Solvents

What are they?

Some carbon-based substances produce effects similar to alcohol or anaesthetics when inhaled. A number are used as solvents (in glues, paints, dry cleaning fluids etc) whilst others are used as propellant gasses (in aerosols and fire extinguishers), or as fuels (petrol, cigarette lighter gas). Some sniffers strengthen the effect by sniffing from inside a plastic bag placed over the head, which is extremely dangerous.

Solvent misuse seems to be prevalent in localised areas (such as estates or schools) and mainly among 12 to 16 year olds. A small proportion of those who try sniffing continue for several years, although most stop after a short period of time.

Effects of short-term use

Solvent vapours are absorbed through the lungs and rapidly reach the brain. Breathing and heart rate are reduced. Repeated or deep inhalation can result in an 'overdose' which can cause disorientation, loss of control and finally unconsciousness, although solvent users usually recover quickly from these effects. At small doses solvents produce a drunken like stupor. At larger doses solvents may cause hallucinations.

The effects of the solvent vapours occur quickly and disappear within a few minutes to half an hour if sniffing is stopped. The after effects may consist of a mild hangover like feeling (headaches, poor concentration, possible nausea) which may last for about 24 hours.

There is a risk if accidental death or injury when solvent users are intoxicated as users may not be able to perceive all dangers present. Prolonged sniffing may cause the user to vomit and become unconscious, which also carries the risk of death through choking on inhaled vomit. Also death can occur through suffocation if users obstruct breathing by placing plastic bags over their heads or sniff solvents in poorly ventilated places. Some solvent products (particularly aerosol gases and cleaning fluids) can sensitise the heart and can cause heart failure, especially if users physically exert themselves whilst intoxicated.

Gases squirted directly into the mouth can cause suffocation by freezing the air passages. Also cells in the back of the throat may respond to the cold by producing fluid which fills up the lungs and 'drowns' the user.

However, deaths are rare and most can be avoided even if solvent misuse itself cannot be prevented.

Effects of long-term use

Heavy solvent misuse over a period of 10 years or so has resulted in a few reports of moderate, lasting brain damage, particularly effecting the controls of movement. Long-term misuse of aerosols and cleaning fluids has been known to cause lasting kidney and liver damage. Repeated sniffing of leaded petrol may result in lead poisoning.

In the UK, surveys of solvent misusers have not revealed any large scale medical damage. However, while someone is sniffing repeatedly the 'hangover' effects of paleness, tiredness, forgetfulness and lack of concentration can become a daily pattern. There can also be weight loss, depression and trembling, but these effects are likely to clear up once sniffing is stopped.

With continuous use, tolerance to the effects of solvents develops, but physical dependence is very rare. Psychological dependence develops in a small number of people, usually with associated underlying family or personality problems.

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