Pubdate: Fri, 19 Aug 2005 Source: Florida Times-Union (FL) Copyright: 2005 The Florida Times-Union Contact: http://www.jacksonville.com/aboutus/letters_to_editor.shtml Website: http://www.times-union.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/155 DRUGS - DUSTING GAINS POPULARITY Parents used to be warned about huffing, the act of inhaling fumes from paint or glue, a common way for middle school students to get high. But the new fad, parents, is dusting. Remember that can of Dust-Off you used to clean your keyboard? Your children could be using that can to get high. Compressed air is a heavy gas that fills the lungs and keeps good air out. It generally causes dizziness and a buzz that lasts a couple of seconds. The air actually decreases oxygen to the brain, heart and lungs, and it can kill without warning. The air can also cause the tongue to freeze, causing frostbite. The New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition said that as many as 39 percent of first-time dusters die immediately. But as if that weren't alarming enough, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America revealed that inhalant use has increased by 18 percent among eighth-graders and 44 percent by sixth-graders. Keep an eye out for the following: # Bloodshot eyes # A dazed look # Numbness # A sore or frostbitten tongue Realizing this is a problem in our community, Kesler Mentoring Connection, Jacksonville Community Council Inc., and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will host "Huff, Puff and Sniff" How Youth are Getting High, Monday, Aug. 22 at JCCI. The forum is free. Register at (904) 224- 1490. Fads are always changing, especially when it comes to children. It is important for parents to stay on top of the most current information available. Learn as much as you can about this topic. It might just save your child's life. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth