Volatile Substances Information

VOLATILE SUBSTANCES
Aerosols, butane, gas, glue

What are they?
Household products and substances which give off strong fumes, including butane or propane gases, glues, aerosols, lighter-fluid, nail polish remover or paint.

How is it taken?
Inhaled through the nose or mouth or squirted down the throat.

Legal status
Legal – but illegal for a shopkeeper to sell ANY substance to someone under the age of 18 if they believe it will be used to get high. Illegal to sell butane gas lighter refills to under 18s

Effects
• Sudden euphoric high lasting between 15-45 minutes
• Lowered inhibitions
• Drowsiness
• Occasional hallucinations
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Clumsiness and stumbling
• Spots and rashes around the mouth and nose

Risks
• Pounding headaches
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Choking and suffocation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blackouts
• Brain damage
• Kidney or liver failure
• Increased risk of accident or being victim of assault
• Heart failure and sudden death – even the first time

It is dangerous to chase or shock someone who is high on volatile substances as it can kill them.

Using solvents with alcohol can increase the risk of death.