Do you know what huffing is? Do you know about inhalants? Even if you don't, you can be fairly sure your children do......

Abuse of inhalants, known as huffing, is on the rise among younger children due in part to the availability of things around the home which can be used.

Chemicals used for huffing can be solvents such as toluene containing products (glues for example), lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, fingernail polish remover, felt tip markers and some cleaners.

Aerosols of spray paint, deodorant, hair spray, vegetable cooking spray. Gases such as butane, nitrous oxide, (used in whipped cream cans), propane or helium. Other chemicals known as nitrites are in such things as video head cleaners.

Symptoms of abuse:

• Pupils may be normal or dilated.
• Pulse, Blood pressure and Body temperature may be elevated, depending on the substance inhaled.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Chemical odor on breath or clothing.
• Confusion.
• Headaches.
• Shortness of breath/asthma symptoms.
• Tremors.
• Vomiting.
• Sores or rash round nose and mouth.
• Stains on face or fingers.
• Odor of chemical/chemical soaked rags.
• Large numbers of aerosol cans.

Special Dangers.

• Liver or kidney failure.
• Heart failure.
• Brain damage