Volatile substances facts
How they affect you
- They cause lack of co-ordination, dizziness, disorientation, and nausea.
- With further use, you may experience auditory and visual hallucinations.
- The after effects are like a hangover, you may have a headache, neck stiffness and chest pains.
Types of substances
Gas, glue, lighter fuel, thinners, chroming, petrol, solvents, hairspray, butane, all aerosols.
Are they legal?
- Using these substances is not illegal.
- For some solvents, the vendor must decide whether it will be used for intoxication.
- It is an offence to knowingly sell lighter fuel to anyone under 18.
The risks, signs and symptoms
- These substances are a massive risk to your health. At least one person dies from volatile substance misuse in the UK every week and many are first time users.
- Death or serious injury is usually due to toxic reaction, heart failure, suffocation, unconsciousness and choking on your own vomit.
- Volatile substances can damage your liver, lungs and kidneys.
- There is evidence that they impair your brain function, especially memory and concentration.
How you can reduce the risks
- There is no safe way to inhale chemicals. The risks are as high the first time as they are if you’ve been sniffing for many years.
- Don't sniff alone or in hard to reach places such as derelict land in case you need help.
- Learn the recovery position in case you need to stop unconscious friends choking.
- Volatile substance use can make your heart over sensitive to adrenaline, which can cause sudden death. Don't excite a user by chasing them.
- Don’t spray volatile substances directly into your throat as this can cause suffocation.
- Putting a plastic bag over your head is extremely dangerous and can cause suffocation. Never use this method if you are on your own.
- Volatile substances are flammable so don’t go near naked flames such as cigarette lighters.