Solvents

What are Solvents?

‘Solvents’ is the name given to the range of gases which are ‘sniffed’ and breathed into the lungs for a 15-45 minute high. They are usually found in lighter refills and fuel canisters, in aerosol products such as hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners, in glues, and also in some paints, paint-thinners and correction fluids.

Facts and figures

• Every week in the UK one person dies from sniffing gases, glues or aerosols.
• It is illegal for shops to sell lighter refills, gases, glues and aerosols to under-18s (or to people who they suspect may be buying on behalf of under-18s) if they suspect these may be abused.

What sniffing does

• Sniffing glues and gases makes the user feel muzzy-headed, dizzy, giggly and dreamy and they may hallucinate.
• When the brief high is over, the user may have a headache and feel drowsy.

Dangers and health risks

• Inhaling volatile substances can cause heart problems and instant death.
• Less serious, but highly unpleasant, immediate effects include black-outs and vomiting; long-term usage can damage the brain, liver and kidneys.
• Anyone on a high is more likely than usual to have an accident because their senses are affected.
• Users who inhale substances from a plastic bag over the head are at risk of suffocation.