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Background:
Volatile
substance abuse (VSA) refers to the misuse of everyday products
such as glue, gases and
aerosols to
achieve intoxication. The term volatile substance abuse is
often referred to as ‘solvent abuse’ or ‘glue
sniffing’. There are a wide range of substances that
can be abused including aerosols, hairsprays, tippex, air
fresheners and many more. The products contain hydrocarbons
that give off fumes at room temperature and when inhaled
produce a short-term, intoxicating effect. One
of the main reasons why volatile substance abuse (VSA)
is so popular with young people is because solvents are
cheap and easily obtainable in comparison with alcohol
and other illegal drugs. There are few controls on the
sale of volatile substances so they can be legitimately
purchased in a wide range of outlets. However there are
two specific laws relating to the sale of volatile substances
and it is up to retailers to ensure they are enforced.
Retailers must refuse to sell any product they think might
be useful to ‘get high’, and they must not
sell gas lighter refills to anyone under 18.
The findings of research commissioned by the HPA in February
2001 is summarised in the report Volatile
Substance Abuse: The needs and opinions of parents, professionals,
retailers
and environmental health officers in Northern Ireland. This
indicated that retailers generally displayed a lack of
awareness of the problem of volatile substance abuse
and a lack of knowledge of legislation relating to the
sale of such substances. They recognised their responsibility
in preventing volatile substance abuse but some felt limited
as older children could purchase products for younger children.
Retailers expressed an interest for more information and
support on volatile substance abuse to become available
to help them execute their role effectively.
In response to this research, a recommendation was made
that retailers should be made aware of the legislation
concerning volatile substances and should be given information
and support.
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The
campaign:
The
campaign launched on 15 December 2003 targets retailers of
small stores that sell volatile
substances such
as butane gases, aerosol spays and certain glues. The campaign
includes the distribution of an information pack for retailers,
which includes a booklet entitled ‘Solvent abuse:
A guide for retailers’ as well as point of sale materials
such as window stickers, shelf stickers and posters. The booklet provides retailers with details about the
types of products that can be abused, information on current
legislation regarding the sale of these products as well
as guidance on handling difficult situations.
The National
Drugs Helpline (0800 77 66 00), Re-Solv and the HPA’s
drugs and alcohol website (www.drugsalcohol.info) were
promoted as further sources of information and advice
for retailers.
Additional posters
are available from the Central Health Promotion Resource
Service in each Health and Social
Services Board area.
The campaign supports an earlier campaign launched in
February 2003 which encouraged parents to talk to their
children about the dangers of solvent abuse.
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As from 1 April 2009 all Health Promotion Agency responsibilities have been transferred to the