Volatile Substances
Volatile substances (VS), also referred to as solvents or inhalants, are a group of products that can cause intoxication when misused. All volatile substances have the potential to kill if they are misused – even the first time.
More than 1,000 household, shop, office, and industrial products qualify as volatile substances (VS) and they are usually classified into the following groups:
- Volatile solvents – glue, nail polish remover, paint thinner, correction fluid and thinner, lighter fluid, petrol, permanent markers, fabric protector and dry-cleaning fluid
- Aerosols – spray paint, hair spray, air freshener, deodorant, and vegetable cooking spray
- Gases – nitrous oxide, butane, propane, and halon
- Nitrites – amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite
In this video Paul Dillon discusses the online resources that DARTA has developed around volatile substance misuse (VSM). This is a complex area and it is recommended that teachers watch this short video before using any of the resources provided.
In the past, unless students are known to misuse these products themselves or to be at risk of doing so, Australian schools have been advised not to include this issue in general drug education curriculum. This has been due to the relative ease of access to these inexpensive and legal products and concern that discussion in this area may potentially alert students to how they can be misused, subsequently leading to ‘copycat’ behaviour.
Due to widespread social media access, young people are far more likely to be exposed to volatile substance misuse (VSM) than they once were. Messages provided across platforms such as YouTube and Tik Tok are unlikely to include a balanced discussion of potential harms, instead, focussing primarily on intoxication. With schools being advised not to include discussion on VSM, these messages can remain unchallenged. Providing targeted and age-appropriate information on the risks associated with the misuse of these products in the classroom could be useful.
Resources
A series of resources have been developed that provide up-to-date and accurate information on volatile substance misuse. This is not a program of work but rather information for teachers, including key messages for students, as well as learning activities that can be used should they choose to cover VSM in the classroom. These are provided below:
VSM Information for Teachers
Teachers are provided with background information, including recommended best-practice education around VSM, as well as how to identify students who may be misusing these products. A number of fact sheets are also available on specific VS.
VSM Scenario Activities
VSM-related scenarios, together with a series of accompanying activities have been developed, providing students with the opportunity to develop skills such as identifying risks, critical thinking, decision-making and challenging misinformation.
VSM FAQs
This resource provides background information for teachers and others working with young people about volatile substance misuse (VSM). It is not intended for and should not be used with students.
Volatile Substances Video
Watching videos and interacting with visual media are engaging ways to help students learn. To assist teachers in this area DARTA has developed a series of videos, including one on volatile substances that can be used to stimulate classroom discussion or accompany the VSM scenario activities.
Fact Sheets for Young People
These downloadable resources provide information on a wide range of topics, including some specifically examining volatile substances such as nitrous oxide (‘nangs’) and amyl nitrite (‘Jungle Juice’).
‘Real Deal’ Podcast
There are two podcasts that cover VSM – ‘What is ‘nanging’ and is it dangerous?’ and ”Jungle Juice’: What is it and why are some young people using it?’. The content of each of these has been developed with young people in mind with Paul Dillon discussing nitrous oxide and amyl nitrite.