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Özdemir E, Eş H, Demir M, Üzün İ. Forensic medical evaluation of deaths resulting from inhalation of cigarette lighter refill fuel in Turkey. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2016; 24:1-6. [PMID: 28081784 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Voluntary inhalation/abuse of volatile substances is an important public health problem which especially affects adolescent and young populations worldwide and may be encountered in all socioeconomic and cultural levels. Lighter gas abuse-related death is still an important health problem in Turkey. In this study, 25,265 case files and final reports submitted to the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the First Specialization Board between January 2011 and December 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. In 56 of these cases, lighter gas inhalation (n-butane, propane, isobutane) was recorded as the cause of death. All subjects were male with a mean age of 16.8years. According to eyewitness and crime scene investigation reports, in 48 (85.7%) of the cases, a lighter refill container was found at the scene. It was determined that 21.4% of the cases used a plastic bag to increase the effects of lighter gas and 76.8% inhaled the lighter gas via their mouth and nose. The toxicological analysis of the samples taken while hospitalized showed no lighter refill components (n-butane, propane, isobutane) in 66% of the cases, n-butane in 32.1% of the cases, and n-butane+propane+isobutane in 1.9% of the cases. The importance of lighter gas inhalation-related deaths in Turkey has been increasing. Strict measures against the abuse of these very dangerous substances should be undertaken by the mutual efforts of medical specialists and legislators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdinç Özdemir
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Muş Branch Office, Muş, Turkey.
| | - Hüseyin Eş
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Bartın Branch Office, Bingöl, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Demir
- Council of Forensic Medicine, Bingöl Branch Office, Bartın, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Üzün
- Council of Forensic Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey; Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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2
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Applying the lessons of VSA to new psychoactive substances. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-04-2015-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore whether there are ways in which the preventive strategies used to tackle volatile substance abuse (VSA) can be usefully applied to today’s new psychoactive substances (NPS).
Design/methodology/approach
– In 2010-2013, with funding from the Big Lottery, Re-Solv, in partnership with St George’s, University of London, and educari, commissioned a re-analysis of both the mortality data relating to VSA and of the legislative and preventative measures taken that may have played a part in the steady downward trend in VSA mortality since. This paper is informed by Re-Solv’s research findings and the papers resulting from it, namely, Ives (2013) and Butland et al. (2013).
Findings
– Efforts to reduce the harm from NPS could benefit from a re-examination of preventive approaches to VSA, which have resulted in a downward trend in mortality over the past two decades.
Social implications
– There is evidence from past prevention practice which could be relevant and applied to present day concerns about drugs and substances not previously available or used.
Originality/value
– This is the first paper to explore how learning from VSA might be applied to NPS and the “legal highs” of today.
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3
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Qualitative and quantitative analysis of a group of volatile organic compounds in biological samples by HS-GC/FID: application in practical cases. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 243:137-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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4
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Gillet B, Le Saos F, Abalain JH, Carré JL. Décès d’un adolescent par inhalation de spray déodorant. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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5
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Senthilkumaran S, Meenakshisundaram R, Michaels AD, Balamurgan N, Thirumalaikolundusubramanian P. Ventricular fibrillation after exposure to air freshener—death just a breath away. J Electrocardiol 2012; 45:164-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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6
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Abstract
An exploratory study examined what professionals needed to support their responses to volatile substance misuse (VSM). Many respondents saw VSM as a problem of unknown dimensions and were uncertain about how to tackle it. Resources for treatment and prevention were seen as outdated. Workers were concerned that VSM was becoming more common among adults, supporting an indication found in a study of VSM-related deaths. Evidence-informed treatment protocols, information on working with clients, assessments of local needs, and the evaluation of existing approaches to VSM would improve the response. A further phase of the research will be reported in 2012.
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Hynes-Dowell M, Mateu-Gelabert P, Barros HMT, Delva J. Volatile substance misuse among high school students in South America. Subst Use Misuse 2011; 46 Suppl 1:27-34. [PMID: 21609142 PMCID: PMC3979621 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2011.580192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes data from a 2004 study of over 300,000 high school students (aged 13-18 years) in nine South American countries. A probabilistic sample targeted urban secondary schools, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire on prevalence and frequency of substance use. Multivariate analysis showed that volatile substances were the first or second most commonly reported substances used after alcohol and cigarettes in all countries (lifetime prevalence range: 2.67% [Paraguay] to 16.55% [Brazil]). Previous studies have highlighted volatile substance misuse among street children, whereas this study demonstrates that it is common among South American high school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marya Hynes-Dowell
- Organization of American States, Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, Red Latinoamericana de Investigadores en Drogas, Washington, District of Columbia 20006, USA.
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8
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Lloyd C. Risk Factors for Problem Drug Use: Identifying vulnerable groups. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/09687639809034084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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9
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[Ventricular fibrillation following deodorant spray inhalation]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 27:83-5. [PMID: 18155392 DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2007.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Accepted: 10/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report one case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation following butane poisoning after inhalation of antiperspiration aerosol. An early management using semi-automatic defibrillator explained the success of the resuscitation. The mechanism of butane toxicity could be an increased sensitivity of cardiac receptors to circulating catecholamines, responsible for cardiac arrest during exercise and for resuscitation difficulties. The indication of epinephrine is discussed.
