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Did you know?
Volatile Substance Abuse
Solvent abuse eg glue and butune fuel sniffing was
responsible for 70 deaths last year, the vast majority
of which involve people under the age of 20. Young people
are at greatest risk with fatal consequences sometimes
occurring during the first time. The youngest death,
in 1998, was that of a 9 year old boy.
The most common abuses of solvents are males aged between
11 and 16 inhaling solvents from glues and adhesives,
paint and petroleum products, lighter fluid, dry cleaning
fluids, aerosol sprays, surgical spirit and cleaners.
Over half of the deaths was caused by abusing lighter
fuel refills and new laws were introduced in 1998.
An abuser appears dazed and unsteady with slurred
speech, their behaviour becomes unpredictable. This
may develop into vomiting, choking and unconsciousness.
With solvent abuse there is no evidence of physical
dependency but psychological dependency can occur.
The Law - Intoxicating Substances (Supply)
Act 1985
Offences relating to the sales of solvent and lighter
fuel refill products:
At present it is an offence to sell any intoxicating
substances to a person under the age of 18,
where the shopkeeper may reasonably believe that the
product will be used for intoxication.
The maximum fine for illegal solvents and lighter fuel
refills is £5000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The law is designed to prevent young persons from buying
solvents etc for intoxication.
Further trader guidance
on age restricted products.
Anyone suspecting a shop of illegally selling such
products to children can report this us confidentially
on our free hotline 0800 093 5878 or
online.
Useful Links
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Frank
A campaign to provide reliable information
on the risks associated with drug use and help
for parents to talk to children about it
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Jonny
Longlife
Local website providing healthly living advice
to young people
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Mind,
Body & Soul
Website aiming to give young people aged 14-16,
the lowdown on health in a fun and interesting
way.
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Re-Solv
The Society for the Prevention of Solvent
and Volatile Substance Abuse
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