Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 28/05) - The problem of solvent abuse, which reached epidemic proportions in some Nunavut communities, has come to Inuvik, say police and elementary school officials.

"It was brought to my attention by students themselves and concerned parents," said Sir Alexander Mackenzie school principal Janette Vlanich, adding that she believes it is happening only amongst a small number of SAMS students.

"Parents should be aware that young students are getting involved in such activities and open the dialogue with their children."

After being made aware of the problem, Vlanich contacted Inuvik RCMP who sent Constable Adam MacDonald to SAMS to talk with all students in Grades 4 to 6, as well as one Grade 2 class.

"Some kids had been sniffing and some had tried to convince some other kids to do it," said MacDonald.

"It has been a problem in smaller communities in Nunavut, but as far as Inuvik is concerned, it's pretty new. The big problem is, these items are so accessible."

Known as huffing, the practise involves sniffing chemicals, such as paint thinner, household cleaners and gasoline, to achieve a high.

The short-term and long-term health hazards are serious and, in rare cases, fatal. Huffing numbs the senses, including taste and smell, and the effect on brain function can range from memory loss to complete loss of co-ordination that may be irreversible in some cases.

"One of the worst effects is sudden sniffing death," explained MacDonald.

"It could be a first time user, who, out of nowhere with no warning signs, can die. That's the scary thing."

MacDonald says he's encountered the situation once in the line of duty, while dealing with several kids all under the age of 12 that he suspected of abusing solvents.

"I believed one of them to be under the influence (of solvents)," MacDonald said.

He recalled confronting four youth after receiving a complaint from a parent, who alleged the kids had tried to convince another to sniff gasoline. "One in particular appeared as if he was under the influence, he seemed groggy," MacDonald said.

MacDonald added that the tell-tale signs of solvent sniffing include a pungent smell of chemicals and mouth sores for repeated users.

He estimates that between 12 and 15 youth in the community are engaged in solvent sniffing on a regular basis.

As for exactly how long this activity has been occurring in town, neither MacDonald nor Vlanich are sure.

"I couldn't say how long it has been going on, but we are trying to do what we can at the school by raising awareness," said Vlanich.

"Parents need to talk to their children about peer pressure and closely supervise them."