With the renewed emphasis on preventing children from being harmed by drugs and other substances, the Prosper Police Department is taking steps to alert parents and caregivers of the dangers of inhaling chemicals that are within reach of most young people, said Police Capt. Gary McHone.

“National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week is March 14 through 20, and it’s a good time for parents to educate themselves on the dangers of inhalant abuse, signs to look for in your child, and where they can find more information on treating a child that is abusing inhalants,” he said.

While the problem has not escalated in Prosper, every year thousands of young people around the country try inhalants and many die from inhalant abuse or ‘huffing.’

“Among the household products that are abused are some that one would not suspect like nail polish, carpet cleaners, whipped cream aerosols canisters, and canned air along with the thousands of other products like these,” said McHone. “And, just as important, there is no typical profile of an inhalant abuser. Victims are of both sexes and all socioeconomic groups throughout the U.S.,” he said.

Other abused products can include glues and adhesives, nail polish remover, marking pens, paint thinner, spray paint, butane lighter fluid, gasoline, propane gas, typewriter correction fluid, household cleaners, cooking sprays, deodorants, fabric protectors, and air conditioning coolants.

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhaling or sniffing of common products found in homes and schools to obtain a high, causing sickness and possible death. Victims may become nauseated, forgetful, and unable to see things clearly. They may lose control of their body, including the use of arms and legs. These effects can last 15 to 45 minutes after sniffing. In addition, sniffing can severely damage the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys.

Few of these young people, many of middle school age, know the deadly effects the poisons in these products have on the brain and body when they are inhaled or huffed. The user can die the first time or the one-hundredth time a product is misused as an inhalant. Knowing more about the illegal practice can prevent a senseless tragedy, says McHone.

 Here are some tell-tale signs that can alert parents to possible abusers:

• unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing,

• slurred or disoriented speech,

• drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance,

• signs of paint or other products where they wouldn't normally be, such as on the face or fingers,

• red or runny eyes or nose,

• spots and/or sores around the mouth,

• nausea and/or loss of appetite,

• chronic inhalant abusers may exhibit such symptoms as anxiety, excitability, irritability, or restlessness,

• sitting with a pen or marker near nose,

• constantly smelling clothing sleeves,

• hiding rags, clothes, or empty containers of the potentially abused products in closets and other places.

“One of the most important steps parents can take to prevent inhalant abuse is to talk with their children about not experimenting even a first time with inhalants,” said McHone. “If they suspect a possible problem, they should contact the Prosper Police Department, a local drug rehabilitation center, or other services available in our community,” he said.

The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition can be reached at 1-800-269-4237, or at www.inhalants.org.