(Washington, DC) -- Use of potentially deadly inhalants to get high among American 12-year-olds tops the number of adolescents combined who have used marijuana, cocaine and hallucinogens. Alcohol was the only substance used more among the age group.
New data from the Department of Health & Human Services concludes many children do not know the dangers involved in using vapors to get high, or so-called "huffing." Sniffing common household products such as nail polish, bleach and paint solvents can have fatal consequences. Health officials say it cannot only be addictive, but can lead to brain, heart, liver and kidney damage.
According to the new report from the federal agency, seven percent of 12-year-olds have used an inhalant to get high. That's compared to nearly five percent who say they've taken prescription drugs for non-medical use. Health experts say they're targeting adolescents and parents in a new public information campaign about the dangers of inhalant abuse.
