'Huffing' Teen Hits Power Pole

From The Dickinson Press in North Dakota

An 18-year-old Dickinson woman was reportedly ‘huffing’ when she slammed her car into a light pole Tuesday, causing a city-wide power outage. The teen is being charged “with not wearing a seat belt, reckless driving, and the inhalation of vapors and volatile chemicals” in connection to the accident. She told police she had blacked out behind the wheel while ingesting the contents of an unspecified substance.

The teen was the only individual involved in the crash, and is currently receiving medical care at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck- as of Wednesday night. According to police, emergency crews had to “use the Jaws of Life” to remove the teen from her totaled vehicle.

While the impact was not enough to knock the light pole over, it did elicit significant damage, prompting a 30 minute power outage across 5,100 businesses and homes in the area.

'Huffer' Throws Propane Tank Off Building

From KJRH.com in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Police have arrested a man they believe was high from “huffing intoxicants” when two officers witnessed him throw a propane gas tank off the top of a midtown Tulsa building early last week. The suspect is expected to be charged with arson in connection to a fire he ignited with chemicals while loitering on the roof. Area firefighters were called to the scene and quickly extinguished the flames. A ladder truck was needed to secure the suspect into police custody. Authorities are still investigating the incident.

Nitrous Oxide Triggers Fatal Fall

From The Lansing Journal in Michigan

According to East Lansing police, a 25-year-old man is dead after he fell and hit his head while inhaling nitrous oxide in his apartment Saturday night. Witnesses disclosed to authorities that the victim, identified as William Andrew Briton of Ortonville, was consuming large quantities of alcohol and ‘huffing’ nitrous oxide up until his fatal fall- “falling forward and striking his head while inhaling nitrous.”

Rescue workers were unable to resuscitate Briton at the scene. County medical examiners conducted an autopsy yesterday to determine Briton’s exact cause of death. Additional details will be released as they become available.

His Death Was Not From Drowning- It Was From 'Huffing'

From the Pocono Record in Pennsylvania

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office reports that the 29 year old man found floating in a shallow creek in April did not die from drowning- but from huffing. Toxicology tests (which can can take anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks to complete) came back positive for difluoroethane, a chemical commonly found in computer duster. The death was ruled as an accident-caused by complications from huffing.

Sadly, just yesterday we posted a story from this same paper about four 17-year old teens who were injured when their car veered off the road. The driver had been huffing 'aerosol.' If anyone in Northeastern Pennsylvania is reading this blog and has ideas on how ACE can help get free educational resources to groups within your community– please contact us. Send an e-mail to info@consumered.org!

Huffer Caught and Jailed Once Again

From the Wheeling Intelligencer in West Virginia

A 45 year old man is behind bars once again after being caught huffing gold spray paint. Last Monday, police responded to a call at around 6 am for man covered in gold paint at a 7-Eleven store. The man was arrested and charged with “breathing intoxicating compounds.”

The article notes that the man has been arrested locally at least five times for huffing spray paint. While his 2005 mugshot was the one most will remember, there have been many more incidents since then. On August 29th he was found inhaling spray paint in an industrial park. On March 24th this year he was found walking along a highway with this lower face and hands covered in spray paint. In 2008 he was arrested after police found him staggering through town. In 2006 he was found covered in paint, just one week after having been arrested for huffing under the Interstate bridge.

Teens Were 'Huffing' Before Crash

From The Pocono Record in Pennsylvania

A carload of teens are lucky to be alive- after the vehicle they were riding in crashed into a tree last Thursday evening in Hamilton Township. According to police reports the three 17-year-old boys present in the vehicle were ‘huffing’ an aerosol product, eventually causing the teen driver to pass out behind the wheel and crash his Pontiac Grand Am into a tree.

Accident reports reveal that after striking the tree, “the car proceeded to roll onto the passenger side and then onto the roof…coming to a rest 150 feet from the initial point of impact.” Police confiscated four cans of computer duster from the vehicle. The boys later admitted to inhaling the contents of the cans while driving. The driver was transported to a nearby medical center for treatment where he consented to a blood test. Charges are pending the results of the blood test.

Inhalant Abuse in Nebraska

From the Grand Island Independent in Nebraska

This was an excellent article on the dangers of inhalant abuse.

The piece starts off with a firsthand account of what inhalant abuse was like from the point of the user. Inhaling from a computer duster was described as a “light-headed feeling punctuated with a "whah-whah-whah" sound.” The anonymous user noted that he started using inhalants “after seeing "some older kids doing it." He also admitted that would get the can of duster at Wal-Mart and he chose dusters because “it was easy to find and it was cheap.”

However, his perspective of inhalant abuse as a fun activity changed drastically after he “passed out while driving and totaled his car.”

The article then discusses a conversation with a local drug recognition expert. The expert notes there have been a number of “huffing and inhaling cases in Grand Island, many of which involve middle and high school students.” Additionally, “recently, he has seen kids as young as 9 or 10 years old using inhalants such as spray paints.” He states, “It’s likely the younger students are imitating their older peers or they simply think the products smell good and don't realize they are harming themselves.”

