WARNING ON SUMMER SOLVENT ABUSE

Summer holidays are the peak time of year for tragedies caused by
abuse of glue, petrol, aerosols and other inhalants, the Mid Western
Health Board warned yesterday.

A statement from the Board’s Slainte Health Advice Service said that
often very young people are involved due to the low cost and wide
availability of these products. The immediate effects of inhalant
abuse are similar to being drunk, but last only a few minutes.
Sickness and dizziness often follow. The Health Board Drug Education
Officer, Anna O’Neill pointed out that although there is a general
perception that inhalants are not as harmful as harder drugs, they
have probably been the cause of more deaths among young users in this
country than any other drug except heroin.

The Health Board Statement pointed out that one of the most dangerous
practices is that of spraying aerosols directly into the throat as the
throat can freeze or swell making breathing impossible. Other hazards
include sniffing alone, sniffing in dangerous places such as railway
embankments and the use of plastic bags around the head.

While it is true that the majority of young people never abuse
inhalants or any other drug, it is still good for parents to be aware
in their own homes about the safety and storage of substances which
can be misused. Parents can also discuss with their son or daughter
the potential dangers of inhalant abuse while encouraging a respect
for the positive intended use of these products,” said Anna O’Neill.

Signs of inhalant abuse include a rash around the mouth and nose and
constant runny nose and watery eyes. Suspicious smells or discarded
containers or solvent soaked rags may also be evident. Any concerned
parent or young person can call in confidence for further information
or support to the Slainte Information Line at 1850 700850 (57
O’Connell Street, Limerick).