Tackling volatile substance abuse in Scotland
a training course for the social care workforce

Course content: Substance recognition

Which products can be abused?

The chemicals that have the potential for abuse include those which are organic solvents and are highly volatile at room temperature, the most common being toluene. Some chemicals which are gases at room temperature can also be abused, the most common being butane.

These are used in different ways in different products and it is almost impossible to draw up a definitive list of the full range of products that can be abused. Many of these products are common everyday items and the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)¹ comment that the widespread availability of abusable products may do much to explain their continued popularity. It is estimated that in the average home, there are around thirty products with the potential for abuse. We do know which products have resulted in deaths. Those currently most commonly associated with death include:

• Butane gas cigarette lighter refills
• Aerosols
  most types are abusable and contain butane gas as a propellant
• Solvent-based adhesives
  these frequently contain a mixture of solvents but toluene is the most common constituent, not all glues and adhesives are solvent based
• Bottled (cylinder) fuel gases
  these may be butane or propane
• Petrol

Some products have changed formulations in order to reduce their potential for abuse. Changes in formulation are largely due to the effect of these chemicals on the environment and in response to the Montreal Protocol. The main products in this category include:

• Halon (BCF) fire extinguishers*
  (Bromodichlorofluoromethane) Fire extinguishers have a long life and so while not being sold, some will still be in use
• Some typewriter correction fluids*
  (1.1.1 Trichloroethane) one of the major brands has stated that they have replaced the solvents with heavier and non abusable alternatives. There may be other brands that contain solvents which are abusable and there have been recent helpline reports, however there have been no deaths in recent years
• Pain relief spray*
  (CFCs i.e. Chlorofluorocarbons)

* see Products associated with VSA for more information.

The following products are from an industrial or work context and they are relatively inaccessible for young people. All have resulted in deaths, but in much lower numbers.

• Dry-cleaning fluids
• Chloroform
• Certain paints, lacquers, thinners and removers
• Paint thinners
• Degreasing products and industrial solvents
• Anaesthetic agents

Other products frequently reported:

• Nail varnish and varnish remover
  The major constituent of many nail varnishes is acetone (other solvents may be used in some products), which despite its solvent smell is rapidly metabolised by the body and it is difficult to become intoxicated. There has been one confirmed death from sniffing acetone, but this was in very large quantities.

Other products that cause confusion and concern include:

• Burning plastics
  Wheelie bins or sticky tape have been commonly mentioned. Burning plastics produce dark black fumes. The fumes could cause intoxication, but would be very unpleasant to breathe and the products of combustion include dangerous substances such as cyanides.
• Other evidence of burning
  Credible reports have been received of sniffing aerosols using a plastic bottle with two cigarette holes burned into it. The bottle is a device to separate the butane gas propellant from the product.
  
  Callers to the helpline have reported finding apparatus with evidence of burning, silver paper and sticky substances, confused with glue. In these cases the apparatus is more likely to be associated with illegal drugs.
  
  Burning items also fascinates many, and they may be attracted by the flammable properties of potentially abusable products. Reports include burning aerosol sprays, which produce a significant spray of flames, and placing aerosol cans in fires, which explode.
  
  Many solvent-based products are flammable and this is an additional risk if young people are smoking at the same time.