Posted: March 20, 2008
Parent Warning
Some of you may have seen a story recently on WIS TV, or other local TV stations that talked about a 17 year old student “huffing” compressed air, then driving his vehicle. He lost consciousness, hit a pedestrian, and then crashed the vehicle. He did not regain consciousness until his air bags deployed on impact.
When children inhale the compressed air from “Dust Off”, a chemical used to clean computers and other electronic equipment, it is called “huffing” or “dusting”. The majority of students who participate in “dusting” range in age from 9 through 15, but any age group can be affected.
“Dust Off” not only contains compressed air, but also R2, a propellant similar to the propellants used in refrigerators. R2 is a heavy gas, and is heavier than air. When these chemicals are inhaled, they’re rapidly absorbed through the lungs distributed to the brain and other organs. Within seconds of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol. It causes dizziness and a “buzzed” feeling, lasting a few moments.
The most difficult problem about “huffing” is that there is no warning when someone has had too much. It’s not necessarily a cumulative effect, or an overdose that kills. Death is possible within the first 2 seconds the very first time a child tries it, Convulsions or seizures, coma, choking, or fatal injuries are other potential problems caused by inhalant abuse.
Early identification and intervention are the best ways to stop inhalant abuse before it causes serious health consequences. Chemical odors on the breath or clothing, drunk or disoriented appearance, slurred speech, and nausea or loss of appetite can be signs of a serious inhalant abuse problem. Other signs include inattentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and depression.
We wanted you to be aware of this problem and keep “Dust Off” away from your children. The manufacturer has a warning printed on their cans: ‘A cleaning duster is a serious product. Inhalant abuse is illegal and can cause permanent injury or be fatal. Please use our product responsibly.’”
Below are some web sites with more information:
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Inhalants/Inhalants.html
http://www.falconsafety.com/default.aspx?pageid=46
POSTED: January 16, 2007
There were 118 traffic deaths in South Carolina among drivers between
the ages of 16 and 20 in 2005 -- the most recent data from the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
An interactive web site,
www.drivingskillsforlife.com
, enables young
people to go online for hands-on training to improve their skills behind
the wheel while offering an opportunity to win terrific prizes.
Vehicle crashes remain the No. 1 killer of teenagers in America -- a
total of 5,699 between the ages of 16 and 20 in 2005 (NHTSA includes
20-year-olds in the teen category). Driving Skills for Life, established
in 2003 by Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety
Association, helps young drivers improve their skills in four areas that
are factors in more than 60 percent of teen vehicle crashes: Hazard
Recognition, Vehicle Handling, Space Management and Speed Managerment.
In addition, it teaches eco-driving to enhance safety.
The Web site is not just for teens, but also parents and educators.
Parents can access tips to help their young drivers, and educators can
do lesson plans for classroom instruction.