EMS Instructors - General Articles
Dust Off ®, Death On
By by Valerie DeFrance, NREMT-P, EMS I/C; Alaska
Jun 29, 2005, 15:40

Courtesy the EMS House of DeFrance http://www.defrance.org

"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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