He also notes that he has worked on at least four vehicle accidents (including one fatality) where inhalant abuse was identified as a contributing factor. He expresses concern that there are more that occur but that inhalant abuse isn’t recognized.

We are very appreciative that Sgt. Hilderbrand took the time to point out that huffing from computer dusters is not harmless. He clarifies that it is not “just canned air” in the container. The product contains difluoroethane, “a chemical that causes a high by robbing the brain of oxygen.”

The article discusses the effects of using inhalants: long-term, irreversible organ damage and even death. The value and importance of family involvement in each case is also highlighted and state statues regarding inhalant abuse are identified: “according to state statute, it is unlawful for anyone to breathe, inhale or drink any compound, liquid or chemical containing a substance such as acetate, acetone or butyl alcohol for the purpose of inducing intoxication, stupefaction, giddiness, excitement or irrational behavior, or in any manner changing, distorting, or disturbing the auditory, visual, mental, or nervous processes.”

Men Steal Can of Duster From Kmart

From the Lufkin Daily News in Texas:

Police, responding to a call for shoplifting at Kmart, ended up arresting two men whom they found in a stolen minivan. The two men have been accused of stealing a can of computer duster valued at approximately $5.29 “apparently to use an inhalant to get high” one of the officers stated.

After allegedly stealing the duster, the men fled in the minivan. An officer followed the car but waited for back-up before pulling them over. The police report noted that the minivan had been stolen sometime the night before from a local dealership, where the owners had left it to have it serviced.

Increased Inhalant Use among Hopkington Schools in Massachusetts

From the MetroWest Daily News in Framingham, Massachusetts

The MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation sponsored a survey of regional teen health risks and the results were presented to the school committee last Thursday.

Interestingly, the survey notes that “after alcohol, inhalants are the most commonly abused substance for middle school students.” It continues, “the number of students trying inhalants at some point in their lives rose from 9 percent to 14 percent.

The Assistant Principal said the school is now looking at "how and why students are abusing substances and where they get their supplies."

CO2 Cartridges Used As Inhalant

From the Wheeling News Register in West Virginia

In this frightening article about a high school student accused of plotting to bomb his school, an interesting line:

“(He) argued the weapons and ammunition seized by police were locked in a closet at the home, and that the "explosive materials" were nothing more than a degreaser used to clean guns, a plastic tube purchased more than 20 years ago by his father - a former reserve police officer - and CO2 cartridges that he said were already opened and used as an intoxicating inhalant.”

Teen Cited for Huffing at School

From the Lincoln Journal Star in Nebraska

Police in Lincoln, Nebraska have cited a 16 year old female on suspicion of huffing at school.

Last Wednesday afternoon, a health technician noticed the girl huffing from a canister in the school’s bathroom. When police reported to the room they found a can of computer dusting spray behind the toilet.

Alarmingly, police also noted that the teen ended up in the hospital in June for huffing in a grocery store bathroom.

37 Year Old Found Huffing Gold Paint

From the Newark Advocate in New Jersey

Yesterday, a 37 year old male appeared in court for a bond hearing. He was “charged with one count of abusing harmful intoxicants, a fifth-degree felony.”

Last month police found him huffing gold paint and he stated that he “has an illness and huffing helps to keep him grounded.” His bond was set at $5,000.

Drug Abuse Warning Network: Inhalant Data

The Office of Applied Studies at SAMHSA has just released Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2007: Area Profiles of Drug-Related Mortality.

This publication includes data on deaths related to drug misuse and drug-related suicide that were submitted by participating medical examiners/coroners in 63 metropolitan areas and 10 States.

We just went through the study and pulled out all the inhalant data contained within. A short summary of findings follows below:

Drug Related deaths by drug category, 2006-2007

Massachusetts:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2006: 9
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2006 (Inhalants): 7
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 8
Drug Related Suicide: Single-drug deaths 2007: (inhalants): 4

Oklahoma:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 7
Drug Related Single-drug deaths 2007: (inhalants): 6

Oregon:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 4
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 4

Virginia:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 4

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH
Drug Related: Deaths to Inhalants in 2006: 4
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2006 (Inhalants): 5
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 6
Drug Related Suicide: Single-drug deaths 2007: (inhalants): 4

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI:
Drug Related: Deaths to Inhalants in 2006: 9
Drug Related: Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 8

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 4
Drug Related Single-drug deaths 2007: (inhalants): 4
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 5

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 6
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 7
Drug Related Suicide: Single-drug deaths 2007: (inhalants): 5

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA:
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2006:4
Drug Related Deaths to Inhalants in 2007:6
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants):8

San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 5
Drug Related Suicide: Single-drug deaths 2007: (inhalants): 5

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2006 (Inhalants): 7

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH (Middlesex County, MA)
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2006 (Inhalants): 4

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI (Macomb County, MI)
Drug Related: Deaths to Inhalants in 2006: 7
Drug Related: Deaths to Inhalants in 2007: 7

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA (New York County)
Drug Related Suicide: Deaths 2007 (Inhalants): 4

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (Pierce County)
Drug Related: Deaths to Inhalants in 2006: 5

Man Dies 'Huffing' Refrigerant

From Stephenville Empire-Tribune in Texas

Last week a 37-year-old Stephenville man died after police caught him ‘huffing’ refrigerant at a local apartment complex- his 2nd ‘huffing’ related offense in just 24 hours. Police records reveal that the suspect was picked up for a similar incident at his residence the night before his death.

