. Heating volatile substances and inhaling the vapors emitted is another form of inhalation. All of these methods are potentially harmful or deadly. Experts estimate that there are several hundred deaths each year from Inhalant Abuse, although under-reporting is still a problem.

What Products Can be Abused?

There are more than a 1,400 products which are potentially dangerous when inhaled, such as typewriter correction fluid, air conditioning coolant, gasoline, propane, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane, cooking spray, paint, and glue. Most are common products that can be found in the home, garage, office, school or as close as the local convenience store. The best advice for consumers is to read the labels before using a product to ensure the proper method is observed. It is also recommended that parents discuss the product labels with their children at age-appropriate times. The following list represents categories of products that are commonly abused.

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Blurb from YAMS:

I am glad CBS News covered this topic. My feelings, emotions, and thoughts are parallel to that of this video. Baldwin Park’s strong community deserves more coverage by other media outlets.

With a seemingly endless array of fast food restaurants and high-calorie meal options throughout the nation, Seth Doane finds out “Where America Stands” in the ongoing fight against obesity.