A.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that aerosol dusting products, commonly known as "canned air," are intended to clean computers and other electronic devices.
B.
This Legislature also finds and determines that while these products are sold as canned air, they are actually comprised of various gases that are compressed into liquid and evaporate before they leave the canister.
C.
This Legislature further finds and determines that these products are now being abused, particularly by minors.
D.
This Legislature finds that, when inhaled, these products can produce a short-term "high," characterized by a sense of euphoria and dizziness, by cutting off the flow of oxygen to the brain.
E.
This Legislature determines that inhaling these products can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, and brain or result in paralysis, permanent brain damage or cardiac arrest.
F.
This Legislature also finds that, in addition to the internal damage caused by inhaling these products, users are also susceptible to "sudden sniffing death," which occurs when the hydrocarbons in these products provoke irregular heart rhythms, leading to sudden fatal cardiac arrest, usually within seconds of inhalation.
G.
This Legislature further finds that sudden sniffing deaths associated with the use of canned air products can occur at any time during their use and with no warning.
H.
This Legislature also determines that many states and local governments have passed legislation restricting the age of individuals who can purchase aerosol dusting products as a means to deter young people from engaging in this dangerous activity.
I.
This Legislature further determines that Suffolk County needs to protect the health and welfare of its young residents by restricting their ability to purchase aerosol dusting products.
J.
Therefore, the purpose of this article is to prohibit the sale of aerosol dusting products to minors in Suffolk County.