Sniffing Out Drugs

When most people think of drug abuse, they think of illegal substances like heroin, cocaine and LSD. Would it surprise you to know that some of the most toxic substances abused by children and teens can be found in the home? Certain household and office products, including glue, shoe polish, gasoline and cleaning fluids can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Called “inhalants,” these vapors can have devastating side effects. They pose a particularly significant problem because they are readily accessible, legal and inexpensive. In a 2003 study, 12.7% of 10th graders and 11.2% of 12th graders said they had abused inhalants at least once.