Huffing isn’t a new idea. Getting high off inhalants found
in everything from spray paint to permanent markers has been a pop culture norm
for quite some time. A recent resurgence of this topic in the news isn’t really
surprising either. Neither is the fact that users are inhaling refrigerants to
accomplish their high. The surprising fact is where teenagers are getting this
substance - straight out of the air conditioning unit in their backyard.
So much for going outside to play catch or chase the dog
around. These kids are sitting around out back taking hits of mom and dad’s a/c
unit.
Some might laugh at the absurdity of the concept, but the
truth of the matter is, this practice has lead directly to multiple deaths and
traumatic brain injuries, as well as permanent brain damage if the user is
lucky enough to survive.
What happens when these teenage huffers grow up and begin
working in your HVACR shop? Not possible you say? One California contractor
thought the same thing until he opened the back of a service vehicle and found
his dead technician next to a refrigerant canister with a refrigerant hose
stuck in his mouth.
As an industry, maybe its time to start educating the general
public about locking up their refrigerants for the sake of the proper
functioning of the equipment and the environment, but most importantly for the
sake of their children. It might also be time to take a closer look at the
technicians in your shop as well.
Huffers Need Not Apply
Angela Harris is the Technology Editor. She can be contacted at 248-786-1254 or angelaharris@achrnews.com. Angela is responsible for What’s New and Technology articles for The NEWS. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Oakland University and has nine years of professional journalism experience.
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