“Lança-perfume”

Use of solvents and inhalants as substances of abuse in Brazil

Abstract

Organic solvents are highly volatile substances widely used as inhalant drugs of abuse, especially by children, adolescents and young adults in underdeveloped countries. The effects of inebriation and euphoria, together with the low costs and easy access, are very attractive to young people. One of the most used inhalants in Latin America, popularly known as lança-perfume, is composed of various solvents such as ethyl chloride, ether, and chloroform. Currently, trichlorethylene has also been widely used, increasing the substance’s effects as well as its toxicity. The objective of this review is to gather information about the indiscriminate use of inhalants, with an emphasis on "lança perfume", and to point out their risks and health implications. Given the rising number of deaths from solvent poisoning, discussing this issue is necessary to raise public awareness and to develop and improve public policies against volatile substance abuse in Brazil.