One out of every five students in America has used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the eighth grade. Parents don't know that inhalants -- cheap, legal and accessible household products -- are as popular among middle school students as marijuana. And even fewer parents know the deadly effects the poisons in these products have on the brain and body when inhaled or huffed.

"It's like playing Russian roulette," said Harvey Weiss, executive director of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC). "The user can die the first, 10th or 100th time a product is misused as an inhalant."

Because prevention through education has proven to work against this popular form of substance abuse, the NIPC has developed National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week (March 19-25) to help increase understanding about the use and risks of inhalants.

"Many parents are uncomfortable broaching the topic of inhalants with their kids, and they often deny that their child might use inhalants," said Dr. H. Westley Clark, director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. "A lot of children are experimenting, so if you assume it's not your kid, you'd better check. Inhalants are in everyone's house, so watch your child. Watch for changes in behavior -- personality changes, change in gait, chemical breath, secretive and isolated behavior -- that may signal inhalant use."

Some common questions and answers regarding inhalants, as provided by NIPC, follow:

What is inhalant use? Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday products that have a useful purpose, but can be misused. You're probably familiar with these substances -- paint, glue, and others. But you probably don't know that there are more than 1,000 products that are very dangerous when inhaled -- things such as felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane, and even cooking spray.

Who is at risk? Inhalants are an equal opportunity method of substance abuse. Statistics show that young, white males have the highest usage rate. Hispanic and American Indian populations also show high rates of use.

What can inhalants do to the body? Nearly all abused products produce effects similar to anesthetics, which slow down the body's function. Varying upon level of dosage, the user can experience slight stimulation, feeling of less inhibition, or loss of consciousness. The user can also die from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. Other effects include damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs. Inhalants are physically and psychologically addicting and users suffer withdrawal symptoms.

What can I do if someone I know is huffing and appears in a state of crisis? The best thing to do is remain calm and seek help. Agitation may cause the huffer to become violent, experience hallucinations, or suffer heart dysfunction that can cause sudden death. Make sure the room is well ventilated and call emergency medical technicians. If the person is not breathing, administer CPR. Once recovered, seek professional treatment and counseling.

What should I tell my child or students about inhalants? It is never too early to teach your children about the dangers of inhalants. Don't just say "not my kid." Inhalant use starts as early as elementary school and is considered a gateway to further substance abuse. Parents often remain ignorant of inhalant use or do not educate their children until it is too late. Inhalants are not drugs. They are poisons and toxins and should be discussed as such. There are, however, a few age-appropriate guidelines that can be useful when educating your children. Education and strategies specific for 4-7, 7-10, 10-14 and 14-18 year-old age-groups are suggested, with all emphasizing the importance of oxygen to life function. A Tips for Teachers section details specific strategies for each age-group on the NIPC Web site.

For more information on how you and your community can learn more about inhalants, call NIPC at 800-269-4237 or visit its Web site at http://www.inhalants.org/ The Hazelden online bookstore also offers information about inhalants.

--Published March 13, 2000