This is a list of all inhalant legislation up to 2010 by state in the U.S. There are 48 states in the U.S. which have some form of inhalant legislation, although they are not included in this list. Look for legislators interested in the topic who will be willing to consider your proposals.
What We Can Do
Help Us Stop A Century Old Addiction
The Inhalant use problem can only be changed when families and individuals get involved. The fact that this issue is unknown to most who encounter it, demonstrates how much has to be done. Not only do communities (all members) need to be educated and aware of the severe dangers of inhalants, they need to know what products are used, the populations involved, and what current legislation/laws address the problem along with local retail practices. This isn’t just an “inhaler’s” problem, this is a societal problem. Any individual involved with the Inhalant issue and wants work on reducing the problem can pursue any one of the following suggested actions.
What Can You Do to Address the Inhalant Issue
1. Talk with school administrators, teachers and parent groups regarding inhalant education in their teen curriculum. Encourage a parent information night and set up information booths at school events when appropriate. There are educational materials and videos available along with inhalant lessons on Amazon and other educational material websites. Often EMTs, teen counselors, and law enforcement have resources for guest speakers. There are numerous inhalant news articles on the internet (below) and user and educational videos available on YouTube. Please screen before sharing.
“Reformed duster addict describes horrors,” Daily Herald - October 13, 2013; Barbara Christansen
https://www.heraldextra.com/news/10cal/reformed-duster-addict-describes-horrors
2. Review your State and local laws and legislation to see if changes or amendments need to be made. Writing to legislators with supporting information and data regarding inhalant use in your area or the needed regulation/retail restrictions of a certain product experiencing prominent use in your area is a great step to take. Getting a local business, parent or community medical group to support this effort is always a positive addition.
3. Working with community first responders to ensure that they are educated regarding inhalant use and the appropriate steps needed when providing treatment. Many individuals don’t understand the severe brain and organ damage involved along with the Sudden Death heart arrythmia issue.
4. Families can choose to use safe products that provide no risk for inhalant use. Many ecofriendly, odorless products are great, non-aerosols for personal care and deodorizing are best, and portable air compressors, vacuums and clean air dispensers like “O2 Hurricane” for electronic device cleaners will decrease the potential for inhalant use and also support a safe and clean environment.
5. One of the final and most personal recommendations is to seek legal action when a death or physical damage to a loved one from an inhalant is experienced, the negligence of manufacturers, retailers, doctors and more can all be a part of any given situation. Every inhalant incident is different and should not be ignored. Legal cases can often drive changes in the practice of how inhalants are sold and how inhalers are treated medically. These cases are often stressful and lengthy, yet are needed to change the current situation.
6. Report all inhalant injuries and deaths to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. 1-800-638-2772; email: [email protected]
There is a report form and the commission address at www.saferproducts.gov. You also need to report these incidents to the Corporate Offices of the product manufacturer and retailer. Use a written form that can be saved.
“Inhalants – The Easy to Acquire but Deadly Drug That Nobody Talks About,” Houston Press – September 6, 2016. Carter Sherman; https://www.houstonpress.com/news/inhalants-the-easy-to-acquire-but-deadly-drug-that-nobody-talks-about
About Us
Families United Against Inhalant Abuse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 2018. We are committed to educating families on the dangers of household items that can be used as inhalants and the affects that they can cause. The Families United Against Inhalant Abuse is a Florida Foundation and welcomes any questions, supportive thoughts and volunteer efforts that will help us address inhalant use in this country and hopefully decrease the number of deaths attributed to this addiction.