Michigan Mom Has Scare When Daughter Inhales Helium as a Joke

Via Clarkston News

A Michigan teen inhaled helium from a balloon as a joke to make that high-pitched voice that sounds like a cartoon character.  However, the after effects are not  laughing matter.  The 12 year old passed out, become hypoxic, and spit up.  The girl was able to get oxygen back into her lungs, and is now doing fine, but this family has definitely learned the results of inhaling helium.

The mother of the girl is grateful that her daughter is okay, "but she wants to warn other kids and parents about the dangers of inhaling helium, whether it's from a balloon or a tank. 'I think it's important to get the word out,' she said. 'Kids are dying from it. A lot of people aren't aware that this can kill you.'"

NIPAW Press Conference- Helium is No Laughing Matter

The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition sponsored a press conference on March 15, 2012, to kick off National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week (NIPAW). The event, which was held at the National Press Club, was entitled “Helium is No Laughing Matter; It Can Be Deadly.”

Speakers included Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy; David Shurtleff, Ph.D., Acting Deputy Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH; Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of NIPC; and Brian Dyak, President/CEO of Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. The speakers provided observations about the issue of inhalant abuse and the dangers of helium when used as an inhalant. They advocated that more education is necessary for this worldwide problem.

The event closed with Loriann and Justin Earp, the parents of Ashley Long, who died at a party last month after inhaling helium from a tank. Justin offered several poignant remarks about the tragedy of losing a child in this way. Parents, he said, should not have to pick out a coffin for their daughter instead of a prom dress or receive a death certificate instead of an 8^th grade diploma. Loriann and Justin are determined to share Ashley’s story to prevent other parents from experiencing the same heartbreak. To find out more, visit ashleyshope.org.

Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of NIPC

Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (seated) and Brian Dyak, President/CEO of Entertainment Industries Council, Inc.

Justin Earp, Ashley Long's stepfather

What Will You Do?

Next week (March 18-24) is National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week, and we want to know what you are doing to raise awareness. How is your community working to prevent deaths like Ashley’s? Let us know! Contact us so we can highlight it on this blog and our community boards.

Teen Dies after Inhaling Helium

Via The Mail Tribune in Oregon

Police responded to a 911 call in Medford, Oregon, and found a teenage girl passed out in the apartment of a 27-year-old woman. Officers discovered that the 14-year-old girl and several other teenagers had been drinking, smoking marijuana, and inhaling helium from a tank. Emergency services took the collapsed girl to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy will be necessary to determine the exact cause of death, but one of the officers said, “[I]t certainly appears that the inhalation of helium was a large factor in her collapse and eventual death.”

Helium Suspected in 19 Year Old's Suicide

From KECI-TV in Missoula, MT

Earlier this month, a body found near Glacier National Park was identified as a 19 year old man reported missing from Illinois last September. Police report that it appears he “committed suicide by huffing helium gas.” Next to his body they found a “helium tank and a train ticket from Chicago to Seattle”.

California Teen Dead After Inhaling Helium

From the Press-Enterprise in California:

On December 14, 2009 17 year-old Micah David died in his own home after huffing helium to get high. Micah was a straight A student who was active in both his school and church communities. He would have turned 18 this month.

His father said Micah purchased a small tank of helium at Wal-Mart and on the evening of the 14th, after his family had gone to bed, he “attached a bag to the tank to place over his head and closed it off to keep the helium from getting out.” His family found him the next morning with the bag still over his head.

The police noted one previous helium death in the past year and a half- the victim was a female. Officials warn that “the tests may not detect helium in a body but the autopsy tests typically would uncover any signs of anoxia, the technical term for oxygen starvation.”

Great Advice on Helium.com

Helium.com has eight different articles written about inhalants, all containing important information about inhalant abuse.

Eric Buckingham describes the telltale warning signs and the damage that inhaling chemicals can do to your body. He asks parents to,

"Look around the house and trash for lots of empty cans or containers that should not be there. Huffing will also leave its mark on the face and hands of the addict. Depending on their pattern of abuse they can huff the chemical directly from the can, put it in a brown paper bag, and even soak a towel or cloth in it and inhale it that way. So watch for these items as well."

Effie Moore Salem referenced ACE and explains that kids may abuse inhalants,

"because they mistakenly believe that since these chemicals are so regularly used and common they are safe. The initial reaction is a high' or a funny feeling that they like. Their friends do it and they are urged to try it. Like other stimulants, it is addicting and once a habit is formed it is hard to break."

Valli Sarvani advises parents to:

"Teach early: Educate kids between ages 7 and 12 to think of toxic household products as poisons. Explain them how, many items produces gases that can make sick. If your children help with cleaning involving dangerous products, guide them to read the label warnings and directions.

Discuss only the dangers: Teach your kids how people abuse household products before they enter middle school. Explain them these products are as dangerous as alcohol and drugs. Discuss only the risks, and avoid mentioning specific items.

Be a friend: Parents are the most powerful influence on their teens. Be proactive and use that influence early and often. Talk to them as a friend in a positive tone. Give them assurance that you won't punish them.

Talk more frequently: Studies revealed that kids who learn a lot about the risks of inhalants or drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use them. So discuss with them as many times as you can.

Monitor your child: Monitor your child's activities. If you suspect your child huffing, ask about it directly. At that time avoid using accusatory language. If your child dislikes discussing with you, seek counseling immediately."

Rachel Mcclain offers great advice throughout her article, beginning by saying,

"if someone offered my young son a bopper, a popper, a snapper or even something as potential innocuous sounding as a glading, I would probably let him extend his hand and make him say please and thank you. The trouble is, they aren't going to offer him these things while I'm around.

That's because these are street names for huffing. When you use the other names, like head cleaner, poor man's pot, hippie crack, bullet, bolt and rush among a few, it doesn't sound so innocent. If you didn't recognize a single one of those names, you probably aren't alone.

One of the best ways to protect your children against something like huffing is to learn what it is, and learn what the warning signs are so you can recognize it in your own child or in one of his or her friends."

Callista Meyer warns that,

"being a risky yet cheap, legal alternative to getting high, the ages most commonly associated with inhalant abuse are 12 to 15 years old. More often than not these early teens are trying inhalants before they even attempt smoking. There for it is important to discuss the risks with your child before they enter junior high as this is when peer pressure reaches a peak."

All of the articles provide great information and statistics about inhalant abuse. Found another great source of information? Email us at info@consumered.org.

Mayor and Governor Inhale Helium, Set Bad Example

During the filming of a promotional ad for the KUSA Channel 9 Health Fair, a community project in Denver, both Mayor Hickenlooper and the Governor Ritter were featured holding balloons and talking in high, squeaky voices - the implication being that they had inhaled the helium.



Viewers called the station, saying that it was inappropriate for elected officials to be huffing anything, even helium. After a week of complaints, the footage was cut from the commercials.

While helium is not an inhalant, there are serious risks involved with its inhalation. A common problem is the lack of oxygen exchange, which can cause dizziness and even unconsciousness. This can result in stumbling or falling into something dangerous.

If a child or adult inhales helium from a tank, there can be more serious injuries involving the lungs. In general, avoid both tanks and balloons.