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10
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Seth R, Kotwal A, Ganguly KK. Street and working children of Delhi, India, misusing toluene: an ethnographic exploration. Subst Use Misuse 2005; 40:1659-79. [PMID: 16253933 DOI: 10.1080/10826080500222792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Our qualitative study explored: the perceptions of street children indulging in whitener fluid misuse; the social, economic, and cultural determinants of use; and users' views regarding effective preventive and control strategies. Forty-five in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted between March and December 2003. A purposive sample of those working children who were using toluene was selected by Snowball sampling. The paper discusses the: determinants of initiation and continued use; drug user social networks; psycho emotional deprivation and frustrations of these children; socio-cultural aspects like work driven need; others' attitudinal response towards them and their work; parental support or the lack of it; and strategies for prevention of this misuse.
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11
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Abstract
A substantial number of children and adolescents world-wide abuse volatile substances with the intention to experience an euphoric state of consciousness. Although the ratio of deaths to nonfatal inhalation escapades is low, it is an important and preventable cause of death in young people. In the analytical investigation of volatile substances proper sample collection, storage and handling are important in view of the volatile nature of the compounds. Volatile organic compounds in post-mortem matrices such as blood, urine and tissues are generally determined by gas chromatography after extracting the compounds with methods such as static and dynamic headspace or even with pulse-heating and solvent extraction. In post-mortem cases, metabolites in urine seem less relevant, however, trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid were determined in several cases. When interpreting qualitative and quantitative results, researchers should be aware of false conclusions. The main reason why scepticism is necessary is the occurrence of losses of analytes during sampling, sample handling and storage, which results in false quantitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M R Wille
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
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12
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Gouvier WD, Prejean JG. Neuropsychological sequelae of chronic recreational gasoline inhalation. Percept Mot Skills 2003; 96:339-42. [PMID: 12705542 DOI: 10.2466/pms.2003.96.1.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Brief summary test profiles are described for two cases of long-term inhalation recreationally of gasoline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wm Drew Gouvier
- Psychology Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803-5501, USA
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13
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Spiller HA, Hale JR, De Boer JZ. The Delphic oracle: a multidisciplinary defense of the gaseous vent theory. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 2002; 40:189-96. [PMID: 12126193 DOI: 10.1081/clt-120004410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Ancient historical references consistently describe an intoxicating gas, produced by a cavern in the ground, as the source of the power at the oracle of Delphi. These ancient writings are supported by a series of associated geological findings. Chemical analysis of the spring waters and travertine deposits at the site show these gases to be the light hydrocarbon gases methane, ethane, and ethylene. The effects of inhaling ethylene, a major anesthetic gas in the mid-20th century, are similar to those described in the ancient writings. We believe the probable cause of the trancelike state of the Priestess (the Pythia) at the oracle of Delphi during her mantic sessions was produced by inhaling ethylene gas or a mixture of ethylene and ethane from a naturally occurring vent of geological origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry A Spiller
- Kentucky Regional Poison Center, Louisville 40232-5070, USA.
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Oh SJ, Lee SE, Burm JS, Chung CH, Lee JW, Chang YC, Kim DC. Explosive burns during abusive inhalation of butane gas. Burns 1999; 25:341-4. [PMID: 10431983 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-4179(99)00005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Explosion burns during abusive inhalation of butane gas rarely occurred in the past, but recently it has become a social problem among groups of teenagers. This cause constitutes 1.6% of admissions due to flame burn at the burn unit of Hallym Medical Center. A retrospective review during a five-year period identified 48 patients. The male to female ratio was 3:1. The mean age of patients was 16 years and 8 months. The places where the accidents occurred were commonly bedrooms or motel rooms. There were nine group settings of 27 patients at the time of the accident. Inhalation injury (n = 12) was noted on admission. The average burn size was 28.5 percent of the total body surface area. All patients sustained burn injury on the face, arms and hands and 24 patients among them had extended burn areas on the trunk and/or lower extremity. 22 patients (mean hospital stay; 51.6 d) required skin grafting and 12 patients (mean hospital stay; 22.3 d) were treated with conservative management. The mortality rate was 10.4 percent. Explosion burns during abusive inhalation of butane gas can result in mortality as well as major burn injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Oh
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Abstract
We report a case of out of hospital defibrillation in a 15-year-old schoolgirl who developed ventricular fibrillation (VF) in association with butane gas inhalation. Although defibrillation performed by an attending paramedic was successful in restoring a cardiac output, her clinical course was complicated by severe neurological impairment. Reports of successful resuscitation following volatile substance abuse are rare and we believe this is the first documented evidence of VF associated with butane gas. This case illustrates the tragedy of such abuse in fit young people and we briefly review the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Williams
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Tayside, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Marelich
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento 95817, USA.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- F Henretig
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Johnson EO, Schütz CG, Anthony JC, Ensminger ME. Inhalants to heroin: a prospective analysis from adolescence to adulthood. Drug Alcohol Depend 1995; 40:159-64. [PMID: 8745138 DOI: 10.1016/0376-8716(95)01201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent cross-sectional studies have indicated that inhalant use might be a vulnerability marker for the development of heroin use. This study is the first prospective investigation of the hypothesized association between early inhalant use and later heroin use. Analyses were conducted using longitudinal data from a community sample of Woodlawn (an all African American community on the South side of Chicago). Six-hundred subjects participated in both the adolescent and the adult assessments (approximately ages 16 and 32, respectively). Youths with a history of inhalant use by age 16 were over nine times more likely to begin heroin use by age 32, even when other plausible risk factors for the development of heroin use were held constant (RR = 9.3; 95% C.I. = 1.3 - 51.3). These findings add to and are consistent with prior cross-sectional evidence from data based on treatment samples and national survey data. The results from this longitudinal assessment support the idea that youthful inhalant use should be regarded as a vulnerability marker for the development of more serious drug use involvement in the form of heroin use.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Johnson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
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