• Gases and solvents can cause instant death, even on the first go. Sniffing gases, glues or aerosols kills at least one person every week.

• Some users squirt gases and aerosols directly down the throat. This is a particularly dangerous way of taking the drug.

• There is a risk of suffocation if the substance is inhaled from a plastic bag over the head.

• Accidents can happen when the user is high because their senses are affected. Using gases, glues and aerosols in dangerous or out of the way places can increase the risk of accidents. Sniffing alone puts the user at risk if something goes wrong.

•  The vapours from gases and solvents can build up in the air if used in a confined space. Matches and lighters should not be used as this can cause an explosion or fire.

• Using gases, glues or aerosols can lead to nausea, vomiting, black-outs and fatal heart problems.

•  Heavy, long-term use of glue may damage the lungs, brain, liver and kidneys.