Also known as glue-sniffing, solvent abuse, solvent sniffing
Inhalant abuse involves sniffing vapours or fumes of glue, paint
thinner and similar substances.
It affects the growth and development of muscles, nerves and organs
and can lead to bone marrow problems. Sudden Sniffing Death (SSD)
may result even for first time abusers. The abuser may die suddenly
without warning. This is caused by rapid heartbeat which often
leads to cardiac arrest.
The effects of inhalant abuse are memory loss, inability to think,
bruising and bleeding easily, damage to the central nervous system,
liver and kidney damage, stomach and urinary pains, muscular cramps
or coughing.
Penalties
Selling or offering to sell an intoxicating substance when it is
suspected that the substance is for the purpose of intoxication -
Up to S$5,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment or BOTH.
Refusing a blood specimen test - Up to S$2,000 fine or 3 months
imprisonment.
Abuse of intoxicating substance - Admission to a rehabilitation
center for up to 6 months or up to S$2,000 fine and/or 6 months
imprisonment.