Hazardous Substances
Air Duster (Computer Duster / Canned Air)
Street names: Dusting, Duster, Canned air, Keyboard cleaner, Dust-Off
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Brief 10–30 second euphoria, disorientation
- Feeling of floating, slurred speech
⚠Key risks
- SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATH — the most deadly inhalant: difluoroethane sensitizes the heart to adrenaline; a sudden fright, chase, or exertion triggers fatal cardiac arrest. First-time users die
- Frostbite to lungs and airway from direct spray
- Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
- Loss of consciousness with bag over head = suffocation
- Completely legal, cheap, and in every home/school
✚Overdose signs
- Sudden collapse, cardiac arrest
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat then death
- Choking/vomiting while unconscious
📋Quick facts
Also known asDusting, Duster, Canned air, Keyboard cleaner, Dust-Off
CategoryHazardous Substances
Schedule / classHousehold product — not a drug; no age restriction on purchase
AppearanceAerosol cans of difluoroethane/tetrafluoroethane sold as electronics/computer cleaner
Street price$3–$8 per can at any electronics/office store
Legal statusHousehold product; inhalant abuse laws vary; no purchase restriction — the 'perfect storm' accessible killer
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: CPSC, NIDA, drugfree.org
Category comparison — Hazardous Substances
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Duster (Computer Duster / Canned Air) | Household product — not a drug; no age restriction on purchase | SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATH — the most deadly inhalant: difluoroethane sensitizes the heart to adrenaline; a sudden fright, chase, or exertion triggers fatal cardiac arrest. First-time users die; Frostbite to lungs and airway from direct spray | $3–$8 per can at any electronics/office store |
| Nitrous Oxide (Whippets / Galaxy Gas) | Legal to possess | VITAMIN B12 DESTRUCTION — the signature harm: inactivates B12, causing progressive numbness, tingling, weakness, and in heavy users PERMANENT nerve damage ('drop foot', inability to walk); Oxygen deprivation — 100% nitrous displaces oxygen; unconsciousness and death | ~$1–$3 per 8g charger |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Air Duster (Computer Duster / Canned Air) look like?
Aerosol cans of difluoroethane/tetrafluoroethane sold as electronics/computer cleaner
What are the signs of a Air Duster (Computer Duster / Canned Air) overdose?
Sudden collapse, cardiac arrest; Seizures; Irregular heartbeat then death Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
SUDDEN SNIFFING DEATH — the most deadly inhalant: difluoroethane sensitizes the heart to adrenaline; a sudden fright, chase, or exertion triggers fatal cardiac arrest. First-time users die Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.