In 2005, reports began of teens dying after inhaling the chemical difluoroethane from a popular computer-cleaning spray known as Dust-Off. Many other inhalants contain this chemical, but it is the most common. In the U.S., inhalant abuse accounts for as many as 100 to 200 deaths each year. Cardiac arrests after inhalant abuse are common enough that they’ve been given a name: “sudden sniffing death.” Huffing cases also include Dust-Off and other types of aerosol cases to that where a third-party who was innocent as a bystander was injured by a person that loses control of the vehicle while driving a car.
About Huffing
Inhalant abuse (“huffing”) is the intentional inhalation of chemical vapors to attain a mental “high” or euphoric effect from common household products. A 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed most abusers are under the age of 18. However, huffing affects people of all ages.
Huffing Side Effects
Huffing produces effects similar to alcohol intoxication. These include drowsiness, lightheadedness and loss of inhibition. Constant use can cause dizziness, hallucinations, belligerence, apathy, and impaired judgment.
However, long-term huffing can produce:
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Weight loss
- Inattentiveness
- Lack of coordination
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Sudden cardiac death
Sudden cardiac death from fatal cardiac arrhythmias and death can also happen from huffing. Chronic huffing damages the user’s heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.
Types of Huffing Inhalants
Substances commonly used by inhalant abusers fall into several categories:
- Volatile solvents: paint thinner, gasoline, felt-tip markers, nail polish remover, or glue
- Aerosol sprays: spray paint, deodorant, or hair-care products
- Gases: nitrous oxide
- Nitrites: room deodorizers
Huffing Lawsuits
Many people while under the influence of a huffing agent have hurt people. In 2012, a mother and her nine-year-old daughter were struck by vehicle on the sidewalk outside the grocery store. The driver was huffing compressed gas from a can of 3M dust remover. He blacked out and lost control.
3M knows of huffing dangers. In fact, the company put warning labels on the cans and included a bitterest to the compress gas to deter misuse. However, research shows the bitterest does not work, and 3M knows that.
Speak to an Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed by huffing, you need an attorney with experience helping people who have been harmed by pharmaceutical drugs. The attorneys at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm know what it takes to go up against drug manufacturers to get clients what they need.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. You may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of losses that can be recovered include:
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of an ability to work; and
Pain and suffering
If a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
Funeral expenses
Medical expenses prior to death
Loss of economic support; and
Loss of companionship
If the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling drug is found to be highly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. Therefore, if you developed complications after huffing, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
Case evaluations are free of cost and also without obligation. Call us today at (877) 513-9517 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your options. We may be able to get you the help you need.