‘Solvent fumes damage brain’

Press, 25 November 1982, Page 27

‘Solvent fumes damage brain’

Inhalation of solvent fumes, such as from glue and petrol, for the inebriating effect they have on the brain, is an increasing habit among teen-agers, according to the Health Department. An article in the latest “New Zealand Family Physician" magazine says that some of the substances being used are extremely dangerous, and cause severe poisoning of the nervous system. “Permanent brain damage can result. In addition, the inhalation may cause accidents, death from cardiac arrest, liver and kidney damage, bloqd and metabolic disturbances, and psychological and behavioural problems,” it says.

“Addiction to solvent inhalation may develop and be very difficult to eradicate."

Most inhalant abusers are males aged between 10. and 17, under-achievers at school, and often have a high rate of absenteeism, the article says. About two-thirds are Polynesian or Maori. Often there is an unhappy family background, such as alcoholism in the family, or a missing father.

Most teen-agers indulging in sniffing see themselves as of little value, it says. Some, meet in groups, others are loners. Some are simply experimenting out of curiosity, some do it occasionally, and others are chronic abusers.

“Children abusing inhalants often appear inebriated or confused without any evidence of alcohol or other drug use; they smell of the substance used, or they may have it on their clothing,” the article says. it is important not to give the impression of over-suspicion, especially in children unlikely to take up the practice. “Prevention of inhalant abuse involves the promotion of a healthy family, social and cultural environment. The behaviour or role model, such as the father, is important,” it says. “Children should be aware

of the dangers of solvent inhalation, in the same way they are made aware of the other dangers of modem living, such as accidents, poisoning and smoking. "Shopkeepers should be aware of the use to which products they sell may be put. Sales should be restricted and, if possible, parents informed, if children are seen to be buying unusual supplies." the article says. “However, some substances are impossible to monitor. In neighbourhoods where- inhalant abuse is known to be a problem, awareness should be promoted more intensively.”