What are volatile substances? 

Volatile substances are a group of commonly available substances that are inhaled or “huffed” through the nose/mouth to achieve a “high”. The grouping of volatile substances mentioned on this site does not include poppers (alkyl nitrates) or nitrous oxide (NOS, nangs). 

  • People huff a variety of substances. These generally contain butane, propane, toluene, xylene, benzene, and acetone.​ 
  • Products huffed include: household sprays, butane, aerosol deodorants and other propellants, glue, petrol, and paint thinners.​ 

You can watch this video about volatile substances, or 'huffing'. This video is for New Zealand parents, caregivers, whānau, and those working with young people to understand basic facts about volatile substances. 

How do people use volatile substances, and what are the effects? 

The ways people use volatile substances can differ, sometimes depending on the substance. Some methods of administration are: ​ 

  • Sniffing through the nose or inhaling (through the mouth), directly from the canister or container. ​ 
  • The substance is sprayed into or soaked onto a cloth and then inhaled through the mouth and/or nose. ​ 
  • Releasing the substance into a plastic bag/balloon, then inhaling (also known as "bagging"). ​ 
  • Placing an item like a blanket over the head and inhaling from an open container. 
  • Methods that restrict airflow, such as placing items over the head, mouth, or nose, carry a high risk of suffocation. 

During use, volatile substances can make people feel:  

Giggly
Dizzy
Dreaminess

 Headaches
Disoriented
Nauseous
Muscle weakness
  Aggressive
Hallucinations
Memory loss 
Stupor (feeling very drunk)
  Repeated vomiting
Loss of counsciousness
Seizures
Death

 

There is no safe level of use for volatile substances; overdose and serious harm including death can happen at any level of use, even first use.

Read more in our section about volatile substances risks and overdose. 

Definitions of Terms 

  • Volatile substances: A group of commonly available household substances that are inhaled or “huffed” through the nose/mouth to achieve a “high”. The grouping of volatile substances mentioned on this site does not include poppers (alkyl nitrates) nitrous oxide (NOS, nangs).  
  • Harm reduction: Strategies and information that helps people prevent or reduce harm from their substance use, without requiring them to stop or reduce their use. Read more information about harm reduction.
  • Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS): Death caused by a surge in adrenaline shortly after using volatile substances, which can cause the heart to stop. It can occur at any level of use, including first-time use.  
  • Person-centred language: Language that focuses on the individual first, rather than defining them by their experiences or behaviours (i.e., by saying “person with an addiction” rather than “addict”).