The Effects of Inhaling Dust Remover

Inhalants are chemical vapors that are breathed in, or "huffed", resulting in mind-altering effects similar to alcohol intoxication. Inhalants include a number of common household products, such as dust remover. These products are inexpensive and readily available, but they can cause harmful effects after just one use Long-term use may cause damage to the central nervous system and vital organs, and may result in addiction or death.

Immediate Effects

• Within minutes after inhaling, users begin to experience a "high". This is usually similar to alcohol intoxication, which slows down the body's functions, and may result in slurred speech, lack of coordination, dizziness and euphoria. Some users may feel lightheaded or experience hallucinations or delusions, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens. The initial "high" only lasts a few minutes.

Brain and Central Nervous System

• Inhalant chemicals are often absorbed by the fatty tissues of the brain and central nervous system, where they cause significant damage. Inhalant abuse can damage brain cells by depriving them of oxygen, which may result in difficulty concentrating, remembering or learning new things. Long-term abuse may cause nerve damage similar to multiple sclerosis, affecting movement and causing muscle spasms, tremors or permanent difficulty in performing tasks such as walking or bending. Frequent or long-term use of inhalants can also lead to addiction.

Other Organs

• Prolonged inhalant abuse damages many other vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Heart complications include rapid or irregular heartbeat and heart failure. High concentrations of inhalants may also cause suffocation when the vapors take the place of oxygen in the lungs and brain.. Users are also at risk of choking on their own vomit or suffering injuries during accidents while "high", according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens.

Prevention and Signs of Abuse

• Educate your children and teens on the dangers of inhalant abuse and make sure they understand you will not tolerate it. Establish boundaries for your children, including getting to know their friends and making sure you know who they are with and where they are. Observe children for signs of inhalant abuse, such as hidden or empty dust remover containers, chemical odors on breath or clothing, lack or coordination, slurred speech, irritability or inattentiveness.

Treatment

• If you discover your child or teen using inhalants, remain calm and relocate them to a well-ventilated area, suggests Mayo Clinic.com. Seek emergency medical attention if the child is unconscious or not breathing. If the child has been using inhalants frequently, he may have withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, irritability, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations or delusions. If your child cannot stop abusing inhalants, his doctor or school counselor can recommend a drug rehabilitation program.