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Dust Off ®, Death On
byby Valerie DeFrance, NREMT-P, EMS I/C; Alaska
"Dusting" involves inhaling compressed air from aerosol cans, specifically
computer dusting products, such as Dust Off ® .
As with many forms
of inhalant abuse, inhaling the chemicals can give a mild high for a few
minutes. In other cases, it can leave permanent brain damage or
kill.
Teens inhaling the gases is a scourge of the industry, said Dust
Off ® aerosol manufacturer Falcon The company's website and products are covered
in warnings and information on the dangers of inhalant abuse.
Experts say
the understanding amongst the kids is that there was no gas involved, or no
volatile substances involved in what they're using. They believe that they were
intaking air - which is completely false."
In one case, a 14-year-old boy
in the U.S. was found dead in his bed with a can of duster beside him. His
father was a police sergeant, his mother a nurse, the family pet a drug-sniffing
dog. His parents never thought there would be drugs in the
house.
Inhaling computer duster tends to happen more often among
urban, middle-class kids who aren't necessarily using other drugs, say
researchers.
Currently no one knows how widespread the problem may be, and it appears
parents don't talk to their teens about dusting, and teens assume the practice
is safe. In Britain and the U.S., organizations are tracking aerosol abuse. It's
estimated up to 150 American teens and young adults die each year from the
practice.
Immediate treatment is directed at reversing life-threatening symptoms. A
calm, quiet atmosphere should be provided to prevent adrenalin surge which can
bring about cardiac arrhythmia and cause Sudden Sniffing Death (SSD).
General treatment includes:
- Airway management. Prevention of aspiration is essential. High-flow oxygen
via a mask or by endotracheal tube is recommended, if indicated.
- Vital signs and cardiac monitoring.
- IV for hydration and access for administration of emergency drugs.
- Calm environment. Inhalants cause an increased release of catecholamines
leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. If the client becomes
frightened, it can lead to additional release of catecholamines.
- In the event of accidental ingestion of an inhalant, it is recommended that
a nasogastric tube be placed and aspirate the stomach contents within one hour
of ingestion. The contents will absorb into the bloodstream after one hour.
Neither syrup of ipecac, activated charcoal or aggressive gastric lavage is
recommended. Ipecac could cause aspiration of the solvent secondary to vomiting.
Activated charcoal doesn’t absorb solvents well and if vomiting from activated
charcoal occurs, the aspiration risk increases.
- Medication. There is no recommended medication for withdrawal of inhalant
abuse. However, individual symptoms can be treated with medication for
manifestations of inhalant abuse.
Falcon Safety Products Dust Off ® manufacturers warning
about misuse
The National Institutes of Health - Inhalant
Abuse
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