Portsmouth police were called to a local rehab facility after reports that a woman in a vehicle was not responding properly and may have overdosed.
According to the report, staff told officers the woman had allegedly been using canned air duster in the parking lot before the incident.
By the time officers arrived, the woman had gotten out of the vehicle and gone inside the facility.
Police said she did not appear to show obvious signs of alcohol or drug impairment while they were speaking with her.
She remained in the care of HopeSource employees at the facility.
⚠️ WHAT IS “AIR DUSTING”?
“Air dusting” or “huffing” involves inhaling chemicals from products like:
- Computer keyboard cleaner
- Spray dusters
- Aerosol cans
- Paint or cleaning products
People abuse the fumes to create a short-lived high.
🚨 WHY IT’S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
Many people mistakenly believe inhalants are safer because the products are legal and easy to buy.
They are not.
Huffing can cause:
- Heart failure
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Loss of consciousness
- Suffocation
- Sudden death
In some cases, people die the very first time they try it.
👀 WHY FIRST RESPONDERS TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
People using inhalants may appear:
- Disoriented
- Unresponsive
- Aggressive
- Confused
- Or suddenly collapse
And unlike many drugs, inhalants can kill almost instantly through a condition known as “sudden sniffing death.”
❤️ A GROWING ISSUE THAT OFTEN GETS OVERLOOKED
Because products like air duster are sold in ordinary stores, inhalant abuse sometimes flies under the radar compared to opioids or methamphetamine.
But treatment professionals warn it can be especially dangerous among:
- Teens
- People in addiction recovery
- Individuals struggling with mental health issues
In this case, staff acted quickly, police responded, and the woman was already inside receiving help by the time officers arrived.