Teens using AC systems to get high

(WPRI) - An important alert for parents about a dangerous way that teens are trying to get high; huffing freon.

The gas is found in air conditioning systems, and we've learned inhaling it could have fatal consequences. Some parents actually thought they had a leak in their air conditioning systems, only to find their teens were inhaling freon to get high.

• Hazards of Huffing

Just by searching on YouTube, you can see what your teen could be peer pressured into. In one video, a teen breathes from a balloon, and is so disoriented he stumbles, knocking into a table.

In another video, a teen huffs, then falls to the ground, drooling while his friends laugh.

There's video after video of teens experimenting by inhaling the coolant commonly found in air conditioning systems. Experts say freon causes a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication.

But Dr. Shan Yin from Cincinnati Children's Hospital warns about the dangers of huffing freon, saying, "Even a single use can result in sudden death."

Gail Henry knows that heartbreakingly well. In tears, she speaks about her son, Jacob. The 18-year-old college student was found dead next to an air conditioning unit with a bag over his head.

She says he had been huffing freon. "Huffing affects everybody in your family and all your friends," says Gail, "because when does kill you they have to live on."

Huffing freon can literally cause your lungs to freeze, creating frostbite in your airway. It can also cause sudden cardiac death, cause you to lose consciousness, and brain damage.

• What Parents Need To Know

"Parents should be very concerned if they find out their child is using this," says Dr. Yin.

• Signs of Abuse

Freon locks could be a life saver. Your air conditioning service person can install one on your compressor, which makes it impossible to let freon out without a key. Gail is now warning teens about the dangers of freon huffing.

She urges parents to have locks installed and keep a close eye their teens, saying, "Don't ever consider doing it because that five seconds of high you get when you do it isn't worth dying over."

Experts say prevention is the best way for parents to combat this problem. Make sure you talk to your kids and tell them how dangerous it is.

If you suspect a problem seek professional help immediately. And remember, freon does not show up in drug tests.