asked the Minister for Health the lasting effects on health of glue-sniffing amongst children.
Written Answers. - Glue-Sniffing.
467.
While lasting health hazards have yet to be proved, there is evidence glue-sniffing may lead to damage of the liver, lungs, kidneys, bone-marrow, blood and skin. The short-term health hazards associated with glue-sniffing are running eyes and nose, sores around the nose and mouth, a cough, bronchial problems, weight loss, tiredness, general listlessness and apathy.
However, the greatest danger associated with glue-sniffing is the risk of accidents. Many of the deaths and tragedies attributable to glue-sniffing are not caused by the actual sniffing, but occur after the inhaling has taken place. When a person is under the influence of glue he is unable to co-ordinate his thoughts and actions and can endanger himself and others. There is also the risk that the sniffer will become unconscious and collapse. The practice often causes vomiting and there have been reports of deaths occurring as a result of a sniffer losing consciousness and inhaling vomit.