Dusting agent drug abuse: Definition, symptoms, hazards, seeking assistance
In a concerning trend, the misuse of air dusters as a recreational drug has emerged as a significant health concern. These seemingly harmless cans of compressed air, often used for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, can cause a host of serious long-term health effects.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 1% of adolescents aged between 12-17 years misused air dusters in 2015. The National Institution on Drug Abuse notes that, although unlikely, it is possible to develop an addiction to inhalants like air dusters.
Misusing air dusters can lead to brain and neurological damage, including cognitive impairment, delayed development, and psychological problems. The chemicals contained in air dusters can cause neurological impairments, leading to mood swings, delayed behavioral development, and psychological problems.
The toxic substances in air dusters can also cause organ damage, with the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys being particularly susceptible to chemical injury. Inhalation of air duster fumes can lead to various side effects, including liver problems, breathing problems, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, increased heart rate, and sudden death.
Moreover, misusing air dusters can lead to cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias and the potentially fatal 'sudden sniffing death', which occurs when a person dies suddenly after breathing in an inhalant due to cardiac arrest.
Other risks associated with air duster misuse include hearing loss, bone marrow damage, depression, anxiety, and fatal risks such as suffocation, seizures, coma resulting from intoxication or accidents while high.
Chronic abuse can ultimately lead to death from suffocation, cardiac arrest, seizures, coma, choking, or injury during intoxication.
These effects are far more severe and dangerous than the risks from other inhalants or recreational substances due to the toxicity and oxygen displacement caused by canned air chemicals.
If individuals feel like they are addicted to air dusters, they can speak to a healthcare professional for treatment options. If a person experiences any serious side effects after inhaling air duster gas, they should seek immediate medical attention.
It is important to note that air dusters are not a controlled substance, but they are considered a type of inhalant when misused. Many states in the United States have tried to reduce misuse by limiting sales to minors, as noted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In summary, misusing air dusters can have catastrophic health consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with this issue, seek help immediately. Resources such as findtreatment.gov, provided by SAMHSA, can help individuals find treatment options near them.
[1] SAMHSA, National Institution on Drug Abuse, Drug Enforcement Administration. [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Health effects of inhalants. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/braindevelopment/inhalants.html
- The misuse of air dusters can cause macular degeneration, a condition that affects the central portion of the retina and may lead to vision loss.
- Science continues to make predictive advancements in understanding the long-term health effects of air duster misuse, including its association with Alzheimer's disease, colitis, and hepatitis.
- Despite the common belief that air dusters are not harmful, they can lead to degeneration in various aspects of health-and-wellness and mental-health, including obesity, HIV, ulcerative colitis, and depression.
- In addition to neurological damage and organ damage, the misuse of air dusters can cause dryness in the mouth and throat, leading to potential irritation and discomfort.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advises that, while it is uncommon, there is a risk of addiction to air dusters and other inhalants, emphasizing the need for appropriate health-and-wellness services.
- People who struggle with addiction to air dusters may experience a range of psychological problems, including anxiety and mood swings, underscoring the importance of mental-health support in recovery.
- It is crucial to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, which can involve understanding and avoiding the risks associated with misusing air dusters and other recreational substances.
- Frequent use of air dusters can exacerbate existing health issues, such as a predisposition to seizures, and may increase the risk of developing new health problems, highlighting the importance of maintaining overall health and wellness.
