Unscrupulous traders

CEBU, Philippines - The inhalation of rugby and other solvents such as glue, petrol, dry cleaning fluids and propellant gas is called solvent abuse. Those who are addicted to solvents inhale the fumes and vapors from solvents directly from the bottle or tube, others use a plastic bag held over their mouth.

When inhaled, solvents give an effect similar to alcohol, which includes euphoria, then dizziness, visual hallucinations, stomach cramps and a mild hangover.

In the Philippines, the selling of volatile substances such as rugby to minors is prohibited, as provided by Presidential Decree 1619, which says that the law penalizes “the use or possession or the unauthorized sale to minors of volatile substances for the purpose of inducing intoxication or in any manner changing, distorting or disturbing the auditory, visual or mental process” of persons.

However, despite existing laws, there are still traders who sell volatile substance to minors. In Barangay Ermita for example, there are reports from law enforcement authorities that rugby and other substances are openly sold to the public, even minors.

Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Emok” Rupinta said he already warned the management of at least five hardware stores operating in his barangay that selling rugby to minors is strictly prohibited by law.

The law provides that minors can buy rugby and other kinds of volatile substances from authorized dealers but the dealers must require minors to present a written consent from parents or guardians. The violators shall be penalized with imprisonment from six months up to four years or pay a fine up to P4,000.

 Rupinta said hardware personnel have already assured him they will stop selling rugby to minors. “Mipasalig na man sila nga dili na mamaligya og rugby ngadto sa mga bata apan panid-an gihapon nato kay basin mobalik na ‘sab pagpamaligya.”

Medical studies show that the use of volatile substances could cause death, physiological damage to the liver, kidneys, blood and nervous system. Solvent abuse can also lead to the use of other kinds of illegal drugs.

Other effects of inhaling of volatile substances include pneumonia, cardiac failure, hearing loss, limb spasms, damage to the central nervous system and brain, liver and kidney damage and blood-oxygen depletion.

There is are records on deaths caused by the inhalation of volatile substance because usually death is often attributed to a heart attack even if the event was caused by inhalant abuse. (FREEMAN)