Solvents

Class:
It is illegal to sell to under 18's knowing that it will be misused. It is illegal to sell butane to under 16's.

Other Names:
Glue, gas, aerosols, lighter fuel, correction fluids and petrol.

Effects:
Sniffing butane gas can lead to instant death. Feelings of dizziness and intoxication (similar to being drunk on alcohol), lack of inhibition, giggling, sickness and drowsiness are all effects of solvents. The effects are almost immediate and last for about 30 minutes if not 'topped up'. Heavy use can lead to heart failure.

What to look for:
Aerosols and lighter fluid (there are also a large number of household products which can be sniffed). Smell of solvents. Glue is usually poured into a plastic bag and then the vapours are inhaled.

Other info:
About half of young people have experienced hallucinations when under the influence of solvents. Users may need more of the solvents to get high as they become more tolerant. The risk of accidents is increased under the influence of solvents and there is a further risk, when sniffing takes place in 'out of the way' or 'dangerous' locations - such as riverbanks, railway lines and derelict buildings.

FACT:
The North had the highest number of solvent abuse fatalities in the UK (per million of the population).

Law:

• It is not illegal to use solvents.
• In the UK it is illegal for a shop to supply or offer to supply to somebody under the age of 18 a substance, if they know or has reasonable cause to believe that the substance or its fumes are likely to be inhaled for the purpose of causing intoxication.