In our most recent Landmark Recovery Podcast, Phil Sieff, a lawyer with Robins Kaplan experienced in high-profile cases, discusses shedding light on the alarming issue of keyboard duster misuse. Dust removers, easily available and legal, have emerged as the most misused inhalant in recent years, causing severe injuries and even fatalities. Sieff emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about this issue, as a lack of knowledge has contributed to its growing prevalence.
The podcast highlighted the disturbing statistics of dust remover misuse. Approximately three million people intentionally inhaled dust remover annually, with around two million being 12 years old or older. Emergency room visits linked to dust remover misuse had been on the rise every year since 2006. These inhalants had become particularly popular among kids due to their purity, lack of mess, and the ease with which they could be concealed.
Sieff mentioned that although accurate statistics were challenging to obtain, law enforcement officials had become increasingly aware of the problem and had been more proactive in testing for it. At the time of the podcast, there were seven ongoing lawsuits involving dust remover inhalants, including tragic incidents involving innocent parties such as a Girl Scout troop and a young mother.
Keyboard dusters are alarmingly accessible and affordable, ranging in price from $3 to $8 per can. They can be purchased at various stores, including big box stores, hardware stores, drug stores, and gas stations. The product is prone to theft and is also available online. With 20 million cans sold annually and the industry valued at around $160 million per year, the risks associated with these products are becoming increasingly significant.
An ongoing litigation against keyboard dusters aims to address the product’s misuse as an inhalant to get high. Inhaling the aerosol can lead to impairment, confusion, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and even death. While manufacturers claiming to deter misuse through warnings and education, the effectiveness of these measures remains low, and education efforts are nearly non-existent.
Sieff urges individuals to visit his website for contact information; only cases involving third-party harm are currently being accepted. He expresses his empathy for families affected by this issue and criticizes the argument that not everything could be stopped. Sieff argues that if there were a legitimate need for these products, a safer way of distributing them should be found. He personally does not see the need for the products and has only used two cans in his lifetime.
By raising awareness about the dangers of keyboard dust removers, Sieff hopes that better regulation and education can help prevent future tragedies.
Why Are Keyboard Dust Removers Dangerous?
In recent years, the misuse of keyboard dust removers as recreational drugs has become an alarming and growing trend. Easily accessible and legal, these products pose significant health risks to those who inhale their contents for a quick high. We will explore some of the proposed solutions for the dangers of keyboard dust remover misuse to prevent the devastating consequences associated with this trend.
The Appeal of Keyboard Dust Removers
- Accessibility and Affordability: Keyboard dust removers are easily obtainable at various retail locations, such as big box stores, hardware stores, drug stores, and gas stations. With prices ranging from $3 to $8 per can, they offer a cheap and readily available option for those seeking a quick high.
- Undetectability: The lack of mess and odor associated with keyboard dust removers makes them an inconspicuous choice for users. They can be easily hidden and used without drawing attention, making them a popular choice among teenagers and young adults.
Health Risks and Consequences
- Immediate Effects: Inhaling the aerosol from keyboard dust removers can cause a range of immediate effects, including disorientation, confusion, loss of coordination, and impaired judgment. These effects can lead to dangerous situations, putting both the user and those around them at risk.
- Long-term Consequences: Prolonged use of keyboard dust removers as inhalants can lead to severe health problems, such as brain damage, liver and kidney failure, and even death. The risk of sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS) is also present, where users can die suddenly after inhaling the substance, even if it is their first time using it.
The Need for Awareness
Greater public education is valuable in exposing the dangers. A lack of public awareness about the dangers of keyboard dust remover misuse is a significant contributing factor to its growing prevalence. Initiatives aimed at educating the general public, particularly teenagers and young adults, are essential in curbing this trend.
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The dangers of keyboard dust remover misuse as a recreational drug are both real and severe. With growing numbers of users putting their health and lives at risk, it is crucial to raise public awareness and implement stronger regulations to prevent further tragedies. By working together, manufacturers, governments, and communities can help combat this disturbing trend and protect those most vulnerable to its devastating effects.
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