-intoxication similar to being drunk;

-being spaced out;

-being over-excited;

-being dizzy or disoriented;

-changing reality of time, space, colour, shape and size.

Note: Some products will produce hallucinations for the user which may be pleasant or frightening.

-odour or inhalant material on clothing, especially cuffs and lapels of jackets;

-being withdrawn (frequent use);

-stealing to get money to buy inhalants;

-uninterested in things around them (frequent use);

-using heavy perfumes, deodorants or mouth washes;

-being confused or looking dazed;

-a "flat" personality after use.

-loss of appetite and weight;

-a chronic cough (frequent use);

-frequent watery, red and sore eyes;

-a rash around the mouth and nose;

-pale skin colour (frequent use);

-regular headaches and nausea;

-odour on the breath;

-short-term memory loss (reversable upon cessation);

-blackouts (not able to remember part or all of events);

-extremely large or extremely small pupils of the eyes (during or after intoxication);

-running nose;

-spider naevi - see Alcohol Facts (frequent use).

Inhaling solvents or products from spray cans is commonly called "glue sniffing". The use of these products can start as early as 7 years and generally stops by 16-17 years of age when access to alcohol and marijuana becomes easier. Of young people in the 15-1 7 year age group only 2.6% of males and 1.4% of females reported trying solvents, with 1. 1 % of males and 1 % of females continuing to use (Health Department statistics).

Prolonged use of solvents can lead to serious liver and brain damage. Most young people do not use solvents for a prolonged period (the average time of use would be two years) and their bodies eventually recover. Brain damage is also not major. It is most likely to result in short-term memory loss.

Accidents (for example from a serious fall or suffocation while using) are more often the cause of death than the inhalants themselves. However some inhalants do cause death.

Some aerosols, which contain fluorocarbon, can cause death. Petrol-based products are a high risk, since they contain benzine and lead which are highly toxic to humans. Long-term exposure to benzine causes liver damage, and lead damages the brain and central nervous system. Petrol users are more likely to consume alone than in a group, and therefore have a greater risk of accidental death.

Regular users of inhalants may become psychologically dependent and crave the product.

There are many common household and workshop products, such as spray paints and thinners, engine lubricants, nail polish removers and adhesives, which young people may have access to. Parents and caregivers should be careful how they store these, and monitor their use carefully.

For more information, please feel free to email Senior Constable Ian Browne