An Introduction to the Practice, Prevalence and Chemical Toxicology of Volatile Substance Abuse

Abstract

1 Volatile substance abuse is largely a teenage practice; it is estimated that in the UK 3.5-10% of young people have at least experimented and that 0.5-1% are current users. 2 The products abused are many and varied but only about 20 chemical compounds, notably toluene, chlorinated solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, fuel gases such as butane and aerosol propellants, are commonly encountered. 3 The acute hazard varies with the compound, product and mode of abuse. Mortality in the UK is now about 100 per year, from all social classes, 90% of whom are male. 4 Chronic toxicity is difficult to assess, partly because of the diversity of products abused. However it is clear that some long-term abusers suffer permanent damage to the central nervous system, heart, liver and kidney. 5 Toxicological analysis may be relied upon for confirmation of diagnosis, providing attention is paid to the kinetics of excretion and stability in the sample. 6 Responses include codes of practice for the sale of products and educational strategies; legislation has also been enacted. There is little evidence that any of these measures have made a significant impact on the problem.