§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of any increase in the incidence of glue sniffing; and if he will make a statement on the health hazards involved in this practice.
§ Sir George YoungPrecise information is not available on the incidence of, or the health risks associated with the deliberate inhalation of the vapours of solvents, including glue. However, short-term risks may arise in the form of accidents relating from the inducement of a drunken-like state or from suffocation, due to the method of inhalation or as a result of obstruction of respiratory passages. Longer-term risks depend on persistence in misuse and on the nature of the solvent used and its components. In some cases there may be temporary or permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, blood, or nerves.