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An interview questionnaire was administered to a group of primarily Hispanic identified inhalant users (N = 40) and a comparison group of neighborhood youths (N = 17) in the barrio of Phoenix, Arizona. This retrospective assessment revealed that inhalant abusers had a history of multiple problems, stressors, and difficulty with school and the criminal justice system; initiated drug use between the ages of 10 and 15; confined their drug use primarily to marijuana, alcohol, and inhalants; and often came from families with drug problems. Inhalant abusers from drug-involved families experienced more poverty and family disruption, perceived their friends as being more favorable to the use of drugs and inhalants, and were less involved in conventional youth activities (e.g., sports, school, church, hobbies) than were inhalant abusers from drug-free families. The results are discussed in terms of developing preventative programs for this population.

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A follow-up community survey (n=83) of residents living near a planned hazardous waste facility revealed that the majority of residents maintained considerable concerns over a four year period. They were worried about their health and safety, distrustful of the facility operator, and anticipated limited community benefits. Demoralization, a measure of nonspecific psychological distress, remained disturbingly high, with 41% of those interviewed scoring above the mean of community mental health center clients. One of the two communities studied had lower perceptions of risk than the other, suggesting that expectations of compensation may influence risk perception. Improved communication is needed between local residents and government agency and private industry personnel to address perceptions of danger and distrust. Primary prevention strategies are discussed to improve communication and monitor the health status of residents most at risk of developing physical and psychological problems.