"HUFFING" - INHALANT DEATH
The Coroner's office received a call from dispatch regarding the death of a 17 year old female. Responding to the place of death, the deputy was met by law enforcement officers who stated that EMS had also responded and found the subject DOA. No medical intervention was initiated. The subject had no previous medical history and was not taking any medication. The subject's mother had found her unresponsive in her bedroom and called 911.
The deputy entered the subject's bedroom and found her prone on the bed - fully clothed - body was cold to the touch - rigor was proceeding and lividity was appropriate to the position found. Examination of the body showed blue spray paint in the subject's nostrils. There were no paint cans or items associated with huffing found in the bedroom. The deputy asked the subject's mother if she had removed any items from the room previous to the arrival of EMS and law enforcement. She broke into tears and stated that she had taken a can of blue spray paint and an empty toilet paper roll stuffed with cotton that was found sitting on the bed. The deputy followed the subject's mother into the garage and assisted her in retrieving the items from a garbage can.
An interview with the subject's mother revealed that she had caughter her daughter huffing paint on a previous occasion approximately three months earlier. The mother was told that this was a one-time "experiment" by her daughter that she had stated it would "never happend again". The body was photographed and then transported to the coroner's office along with the items of evidence.
The forensic pathologist determined the cause of death to be: Laquer Inhalation. Manner of death: Accident.
What is "Huffing"?
Huffing is slang for the abuse of inhalants. Those individuals who abuse inhalants use a variety of substances, which can range from illegal drugs to household cleaning products, which are relatively inexpensive and easy to access. The huffing of paint has become increasingly popular among teens for the instant high that they get, and also the accessibility of this product. There are many who think that the huffing paint is not as serious as huffing other substances, such as illegal drugs. The truth is, the chemicals found in paint affect the brain much faster and stronger than many other substances, causing great health problems and serious risks, such as coma or even death. It is incredibly important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to recognize the signs of huffing.
Recognizing the signs of huffing
Some of the signs to look for if a parent, teacher, or caregiver suspect’s an individual might be huffing paint are:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Red, runny nose
- Odd behavior, almost like the individual is drunk
- Chemical-like breath
- Paint on nose, hands, or mouth
- Paint in odd places, like the bedroom, bathroom , or car
The effects of huffing paint
The effects of huffing paint can be destructive and long-lasting if not dealt with right away. These effects can be both physical and mental. It is important that parents, teachers, and teens are all educated on the harmful effects of huffing paint. Some of the physical effects include:
- Heart problems
- Kidney and liver failure
- Damaged or loss of smell
- Lung problems
- Continuous nose-bleeds and nausea
- Coma
- Death
There are also extreme mental side effects that come from huffing paint. The mental side effects include:
- Depression
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Apathy
- Quality of school work becomes deficient
- Hyperactivity
- Violent or uncontrollable behavior