Air dusters are cans of compressed air that are used to clean hard-to-reach spaces like in between the keys on a keyboard. While air duster is effective in cleaning these areas, some people abuse them as an inhalant drug. Inhalant drugs are a group of substances that individuals inhale into their lungs to get high.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 10% of Americans and 4.8% of 8th graders have abused inhalant drugs.[1]

Abusing air duster, a practice that is often referred to as “huffing air duster,” can lead to an array of serious health complications, including air duster frostbite and even death.

What is Air Duster?

Air dusters are compressed cans of air that are used to clean hard-to-reach places like computers and keyboards. Because they are intended for cleaning, they are easy to buy and found in most hardware or technology stores. However, because they are a known drug of abuse, people are required to be 18 to purchase these items.

Air dusters contain a variety of ingredients, with many of them being dangerous to inhale. Unfortunately, people still abuse air dusters as an inhalant substance.

Some of the ingredients found in air duster cans include:

• Difluoroethane
• Nitrous oxide
• Alkyl nitrates
• Butane
• Propane

Many of the above-mentioned substances can lead to heart issues and complications that may result in sudden death. Typically, the cans of air dusters include a posted warning about only using the product in well-ventilated areas for this reason. Unfortunately, people who abuse air dusters tend to ignore these warnings.

Recognizing the Signs of Duster Abuse

There are various methods that individuals use to get high off of air dusters. However, every method involves inhaling the substance into the lungs.

Some of the methods include:

• Sniffing or snorting the substance through the nose
• Bagging requires the individual to spray the gas into a bag and then inhale the fumes from the bag
• Huffing, which requires the person to spray the fumes into a towel while placing it over the mouth or nose to inhale

While an air duster high only lasts a few seconds or minutes, people tend to repeatedly use the drug to maintain a high and may do so for several hours. This means they are inhaling dangerous amounts of air duster at once, placing them at an increased risk of heart complications.

Some of the warning signs of air duster abuse include:

• Empty cans of air duster in one’s car or bedroom
• Rags soaked in chemicals
• A chemical smell on clothing
• Hoarseness of voice and complaints of numb tongue or throat
• Bloodshot eyes
• Appearing confused or dazed
• Having difficulties concentrating
• Frequent and unpredictable mood swings
• Frequent falls and unsteady gait
• Risk-taking behavior and being involved in potentially hazardous situations
• Isolating from family and friends
• Weight changes and lack of concern over physical appearance

What are the Immediate Side Effects of Huffing Air Duster?

Even after only trying an air duster one time, individuals could experience sudden death due to heart failure. This is because air duster disrupts normal heart rhythms, leading to life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Based on independent studies performed over a 10-year period in three different states, the number of inhalant-related fatalities in the United States is approximately 100–200 per year.”[2]

Other potential short-term effects of huffing air duster include:

• Trouble breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• Disorientation
• Drowsiness
• Air duster frostbite
• Loss of motor control
• Suffocation
• Seizures
• Asphyxiation
• Lack of oxygen to the brain
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Injury related to poor decisions or falling

Because air duster is a refrigerant, it can cause individuals to develop frostbite on their lips, mouth, throat, or tongue when it is abused or inhaled.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries explains, “When any canned‐air product is used you can feel the can become colder. This effect is caused by gas expansion, and the liquid inside is even colder. If expelled, the liquid can quickly and deeply chill skin, fingers, and any other part of the body it contacts.”[3]

Long-Term Effects of Air Duster Abuse

Canned air is a toxic poison that is not meant for human consumption. When this substance is abused over time, individuals can develop brain damage that leads to irreversible neurological deficits. According to research, huffing air duster can lead to brainstem dysfunction, which can cause motor, sensory, and cognitive deficits.[4]

Other long-term results of air duster abuse include:

• Irritability
• Hearing loss
• Slurred speech
• Tremors
• Lack of motor coordination
• Bone marrow toxicity
• Vision problems
• Damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs
• Damage to the central nervous system
• Addiction

Finding Help for Inhalant Abuse and Addiction

Inhalant abuse can lead to a variety of issues, including sudden death related to heart failure. Because of this, it is important for individuals who abuse inhalant drugs like air dusters to consider professional addiction treatment.

At Addiction Intervention, we can connect you with a top-rated addiction treatment program that specializes in inhalant addiction treatment. Contact us today to find a drug or alcohol rehab center near you.

References:

1. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/inhalants
2. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/inhalants/what-are-other-medical-consequences-inhalant-abuse
3. https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/hazardalerts/CannedAir.pdf
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2948777/