WARN AGAINST BUTANE-SNIFFING

Is there a new drug craze - and drug crisis - in our midst? The question is
worth asking after the appalling deaths of two butane-sniffing Monteregie
teens within 24 hours. Some medical officials are calling the unrelated
deaths an unhappy coincidence. We think it more appropriate to respond
quickly to what might be a trend in the making.

Sniffing has long been with us. The entry-level inhalant is model-airplane
glue, active ingredient toluene. The effects are similar to alcohol.
Adolescent abusers almost always quit or move on to more reliable
intoxicants. Nerve damage is sometimes associated with chronic use, but
occasional sniffing rarely results in brain damage.

Butane gas is another matter. It can be inhaled directly and bought in
80-per-cent concentrations (as lighter fuel) in convenience stores. It
distorts the heartbeat of the user and paralyzes the throat. Indeed, most
deaths associated with butane are due to its action as an asphyxiant. As the
heart races, the user cannot supply it with enough oxygen.

The immediate danger is not the only one. Even if the user averts sudden
death, he or she invites liver damage or cancer through continuous use, to
say nothing of psychological addiction.

There are few reliable or current statistics about the prevalence of butane
sniffing. Research suggests girls as well as boys are getting in on the act.
There is no way to legislate against it. Solvents are available in many
household products.

Education appears to be the only option. Product warnings would not hurt,
but the real job is to get the word out about the danger of sniffing.
Schools should give maximum exposure to the Monteregie tragedies. If the
sniffing is not yet common in Quebec, the time to act is now.