FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2000

POISONINGS FROM INHALANTS FOCUS
OF NEW STATEWIDE PROGRAM

As National Poison Prevention Week begins March 19, the California Poison Control System (CPCS) is launching an effort to cut the rising number of illnesses and deaths among school children caused by inhaling household products. A recent state survey shows the use of inhalants as drugs of abuse is on the rise in elementary and middle schools and already exceeds the national average. According to the survey, seventh graders consider inhalants the most popular "illicit drug," with almost a fifth of them reporting at least some inhalant use within a six-month period.

"Inhalant abuse is a serious and growing problem that we must attack head-on," said Stuart Heard, PharmD, executive director of the California Poison Control System and assistant dean in the School of Pharmacy at UC San Francisco. "Reaching kids through school and through contests they enjoy will help spread the life-saving message."

This week, the new CPCS Inhalant Awareness Campaign is sending all of the state' s 1,200 middle school science teachers packets including a six-page newsletter on the dangers and signs of inhalant abuse, and the system is promoting a new statewide "Grafeeties" contest - a competition in which students design 'bumper stickers for shoes," highlighting the dangers of inhalant abuse. Sniffing or inhaling household products -- from gasoline and paint thinner to computer cleaners and glues - can severely damage the brain, heart, liver, bone marrow and other parts of the body, and some first-time abusers have died from sniffing inhalants.

Signs of inhalant abuse include:

  • unusual breath odor or chemical odor on clothing
  • slurred speech or disoriented behavior
  • drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance
  • runny nose and red eyes
  • spots or sore around the nose, mouth or on the lips
  • nausea and/or loss of appetite
  • increased anxiety, excitability or restlessness
  • constantly smelling sleeves
  • sitting with a pen or marker near nose
Open discussion with children about the risks is one of the most important actions parents, teachers and caregivers can take to prevent inhalant abuse, experts say. By stressing the devastating consequences of inhalant abuse, tragedies may be averted. For questions about these chemicals or help in the event of a poisoning, contact the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222

The statewide California Poison Control System (CPCS) receives about 300,000 phone calls a year for poison information and help. The system allows Californians to dial one toll-free number from anywhere in the state (1-800-222-1222 ). CPCS consists of four divisions located at Valley Children's Hospital in Fresno/Madera, UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, UC San Diego Medical Center and the UCSF-affiliated San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center. The California Poison Control System is managed by the UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy.

 

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Disclaimer: This web site is designed to be informational and educational. Under no circumstance is this web site meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison specialist or physician. In the event of a poison emergency, call the nearest poison center immediately by diaing 1-800-222-1222 or contact 9-1-1 emergency services.