Why we do what we do

 

Lethal chemicals, such as refrigerant are readily available and easily accessible.  As a result, "huffing", which refers to the inhalation of refrigerant and other dangerous chemicals to achieve feelings of euphoria has been on the rise, predominantly among pre-teens and teenagers.  Refrigerant and other inhalants are highly addictive and are considered a gateway drug because users often progress from inhalants to illegal drug and alcohol abuse. 

 

We strongly support educating the public about the dangers posed by certain chemicals, such as refrigerant.  However, because children are exposed to refrigerant just about everywhere, everyday, we feel that a more effective and permanent solution to keep this poison out of reach of children is in order.  Huffing chemicals such as refrigerant can result in death on the first use.  This is a risk we cannot afford to take with our youth.  One of the goals of UPROAR is to propose solutions to lawmakers and governing bodies to address this problem. 

 

Proposals M91-07/08, Parts I and II were approved as submitted!!!

With overwhelming support, our proposals to the International Code Council were approved as submitted at the Final Action Hearing in Minneapolis.  We are extremely appreciative of the ICC members and chapters who recognize the risks and dangers associated with open access to refrigerant and made the commitment to support and vote for these proposals.  Thank you all once again.  We are also grateful to the International Code Council for their open and unbiased process.  Finally, we would like to extend a special thanks to the following for their contribution to the success of these proposals.

  • Guy Tomberlin, C.B.O., County of Fairfax, Va.

  • Julius Ballance, P.E., President of JB Engineering and Code Consulting

  • Harvey Weiss, Executive Director, National Inhalant Prevention Coalition

  • Dana Lynne Prothro, Mother of Erica Rain Prothro

  • Gerry Spanger, President, SlimDuct, Inc.

  • Sharyl Adams, Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development

  • Terri Brown, Camden Children’s Alliance & Resources, Inc.

  • G. Wayne Frith, Substance Abuse Free Environment, Inc.

  • John Gladness, City of Sylacauga, AL

  • Gregorio Deleon Guerrero, Mobile, AL

  • Jessica Landreth, Camden Children’s Alliance & Resources, Inc.

  • Paola Merkins, West Vancouver, BC

  • Celenda Perry, Camden Children’s Alliance & Resources, Inc.

 

AC Manufacturers

 

One of the most effective ways to make refrigerant inaccessible to unlicensed individuals is to have AC manufacturers redesign their units in such a manner that the refrigerant is secured.  We strongly encourage you to pursuade your AC manufacturer or as many AC manufacturers as you can to put tamper resistant locking caps on their units.  A list of AC manufacturers is available here.   

 

 

Consumer Product Safety Commission

 

The existing design of most AC units is obviously flawed in that it allows easy venting of refrigerant through external filling valves.  This is extremely hazardous and must be immediately corrected.  As consumers of these products, you have the right to report such hazards to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  We urge you to report this hazard to the CPSC by filling out their online form at https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

 

 

Internet Scrubbing

 

Children learn a lot of bad habits from the internet, including how to huff refrigerant.  Please join us in our efforts to rid the internet of media which glorifies huffing and/or provides instructions on how to huff refrigerant.  Many videos have already been removed from file sharing websites, but new ones pop up almost as quickly as we get them removed.  Please help us scour these file sharing sites and report any  inappropriate materials to the provider.  A list of user generated file sharing websites are listed here.   

 

 

Petition

 

We are currently collecting signatures in support of our cause.  This will be presented to organizations requiring so much support for our cause.  Please sign our petition at Care2 Petitionsite

 

 

   

Related Articles

Kids Huffing Freon to Get High

Sudden High, Sudden Death

Huffing Suspected in Death

People Looking for a Quick Fix, Huffing Freon

A Note from Someone Who Works on AC Units

Don't Stop Till You Get a Huff

Freon from Air Conditioners Being Used for a Quick High

Freon Leak Again?

Turn for the Worst

Local AZ Youths Arrested for Huffing Freon

Freon, It's What's for Dinner

Inhalants are Common, Yet Especially Dangerous

When Air Conditioners Go Bad

Cautionary Tale:  First Breath, Last Breath

 

 

United Parents to Restrict Open Access to Refrigerant Corporation

513 Leawood Circle

Naples, FL  34104

Phone:  786-228-7102

Fax:  360-246-2894

info@uproarorg.org

 

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