Harm reduction is essential in a volatile substance response because it meets people where they’re at—without judgment—creating trust and engagement. Harm reduction information is clear and practical so people can understand and act on it, even in high-stress or impaired states. 

When sharing harm reduction information with someone who may be using volatile substances, it is important to stress that sudden sniffing death syndrome can happen at any level of use. Ideally this conversation acknowledges and builds upon the harm reduction practices that the person already employs, such as telling someone when they’re going to use.  

Some other harm reduction tips for volatile substances include: ​ 

  • Create a calm, comfortable and hazard-free environment for use. Volatile substances can make your body feel numb and cause clumsiness and falling over. Use far away from roads or ledges.  
  • ​Use while sitting down. Do not stand or lay. 
  • Create ventilation in the area. Use in large, open spaces is safer than use in small, enclosed spaces. 
    • Why: volatile substances can be very flammable and you want to avoid the build-up of fumes in a small space, and to ensure there’s good air with oxygen to breathe. ​
  • Avoid using volatile substances around open flames or ignition sources, i.e. cigarettes. ​ 
    • Why: volatile substances can be very flammable, so the ignition source could unintentionally set fire to the substance being used, the canister, or the fumes in the surrounding air, and cause serious harm. 
  • Using with other people is safer than using alone, as they can monitor and support you, and get help if the situation becomes unsafe. 
    • If you prefer to use alone, then tell someone you’re using and plan a time for them to check in on you. This can be done in person or over the phone. Include a plan for what to do if you don’t respond during the check-in. Remind them to help you stay calm afterwards and avoid activities like laughing or running that can increase the risk of sudden sniffing death syndrome. 
  • ​After using, stay calm and still and avoid exerting any energy for as long as possible after use. This includes exercise, standing up quickly, laughing, or being startled. 
    • Why: There is a risk of passing out and sudden sniffing death after using volatile substances. Avoiding using great amounts of energy can reduce the risk of these. 
  • Avoid mixing volatile substances with other drugs or medications, including over-the-counter medications, alcohol, benzodiazepines and other drugs,  
    • Why: the interactions can cause dangerous, unpredictable and harmful effects. The combination can put extra strain on the body systems, like your heart and breathing, and can increase the risk of losing consciousness or suffocating. ​ 
  • Understand your product. 
    • Some products, like butane and propane sprays can be extremely harmful; while other similar substances (like nitrous oxide) can have a lower risk of harm .  
    • To reduce the risk of suffocation, use a plastic bottle instead of a plastic bag. Placing a bag or blanket over the head while using can lead to suffocation (for example, if the person becomes unconscious). ​ 
    • Read the warning labels – some volatile substances can cause damage to the mouth, nose and skin if they make contact.  
    • An item like a piece of clothing has less risk of chemical burns or irritations than spraying the substance directly in your mouth. The liquid is poisonous and can burn and irritate your skin.  
  • Call 111 for an ambulance immediately if someone has swallowed a volatile substance. You can also call the National Poisons Centre. It is important to tell medics what the person has taken so they can treat them quickly - you will not get into trouble for sharing this information. Don't make them throw up – many substances can cause more damage coming up.