Introduction 

Traditionally, super glue is used to adhere materials durably. It is a substance which is practically employed that most of us use daily, irrespective of age. Unfortunately, for several years we have had to deal with a diversion of its primary use to an unconventional one. Indeed, it is used as a drug especially amongst adolescents and in the less fortunate social classes. This phenomenon is being amplified more and more. It is important to understand the glue’s composition and to question the reason behind this practice and its effects on people’s health. 

What is super glue made of? 

In general, glues are made up of resins, solvents, hardeners and additives. There are many different organic solvents in glues. These may include among others aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, cyclohexane), chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichlorethylene, trichloroethane, monochlorobenzene), aromatics (toluene, xylene), alcohols (methanol, glycols), ketones (acetone, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone orbutanone), glycol ethers. These solvents, when inhaled, depending on the intensity and duration of inhalation can have more or less serious effects on the body. 

What are the health effects of this practice? 

Repeated or prolonged inhalation of these solvents can lead to toxicity of many systems in the body, notably the nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the digestive system. Some solvents are likely or confirmed carcinogens too. 

At moderate doses, the effects could be headaches and vertigo. At high concentrations, trouble with the nervous system and the digestive system is seen. For example, the hexane contained in certain glue is a confirmed neurotoxicity. Chlorinated solvents have strong fat solubility, and act on the nervous system and they are also cardiotoxins. Trichlorethylene is a probable carcinogen and it is toxic to both the central nervous system and the cardiac system which manifests itself in changes to the cardiac rhythm, ventricular fibrillation and coronary events. This is also the case for trichloroethane. 

Why do young people use superglue as a drug? 

The success of this glue can be explained by its low price, its accessibility and its ease of use. Indeed, in countries like Cameroon, it is sold for 100 CFA per unit. In Morocco, it can be found for a modest sum of 10 dirhams. It is just as available in supermarkets as it is in convenience stores, in small boutiques or at the nearest cobbler. To use it, you simply heat it and inhale its vapours. However, continued and profound inhalation of the vapours even without heating it produces effects too.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, this practice is only increasing in many countries. It is becoming fashionable despite its nefarious effects on the health of its practitioners. At any rate, what can be done to mitigate this practice knowing that because of its use in DIY, it is not possible to ban the sale of super glue?