LEWISTON — Healthy Androscoggin would like inform the community that March 17 through March 23 is National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week. Parents and other adults having an awareness of the potential dangers that lie in the home could save a life. Now is a good time to talk to friends and family members about the risks and dangers of inhalant abuse and work to ensure any home where their children spends time is a safe home.

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation or sniffing of common products found in homes with the purpose of “getting high.” Inhalants are easily accessible, legal, everyday products. When they are used as intended, these products have a purpose in our lives and enhance the quality of life, but when misused, they can be deadly.

Inhalant abuse is a lesser recognized form of substance abuse, but it is no less dangerous. There are more than a 1,400 products which are potentially dangerous when inhaled, such as typewriter correction fluid, air conditioning coolant, gasoline, propane, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane, cooking spray, paint and glue. Most are common products that can be found in the home, garage, office, school or as close as the local convenience store.

Nationwide, 16 percent of students had sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray cans or inhaled paint sprays to become intoxicated during their lifetime. Locally, a survey done in Androscoggin County schools called Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey had asked the students if they sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol cans or inhaled any paints to get high. Twelve percent of middle school kids stated that they did; 10 percent of local high school had stated they did also.

Since the “high” feeling of inhalants lasts only a few minutes, people often use them over and over, which is extremely dangerous. “Sudden sniffing death” can happen to a completely healthy young person from a single session of inhalant use. There are many side effects to inhaling, both short-term and long-term.

Signs and symptoms of abuse include sudden changes in friends or interests, decline in school performance, disorientation, dazed appearance, slurred speech, coordination difficulties, chemical odor on clothes and breath, red spots or sores around the mouth/nose.

Communication with children is key in any kind of substance abuse prevention. Lastly, keep all poisonous products locked up and monitor the usage of products. For more information and tips, visit www.healthyandroscoggin.org.