Slightly more than 2 million American children between the ages of 12 and 17 have used inhalants to get high.

The numbers may shock you but the truth is one in five students in America have used an inhalant to get high by the time he or she reaches the eighth grade. Tom Johnson says, "A lot of us would get together. It seemed like a good idea to me."

Registered nurse Joan Pape-Knoll explains that there can be more than a thousand products found in your own home that can be very dangerous when inhaled -- things like paint, glue, white out, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and even cooking spray. "Inhalants are so very, very easily to get. If people want to get high they can get high."

Joan says that many young people are simply unaware of the serious health consequences that getting high off vapors can have. "What's so dangerous about the inhalants is that you can die the first time that you try it. Because there is no regulation as to how much you can take into your lungs."

Joan also says that other effects include damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs. Early detection of this type of abuse is important for both parents and physicians. "Look to see if there are changes in your child's behavior, look to see if they're hiding anything. Look through their backpacks, they're your children, ok, you have a right to know what they're doing."

If you're concerned your child may be involved in this type of activity, talk to them and let them know you're there to help them.

If you have immediate concerns, call your physician or Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.