Home > Household solvents are as bad as heroin, ecstasy

At least 30 young people have died after sniffing solvents in a bid to get high, according to a report by the Health Research Board, which covers a seven-year period.

Among the lethal and volatile substances abused were hairspray, antiperspirant, lighter fluid and industrial solvent.

The report said the majority of volatile-substance users are teenage boys and girls who are still at school and only a small number seek treatment.

"Nonetheless, there are a number of fatalities each year as a result of inhaling these everyday household products," it warned.