Police referred the suspect to a nearby mental health and substance abuse facility to undergo psychiatric evaluation following his initial offense. However, it is unclear whether or not he received medical care, as confidentiality clauses prohibit facility employees from publically disclosing such information.

It is not yet known if the suspect intended to kill himself by ‘huffing’ refrigerant, but investigators have learned that “he did have a spat with his girlfriend who was upset over his addiction” prior to his death. The investigation is ongoing.

A 'Black-Out' Behind The Wheel

From The Daily Dunklin Democrat in Kennett, Missouri

A Missouri driver is being held on a “$50,000 cash-only bond following an automobile accident Saturday evening that caused severe damage to a local business and left another local resident with serious injuries.” A 23-year-old man was driving when he reportedly passed out behind the wheel, lost control of his vehicle, and veered off to the right-hitting a 24-year-old pedestrian and plowing through the side of a tattoo parlor.

Police believe the suspect was driving while under the influence of inhalants; “possibly ‘huffing’ [computer] dust remover” prior to the crash. The driver told police he had ‘blacked out’ only to wake up in the front seat of his car after the collision.

The 24-year-old injured in the incident sustained multiple injuries “including a laceration on his right knee from the front of the leg to the back” and was airlifted to Memphis, Tennessee where a full recovery is expected.

According to county prosecutors, the suspect is being charged with second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license. Additional charges are expected to be filed pending the results of a drug screening test. The suspect is facing anywhere from 2 to 7 years in jail for his involvement in Saturday’s accident.

EAA Steps Up to The Plate in Addressing Inhalant Abuse

ACE would like to thank the Eastern Aerosol Association (EAA) for all they are doing to help combat inhalant abuse.

This past summer, EAA partnered with the Camden Riversharks baseball team on an aerosol awareness project . ACE was pleased to see that as part of the project, EAA included a number of anti-huffing messages.

During the home games, ACE’s Public Service Announcement, Silence, was played on the large on-field screen. In addition, Queshia Bradley, ACE Education Programs Coordinator, conducted a live interview with the game announcer in stadium.

Third, EAA Board Members, during the games, volunteered their time to staff an informational tabletop display. In the photo below, EAA Board Trustees Maria-Lind Hansen and Chris Nyarady help distribute ACE’s materials and inform consumers about the dangers of inhalant abuse.


For more information on the Eastern Aerosol Association, please visit: http://www.easternaerosol.com/

Inhalants in Brunei

Via Bru Direct in Brunei, Southeast Asia

According to the acting assistant director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), “Inhalants are newly preferred drug substance abused by young people in the Sultanate.”

He mentioned that it has included “sniffing kangaroo glue, thinner and nail polish” and they have caught students abusing inhalants both at home and in schools. To combat the issue the NCB will hold mobile exhibits to raise public awareness of the issue. They are even targeting weddings where they will be “able to catch the attention of guests before they enter the houses.”

Man Sentenced For 'Huffing' Duster

From Leader Telegram Online in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

A 32-year-old Wisconsin man was found guilty on two misdemeanor counts of “possessing a hazardous substance with intent to abuse, and intentionally inhaling a hazardous substance” last week, and has been ordered to receive regular drug counseling, undergo a psychological examination, and pay $280 in fines. He has also been sentenced to two years of probation.

According to police records, the suspect was seen inhaling computer duster while loitering in a restaurant parking lot earlier this year- only to be caught weeks later ‘huffing’ duster and “urinating in a yard.”

School Drug Testing and Inhalant Use

From Rosebud News in Texas:

In an article about drug testing in schools, an interesting sentence caught our eye:

In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics determined: 1) drug testing may motivate adolescents to switch to drugs which pose greater danger (such as inhalants), but are undetectable by screening tests.

Grieving Mother Seeks Justice

From WLBT 3 News in Jackson, Mississippi

In 2008, two Lincoln County teenagers were killed in a horrific car accident when the vehicle they were riding in “went airborne, flipped, and landed on top of them.” Accident reports reveal that a total of six teens were present in the car at the time of the crash. The vehicle’s driver, who was behind the wheel despite having a suspended license passed out and lost control of the car after “using an inhalant to get high.”

More than a year has passed and no charges have been filed against the young driver. A mother who lost her daughter in the crash is speaking out and demanding legal action be taken against the responsible party. She believes the driver was under the influence of inhalants- computer duster when he lost control; claiming several of the teen passengers (her daughter included) to have been ‘huffing’ the cleaner and “getting dusted” prior to the accident.

Toxicology tests found traces of diflouroethane (a chemical found in computer duster) in the driver’s blood, but no criminal charges have been pressed. Eight cans of computer duster were reportedly found at the crash scene. The Lincoln County District Attorney is currently reviewing the accident report and is expected to rule on whether enough evidence is available “to prove a crime was committed” sometime next week.