1 The nature of an aerosol and the techniques that have been used to obtain altered states of consciousness by deliberately inhaling the contents are described.
2 The development of the phenomenon, first in the USA, and subsequently in the UK is traced.
3 The consultation between Government Departments and the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association (BAMA) is outlined, and the decisions reached are detailed.
4 Reference is made to the ingredients contained in aerosols which when abused, cause altered states of consciousness and a brief review of their properties is included.
5 The mortality statistics in the UK collected by BAMA are described and analysed in detail and finally the approach of manufacturers to the problem is defined.
References
1.
Aerosol Review (1981). Manufacturing Chemist.
2.
Anderson, H.R., Dick, B., Macnair, R.S., Palmer, J.C. & Ramsey, J.D. (1982). An Investigation of 140 Deaths Associated with Volatile Substance Abuse in the United Kingdom 1971-1981. Human Toxicol., 1, this issue.
3.
Bama (1975). Aerosol ABC.
4.
Bama (1978). Report of BAMA as Alternative Aerosol Propellants.
5.
Bama (1980). Cost Effectiveness of Aerosol Products.
