Epidemiology of inhalant abuse reported to two regional poison centers

The regional poison information center is a potential sentinel for substance abuse patterns. Its central data collection system allows it to access information from large population groups. We report results from a one year prospective cases series of inhalation abuse from two regional poison information centers.

Prospective case series. All inhalation exposures reported to two regional poison information centers with a reason of intentional abuse were included.

One hundred sixty-five cases were collected. One hundred twenty-four exposures (75%) were male. Age ranged from 4 to 45 y, with a mean, median and mode of 16.6 (SD 7.3), 15 and 13, respectively. Nine children were < 6 years old. There were 22 substances involved, but two substances (spray paint and gasoline) accounted for more than 61% of all cases. In children < 9 y (n = 18, 11%) gasoline alone accounted for 83% of exposures. Abuse occurred statewide, in both urban and rural settings, but tended to occur more often in rural environments (75%). Abuse was reported throughout the day with a peak incidence at 8 pm. One hundred twenty-three patients received direct medical evaluation or care. There was one fatality in this series and 15 patients were described as having life threatening symptoms.

Inhalation abuse may begin very early in childhood and abuse appears to peak in adolescence. The regional poison information center can act as a sentinel for abuse patterns. This information can assist health care providers in poison and abuse prevention efforts.