Gases, Glie and Aerosols

Name It

These are found in

• Lighter gas refills and fuel canisters
• Aerosols containing products such as hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners.
• Tins or tubes of glue
• Some paints, thinners and correcting fluids

Know It

• They are sniffed or breathed into the lungs.
• It is illegal for shopkeepers to sell them to under 18s or to people acting for them, if they suspect the product is intended for abuse.

The Effects

• Users feel thickheaded, dizzy giggly and dreamy.
• They may also hallucinate (see or hear things)
• The effects disappear after 15-45 minutes
• Afterwards, users feel drowsy and may suffer a headache.

The Risks

• Use of gases or aerosols can cause instant death- even on the first go
• Squirting the stuff down the throat may cause the body to produce fluid that floods the lungs. This can be fatal.
• Abusing gases, glues or aerosols can lead to nausea, vomiting, black outs and fatal heart problems.
• Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected.
• There is a risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head.
• Long-term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys.