Teens and Hand Sanitizers

There have been numerous posts on ACE’s Inhalant Message Board regarding people inhaling hand sanitizer, but did you know there’s a new trend of teens drinking ethanol hand sanitizers to get drunk?

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), last year 622 calls were made to poison centers nationwide concerning exposure* to hand sanitizers by teens ages 13 through 19. So far this year (as of April 25th) there have already been 203 calls!
Do you know the facts?

Have you talked to a teen in your life about this issue? Please click here to check out the AAPCC’s FAQ sheet on hand sanitizer misuse and abuse.

*"Exposure" means someone has had contact with the substance in some way; for example, ingested, inhaled, absorbed by the skin or eyes, etc. Not all exposures are poisonings or overdoses

ACE and the Boys and Girls Club Celebrate NIPAW

Yesterday, the ACE team went to the Hopkins Branch Boys and Girls Club in D.C. to share tips about poison prevention.

The presentation provided facts about poison prevention and encouraged club members to always ask an adult before smelling, touching, or tasting an unknown substance. The club members were eager to show off their acquired knowledge about poison prevention by answering questions, and they enjoyed trying to distinguish “look-alikes” (poisons that look like safe items).

After the presentation, the club members tested their home safety skills with the Heroes of the Health League game (which you can play here). They also completed an activity sheet about poison prevention, which can be downloaded at this link.

Members showing that poisons can hurt you even if you smell them!

Working hard on the activity sheets

Enjoying the Heroes of the Health League game

ACE would like to thank Monique Lee at the Hopkins Branch Club for allowing us to share the message of poison prevention with the wonderful kids at the Boys and Girls Club.

ACE would also like to thank Krista Osterthaler at the National Capitol Poison Center for all of the wonderful resources and assistance she provided.

Remember, if you suspect someone has been poisoned, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222!

Surge in Teens Huffing Refrigerant Has Georgia Poison Control on High Alert

A surge in teens huffing has prompted Poison Control to add freon to the list of abused inhalants.
Freon is a refrigerant used in air conditioners.

The number of cases of teens pumping the refrigerant out of air conditioners to get high is on the rise.

Officials say it can be deadly after one dose.

According to the Director of the Georgia Poison Control, there has been an increase in inhalant abuse cases from five in 2009 and 2010 to six through May of this year.

The Poison Center stated that there had been no reported deaths in Georgia from huffing refrigerant just yet.

Via wsbtv.com Atlanta, GA