POLICE ISSUE WARNING ABOUT INHALANT MISUSE

Waukesha - A report from a North High School teacher who told
officials she knew of local students using air freshener to get high
prompted city police Thursday to issue a warning to parents about the
dangers of inhalant misuse.

"Our concern at this point is that we need to advise parents that kids
are looking at this as another means of drug use," said Officer Bill
Beglinger, who teaches the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in
Waukesha's elementary schools.

"They should be aware of it to try to combat it because of some of the
effects . . . including even sudden death. It's just a warning for
parents to be nosy as to what their kids are doing."

Beglinger asked that parents keep an eye on aerosol air freshener,
hair spray, deodorants, whipping cream, paint, gasoline, glue and
polishes, all of which can be used as inhalants. Other possible
inhalants include typewriter correction fluid, air-conditioning
refrigerant, felt-tip markers, spray paint, butane and cooking spray.

"If you're going through them rather quickly, it's a good indication
that they may be used as an inhalant," he said.

Though the use of inhalants is not illegal, Beglinger said, anyone
caught under the influence of an inhalant whose life may be in
jeopardy may be put into protective custody for a mental evaluation.

He said local stores whose employees are suspicious of juveniles
buying inhalant products may refuse to sell to them. However, there is
no law requiring refusal because the products are legal.

Although Beglinger said inhalant use locally is not "epidemic," police
have become more aware of the problem and wanted to alert parents to
it.

According to the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition's Web site,
inhalants slow down the body's function and can cause from slight
stimulation, to loss of inhibitions or loss of consciousness. The
effects vary depending upon the dosage. Use can damage nearly all
major body organs and cause death.

Signs of inhalant abuse include:

Paint or stains on body or clothing.

Spots or sores around the mouth.

Red or runny eyes or nose.

Chemical odor on the breath.

Drunk, dazed or dizzy appearance.

Nausea or loss of appetite.

Anxiety, excitability, irritability.