Jakarta, ThedailyID — More than 500,000 teenagers in the United States reportedly inhaled dangerous chemical substances over the past year, prompting doctors to warn about serious health risks and possible sudden death.
Health experts said many teenagers abuse inhalants because the products remain cheap, easy to access, and commonly found inside homes, schools, or convenience stores.
The substances often include glue, paint thinner, aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, gasoline, and other chemical products that release toxic fumes.
Doctors warned that inhaling these chemicals can immediately affect the brain, lungs, heart, and nervous system.
In severe cases, inhalant abuse may trigger seizures, organ damage, suffocation, cardiac arrest, or sudden death even after a single use.
Medical experts also noted that teenagers often underestimate the danger because many inhalants come from ordinary household products.
According to researchers, inhalants can create short-term feelings of dizziness or euphoria. However, repeated exposure may cause permanent brain damage and long-term cognitive problems.
Psychologists additionally linked the trend to stress, peer pressure, curiosity, and social media influence among adolescents.
Public health officials urged parents and schools to increase awareness about inhalant abuse and monitor unusual behavior among teenagers.
Doctors also encouraged early intervention because many users begin experimenting at a very young age.
Meanwhile, health organizations continue warning that inhalant abuse remains one of the most overlooked forms of substance misuse among adolescents.
