The Lighthouse Foundation

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Registered Charity No: SC031992

Company No: 272208

Buzzing – Sniffing

Lots of products can be sniffed or breathed into the lungs from a cloth or plastic bag.  Products which can be misused include gas lighter refills, aerosols (hairspray, deodorant, tins or tubes of glue, some paints)

For more information on VSA visit Solve It

How it's used

Sniffed or breathed from a piece of cloth, rag, sock or inhaled from a plastic bag.  Rarely used by depressing aerosol nozzle straight into the tooth or gum area and therefore straight into the blood stream.

Possible Symptoms

Effects are similar to alcohol, users feel dizzy and giggly.  Can cause hallucinations.  Lasts from a few minutes to half an hour.

Some things to look for

Empty or damaged butane gas, aerosol or glue containers.  A clinical smell on clothing, hair or breath.  Red eyes, poor coordination and coherence.  Changes in sleep and eating patterns.  Changes in behaviour and mood.

Dangers

Nausea, vomiting, blackouts and heart problems.  Can cause instant death.  Regular sniffing can lead to memory impairment and loss of concentration.

Legislation

It is an offence to supply gas lighter refills to young people under the age of 18.

The penalty for selling butane refills to an under 18 may be a prison sentence up to 6 months and/or a fine up to £5000.

Scottish common law provides for an offence of 'recklessly' supplying or selling substances to people of any age.  There is no age limits and 'reckless sales' to over 18's have resulted in prosecution, fines and prison sentences.

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Registered Charity No: SC031992

Company No: 272208

40a Portland Road, Kilmarnock KA1 2DJ

Tel: 01563 521 343