VSU
Harms
Harms from inhaling volatile substances can be associated with the:
- method of use
- substance used
- environment in which the volatile substances is used.
The following are some of the potential causes of serious injury and/or death associated with inhaling volatile substances.
Death from inhaling volatile substances can occur as a result of direct toxic effects, suffocation, cardiac effects (i.e. ventricular fibrillation/cardiac arrest), or central nervous system (CNS) depression (e.g. respiratory depression).
Some volatile substances such as butane gas and aerosols can cause what is known as ‘sudden sniffing death’ where the heart is sensitised to the effects of adrenalin to the point where sudden exercise or alarm can cause a cardiac arrest (d’Abbs and MacLean, 2000).
For this reason, it is important not to chase or frighten people who may be using volatile substances.
Death from VSU can also be caused by hypoxia (not having enough oxygen), from the gas taking the place of oxygen in the lungs, either from using in enclosed spaces or from a plastic bag being placed over the head. Spraying some substances directly into the mouth can freeze the throat and airways, causing the person to suffocate.
Inhaling large quantities within a short period of time can lead to depressed breathing and loss of consciousness. The person is then also at risk of choking if they vomit.
High dose use can result in:
- overdose
- convulsions
- seizures
- unconsciousness
- respiratory depression
- cardiac arrhythmias
- death.
*It is important to note that death can occur from low dose use and even first-time use.
Harms from chronic or long-term use will depend on the substance used and the duration of use, but may include:
- neurological damage and cognitive impairment (which can affect thinking, learning, memory, movement, hearing, and sight)
- damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Other harms related to VSU include injury or death due to accidents or taking risks while intoxicated, such as drowning or from motor vehicle crashes or pedestrian accidents.
There is also a risk of serious burn injury from fire or explosion due to the highly flammable nature of most volatile substances.
For information about how to reduce VSU-related harm, see the Reducing VSU harm section below.
Reducing VSU harm
It is not always possible to convince someone to stop using volatile substances. For those who choose to keep using volatile substances, it is important to assist them to reduce the harms associated with their use.
Providing accurate VSU information and support should include the following:
Some volatile substances are riskier than others. For example:
- butane, aerosols – highest risk for sudden death
- toluene, petrol – long-term use is more likely to cause cognitive impairment/neurological damage.
NOTE: there are risks associated with the inhalation of any volatile substance
Certain methods of inhaling can significantly increase the risk of harm:
- spraying directly into the mouth (may freeze or swell larynx)
- plastic bag over the head (lack of oxygen)
- container against the face while lying down (lack of oxygen)
- lying on a mattress soaked with a solvent (fire risk and overdose)
Places / situations that can increase risk associated with VSU:
- using alone
- near a naked flame/campfires
- in enclosed spaces
- near roads or traffic
- high places i.e. on roof tops
- near bodies of water i.e. beach, lakes.
Mixing volatile substances with other drugs and/or alcohol can compound the effects and therefore increase the risk of:
- intoxication
- overdose
- accidents such as falls or burns.
Ensure they know:
- what to do in an emergency situation
- the signs of overdose
- to not chase someone who is intoxicated
- how and when to call for help (ring 000 (triple zero) or local community health worker).
Page last updated18 July 2025