The term 'volatile substances' refers to a range of products that produce chemical gases or fumes at room temperature, which have an intoxicating effect when ingested or inhaled. In Australia there are around 250 such products and many are readily available from retail outlets such as supermarkets, hardware stores, service stations, newsagents and independent retailers. The purchase of these products is legal.

Although there are minor variations in the classification of volatile substances, they are generally grouped under the following headings:

Solvents	Glues, paint thinners and removers, dry-cleaning fluids, petrol, contact adhesives, correction fluids, felt pens.
Aerosols	Spray paints, insect spray, hair spray, deodorant, air fresheners, cooking oil spray, fabric protector spray (many of the substances listed here are not, themselves, volatile. The volatile substances associated with products such as these are the propellants contained in pressurised aerosol cans).
Gases	Medical anaesthetics (ether, chloroform, halothane, nitrous oxide), refrigerant gases, household gases (butane, bottled domestic gas, cylinder propane gas).
Nitrates	Amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate.

Retailers can provide a valuable service by assisting to reduce the supply of substances obtained for the purpose of intoxication. By reducing the availability of volatile substances, we can assist in reducing the harm to users of these substances. Other benefits of the responsible sale of volatile substances include:

• Reducing theft of products, potentially reducing insurance claims
• Preventing possible violence to staff and customers
• Providing a safe environment for employees to work and customers to shop
• Improving your store's standing in the community as being socially responsible and community minded
• Enhancing understanding of legal rights and responsibilities
• Improve compliance with occupational health and safety welfare standards

How can retailers help?

• Identify potential products
• Be aware most solvents used for the purpose of inhaling are stolen rather than purchased. In order to make it more difficult to steal these products, store them behind the counter or in a lockable display cabinet
• Move products closer to the point of sale area, display them in highly visible areas or use dummy containers
• Train staff to understand their legal rights and responsibilities and your store policy in relation to the sale of solvents
• Display signs indicating your requirement to refuse sales
• Establish protocols so staff know how to deal with customers who are suspected solvent users

Legal rights and responsibilities

Section 19 of the Controlled Substances Act 1984 requires: 'A person must not sell or supply a volatile substance to another person if he or she suspects or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting, that the other person intends to inhale the solvent or intends to sell or supply the solvent to a further person for inhalation by that further person'. Maximum penalty $10,000 or imprisonment for 2 years.

Click here for further information regarding legislation.

Click here for further information on the Controlled Substances (Volatile Solvents) Regulations 1996 - Schedule - Volatile Substances

Suggested procedures for dealing with customers suspected of volatile substance (inhalant) misuse

Remain calm and friendly

• Explain the store and government policy in relation to the sale of volatile substances
• It is best not to argue or get angry with the customer

Use 'we' and not 'I'

• Do not take direct responsibility for this policy. Use 'we' to indicate it is not your fault, but a management or government requirement. It may be harder for the purchaser to blame the individual sales person

Safe Workplace

• If a customer appears intoxicated, this may add grounds for refusing sale but, exercise caution and remember the safety of other customers and staff is priority
• If there is a treat or fear of violence, consider calling the police

Refuse entry

• It may be best to refuse to allow intoxicated persons into the store. Be clear that the reason for refusal of entry is due to the person's intoxication and not because of age, race or gender

Emergency situation

• Apply first aid and call an ambulance and/or police if required

What harm does volatile substance (inhalant) use cause?

The substances used by users are poisonous when misused and can slow down the heart, brain and breathing. Users can suffer mood swings and may become aggressive and paranoid.

Long term effects can seriously damage the heart, liver and brain, and in some cases, solvent inhalation can cause death.

Further information.

What are the signs of volatile substance (inhalant) use?

The effects of volatile substances vary depending on which substance is inhaled. However, all volatile substances are rapidly absorbed and all act to depress the central nervous system.

Short term effects can include one or more of the following:

• Excited, dizzy, exhilarated
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Feelings of self confidence
• Nausea
• Bad breath

Early central nervous system depression:

• Dullness, disorientation
• Loss of self control
• Blurred vision

Medium central nervous depression:

• Drowsiness
• Lack of muscle coordination
• Slurring

Late central nervous depression:

• Unconsciousness
• Delirium (fever, hallucinations, restlessness, confusion)
• Epileptic type seizures (fits)

Long term physical effects

There is controversy surrounding the long-term effects of volatile substance misuse, particularly in terms of effects that are reversible and those that are not.

Long-term effects that have been reported include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic headaches
• Sinus problems
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Diminished cognitive function
• Lack of muscle coordination
• Nosebleeds
• Anaemia
• Weight loss
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains
• Dizziness
• Stomach ulcers

Long-term effects that are not reversible include:

• Hearing loss
• Damage to the central nervous system resulting in decreased cognitive function
• Bone marrow damage

Sudden Sniffing Death

Some volatile substances particularly toluene and butane can produce irregular and rapid heart rhythms that can contribute to sudden heart failure or 'Sudden Sniffing Death'.

Sudden strenuous exercise or sudden fright immediately after inhaling volatile substances can contribute to heart failure.

Further information is available on volatile substance (inhalant) use in Australia:

Inhalants Info

Inhalants Info Policy Position

National Drug Strategy

Australian Institute of Criminology: Inhalant use and disorder

Australian Drug Information Network