Sniffing solvents or gases is called solvent abuse, this is when everyday household products are breathed in on purpose to get 'high'.

These include:

• Glue
• Cigarette lighter refills
• Aerosols
• Petrol
• Cleaning products, etc.
  

When these products are used for their correct purpose they are safe, but none of these products are safe to sniff. If sniffed they can be DEADLY!

When these products are 'sniffed' the effects kick-in quickly. 'Sniffing' can cause you to see things that aren't really there. This is called hallucinating and it can be very scary.

Other effects of being 'HIGH' are:

Light-headed or dizzy Gives a buzz Vomiting Drowsy Clumsy Drunk and aggressive

Heart Failure (Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome)
'Sniffing' can make the heart beat in an irregular rhythm. If the 'sniffer' becomes excited, frightened or runs, the heart can't cope and stops working.

Suffocation
This happens when the mouth and nose are blocked or when the oxygen in the blood is replaced by fumes or chemicals.

Choking
'Sniffing' can make you violently sick. If you were to vomit while you were unconcious or drowsy you could choke on your own sick.

Fatal Accidents
'Sniffing' can make you act silly like being drunk and may make you do things without thinking in dangerous places. You might be involved in an accident like falling from a high building or being knocked down by a car, drowning, etc.

Explosions
Abusable products are usually very flammable and if they are used around naked flames they can set you on fire, like Flammable Phil. They may even explode causing bad burns or even death.

• Stay calm, remove any solvents
• Make sure there is plenty of fresh air and that it's safe for you to help them
• Check their airway, breathing and circulation. Apply first aid if you know how
• Turn them on their side, (the recovery position)
• Get help or call an ambulance
• Stay with them if you can and keep them warm and still