Huffing Death (09/26/08)

A dangerous trend that's growing in popularity takes the life of a Franklin woman. It's called "huffing"; when someone inhales aerosol chemicals to get high.

47-year-old Julie Miller was found dead inside her car on Tuesday. It was parked at the Wal-Mart in Franklin. That's where police say Miller bought the chemicals that killed her.

"It's dangerous, you're huffing in chemicals into your body, your body is going to react different than someone else's." explains Franklin Police Department Detective Stephen Apel, "You could sniff it one time and that would be your last."

Miller's relatives tell News 13 she heard about "huffing" on a television show called "Intervention". They say she first tried it a month ago. And since then, family members say they tried to convince her to stop.

So what are some signs that a loved one might be huffing? First, many empty spray paint cans -- especially gold and silver colours -- or cans of dust remover. Gold and silver contain high concentrations of taluline, a chemical that can induce extreme highs - and if inhaled continuously - can cause massive brain damage. Second, socks or plastic bags covered in paint. Abusers use these products as filters to capture fumes without getting covered in paint. Third, extreme breathing troubles for hours after suspected abuse. Many areosol products constrict the lung's breathing capacity. And finally, disorientation or confusion -- or extreme changes in personality. That's because of oxygen reduction to the brain.Huffing Death (9/26/08)