Dusting: The Hidden Danger Every Parent and Teen Should Know
Dusting is a type of inhalant abuse in which users, often teenagers and young adults, inhale fumes from aerosol dust removers, typically used for cleaning computer keyboards, to get high. These products contain chemicals such as difluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane, which are not intended for human consumption. When inhaled, these substances can cause euphoria, dizziness, and hallucinations almost immediately.
To achieve a euphoric high, users may spray the aerosol directly into their mouth or nose or inhale it through a straw. Because the effects are powerful but short-lived, users often repeat the process frequently, leading to a dangerous and potentially fatal cycle of abuse.
Why Is Dusting Popular With Teens and Young Adults?
Also known as “chroming” or “huffing,” inhalant abuse is especially common among teens due to the perception that it’s a safer alternative to illegal drugs. These products are:
- Legal and easy to obtain
- Inexpensive
- Readily available in stores and online
This false sense of safety can lead to tragic consequences. For example, inhaling difluoroethane was one of the contributing factors in the death of singer Aaron Carter in 2023. More recently, Reena O’Rourke, a 19-year-old from Arizona, died from sudden sniffing death syndrome, a fatal cardiac arrhythmia caused by inhalant abuse. According to her mother said she didn’t even know her daughter had bought the cleaner.
Risks Associated With Inhalant Abuse
While some effects of inhalant abuse are short-term, such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
These can increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. More severe and long-term health consequences include:
- Brain damage
- Heart failure
- Kidney and liver damage
- Muscle weakness
- Mood disorders and depression
- Cognitive impairments, including memory loss
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable, as their brains and bodies are still developing and more susceptible to damage.
Getting Help
If you suspect your child is engaging in dusting or abusing inhalants, seek help immediately. There are various treatment options available, including:
- Therapy and counseling
- Support groups
- Specialized addiction treatment programs
Early intervention can save lives.