Huffing Propane Hurts Teen
Thursday, Sep 24, 2009 | Updated 11:38 PM EDT
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A teenager boy was hurt while huffing propane in Canton.
Some kids will try anything, but what one Canton teenager did two weeks ago landed him in the hospital until yesterday.
He inhaled propane. He suffered frostbite on his face and didn't do his heart or brain any favors either.
Like other chemicals, propane packs an unpredictable punch.
"A person could be abusing these substances on many occasions but not experience any real problems from it," said Buddy Singalli, clinical toxicologist at the Connecticut Poison Control Center, "But on the next occasion they could experience severe problems. Even sudden death has occurred."
Inhaling propane is rare, he said. When propane turns from liquid to gas its temperature is well below zero, so it's not as commonly inhaled as, for example, computer keyboard cleaner or glue.
"If you see a child who appears to be intoxicated who is not acting appropriately and there's no alcohol around for example," said Singalli, "You need to suspect that these products may be being abused."
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