Why we do what we do

Lethal chemicals, such as refrigerant are easily accessible and legal.  As a result, "huffing", which refers to the inhalation of refrigerant and other dangerous chemicals to achieve feelings of intoxication and euphoria has been on the rise over the past few years mainly 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 poison out of children's reach 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 children.  One of the goals of UPROAR is to propose solutions to lawmakers and governing bodies to address this problem.

Inhalant Abuse:  What you should know

Want to know more about inhalant abuse?  Take the web-based training on inhalant abuse developed especially for parents and guardians by Howard Wolfe, MA, LMFT, Director of the New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition.  To take the web-based training, please visit the New England Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition website at http://www.inhalantabusetraining.org/.

Code Adoption

We are proud to report that the provision for locking refrigerant caps on new construction has been codified in the 2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC).  The inclusion of this provision in the IMC and IRC is a major accomplishment in the fight to prevent needless injuries and deaths resulting from exposure to refrigerant.  However, to be effective, it is crucial and urgent that the 2009 IMC and 2009 IRC are adopted by all states on all levels.  We strongly encourage you to join in the fight against unauthorized access to refrigerant by urging your state and local building officials to adopt the 2009 IMC and 2009 IRC.  For a list of building officials by state, please contact us. 

In the News

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