Solvent abuse could be on the increase in Leigh after substance abuse workers reported a significant increase in the number of referrals and information requests.
Young people – most users are between 11 and 16 – seem unaware that even first time users are at risk of instant death.
And the higher referrals relating to Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) – inhaling solvents – have prompted Wigan Council's Young
People's Drug and Alcohol Team (YPDAT) team to issue a stark warning in a bid to raise the public's awareness of the potentially lethal practice.
Siobhan Heaton, manager of the YPDAT, said: "Young people need to be aware that there is no safe way of abusing solvents, even first time users are at risk of instant death from using them. There is no safe way to do it.
"Death can occur due to heart failure and from choking on vomit, and also due to accidents when high or hallucinating.
"It is vital that children and young people understand the serious risks involved with abusing solvents.
"We've certainly seen a significant increase in referrals to the service.
"It's one of those things that the public sometimes assumes has gone away but it hasn't.
"It so serious that if you come across someone who is sniffing petrol or aerosols you absolutely should refer them immediately to the service.
"We don't want people to panic but just to be aware and to look out for the signs of abuse."
Available
The substances are commonly found in the home and include aerosols, cigarette lighter fuel, petrol and solvent-based adhesives.
Due to the ready availability and low cost of these products, young people are a group particularly at risk from the dangers of abusing the substances.
Anyone thinking about abusing solvents or who knows of any young person who is thinking about or has already abused volatile substances, should ring the YPDAT for confidential advice, information and support on 01942 777720.
For help with VSA cases involving the over-19s, call 01942 827979 for the Adult Drug Service in Wigan.
Solvents cover a huge number of substances such as: aerosols containing deodorants, hairspray, air fresheners, gas lighter refills, cleaning fluids, tins or tubes of glue, surgical spirit, certain paints and thinners, dry cleaning fluids and petroleum products.
Sniffing gases, glues or aerosols KILLS at least one person every week.
