Abuse of aerosol products by inhalation

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.