VOLATILE SUBSTANCES - SOLVENTS - GLUE - GAS

What are they?

Many household and industrial products contain chemicals that, when inhaled, can cause intoxication. These products are referred to as volatile substances or solvents. Examples are toluene, butane and other volatile hydrocarbons that evaporate at room temperature.

Products that may contain solvents include aerosols (e.g. air fresheners, hair sprays and deodorants), some paints and paint thinners, petrol, some correction fluids, nail varnish removers, some glues and cigarette gas-lighter refills.

Who uses them?

Solvents are mainly, but not exclusively, used by young people. It is difficult to establish the number of people who use solvents; both girls and boys from all social and cultural backgrounds use them. Some studies suggest that as many as 20% of young people have used solvents at least once as most of these substances are cheap and easily accessible.

How are they used?

Solvents are inhaled through the nose or mouth and absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. Liquids such as petrol may be poured onto a rag which is then held near the mouth and the fumes inhaled. More solid products such as glue may be poured into a bag which is then held over the nose and mouth while the fumes are inhaled.

Products such as aerosols are sometimes sprayed into a room to fill it with fumes, or may be sprayed into a bag.

Some users spray aerosols, especially butane lighter refills, straight into the mouth. This is especially dangerous. What are the effects?

Physical co-ordination may be impaired. Users may feel light-headed, dizzy or drowsy. Altered perception may be experienced, ranging from visual distortion to auditory and visual hallucination.


Effects vary from user to user and according to the type and quantity of substance used.

What are the side-effects?

Again, these vary according to the user and the substance and quantity used. Side effects may include headaches, nausea and soreness of the throat. Extended use may cause unconsciousness.

Some other warning signs will include weight loss/gain, memory problems, respiratory problems, depression, displays of aggression and paranoia, anxiety and frustration. This cluster of psychiatric difficulties can lead to self harming and suicidal ideation. This is clearly a situation that requires professional help. Contact your local GP, specialist service or Release.

What are the dangers?

Solvent use represents a significant cause of death or injury among young people. In 1999, 73 people died as a result of volatile substances use. Causes of death or injury include:

heart failure ñ solvent use may stop the heart instantly or cause it to beat irregularly. Sudden exercise after inhaling solvents increases the risk of heart failure.
suffocation and asphyxiation - spraying aerosols or butane gas down the throat can cause swelling of the windpipe, leading to asphyxiation. When volatile substances are used in an enclosed space, there is a risk of suffocation due to lack of oxygen, especially if the user becomes unconscious. When users place their whole head in a bag containing a volatile substance, they incur a high risk of suffocation. Choking on vomit, especially when unconscious, is another significant risk.
accidental injuries ñ users may become confused and disorientated. This creates a risk of accidents such as falling or drowning. Young people may use volatile substances in dangerous environments such as car parks, construction sites, railway embankments or river sides. Such places are hazardous and may be inaccessible to emergency services.
burns ñ solvents can usually be highly flammable and therefore carry a high risk of serious burn injuries, especially when used near cigarettes or candles.

Are solvents addictive?

Solvents are not physically addictive. Users may, however, feel that they cannot do without them for a period of time after stopping use. These cravings will lessen with time.

Legal position

It is not illegal to possess solvents.

It is, however, illegal for a retailer to supply or offer to supply intoxicatingsubstances to young people whom he knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be under 18 years of age.A retailer would also be committing an offence if he sells to a person whom he knows or has reasonable cause to believe is acting on behalf of a person under 18 who is likely to inhale the substance or its fumes for the purposes of intoxication.It is specifically illegal to sell cigarette lighter refills containing butane to under 18 year-olds.

For further clarification of the current legal position please call our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.