Glues, Gases and Aerosols – solvents

What is it?

Glues, Gases and Aerosols cover a wide range of products including gas lighter refills, hairspray, deodorant, air fresheners, tins or tubes of glue, some paints, thinners and correction fluids, cleaning fluids, surgical spirit, dry cleaning fluids and petroleum products. Solvents are sniffed from a cloth, a sleeve or a plastic bag. Some users put a plastic bag over their head and inhale the fumes that way, other people have been known to spray the aerosol directly into the back of the throat. Most users are between the ages of 11 and 16 years.

What are the effects?

When inhaled, solvents have a similar effect to alcohol. Some users get fits of the giggles. The high does not last long and this can lead to users sniffing more solvents so they can bring back the feelings.

What are the risks?

Using solvents is unpredictable and very dangerous. Users can die the first time they use or the hundredth. Apart from death, users risk mouth ulcers and a red rash around their nose and mouth. Some people feel sick and blacking out after a hit is not uncommon. This leads to an increased risk of choking on their own vomit. Spraying aerosols directly into the back of the throat can be fatal as it freezes the airway. Long-term use has been linked with brain, liver and kidney damage. For more information visit: http://www.sniffing.org.uk/

The law

It is illegal in England and Wales for shopkeepers to sell intoxicating substances if they think that the buyer is going to be inhaling them. It is an offence to supply gas lighter refills to anyone under the age of 18 years.