Case Results
Fatal Car Crash Linked to Inhalant Abuse: A Case for Stricter Regulations on Dangerous Household Products
Brand Name
Dust-Off
Manufacturer
FALCON SAFETY PRODUCTS INC.
Model Name
Product Description
The main ingredient in Dust-Off is 1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE), a well-known addictive central nervous system depressant that causes immediate, profound impairment and often incapacitating effects, including near-instantaneous loss of motor control and unconsciousness.
Case Details
On November 25, 2017, a 39-year-old woman was tragically killed when a 23-year-old man who had inhaled Dust-Off crashed into her car at an intersection. The man survived, along with his 5-year-old daughter and another passenger in his vehicle. The victim’s father later filed a lawsuit against Falcon Safety Products, Inc. (the manufacturer of Dust-Off) and Walmart (the retailer that sold the product) on November 13, 2020. The lawsuit alleged that the companies failed to take adequate precautions to prevent the misuse of this hazardous product.
The case was scheduled for trial on November 13, 2023, but was settled on October 31, 2023.
Injury Brief
Dust-Off is a common household aerosol dust remover, often used for cleaning electronics. However, its main ingredient—1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE)—is a highly addictive central nervous system depressant that can cause immediate impairment, loss of motor control, and unconsciousness.
Why is this product so dangerous?
- DFE causes near-instantaneous impairment and is commonly abused as an inhalant (“huffing”), leading to deadly consequences.
- Dust-Off and similar products are sold without quantity restrictions, making them easily accessible for misuse.
- Retailers often fail to lock up or monitor sales of inhalants, allowing unrestricted access to a substance that has been linked to multiple fatal accidents.
Retailers
The Dust-Off aerosol dust remover involved in this case was purchased from Walmart in Missouri. However, this product is widely available at major retailers, including:
Liability
Manufacturers and retailers of hazardous products have a legal responsibility to implement safeguards that prevent misuse and abuse. Companies like Falcon Safety Products, Inc. and major retailers like Walmart must:
- Include stronger warning labels and safety instructions on inhalant products.
- Implement sales restrictions to prevent bulk purchases or easy access by minors.
- Require retailers to lock up or limit access to inhalants known for abuse potential.
Failing to take these precautions puts lives at risk and contributes to preventable tragedies like this fatal crash.
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