Another Loss For Inhalants: The Philippines Shut Out Toluene

From Inquirer.net

Government efforts to ban toluene-based products in the Philippines have tightened, as the country’s chief drug agency- The Dangerous Drugs Board has extended stringent surveillance on cement products containing full concentrations of toluene; a highly addictive and dangerous chemical solvent found in gasoline, dyes, detergents, and explosives.

Agency officials are monitoring, processing, and recording all of the ingredients used in the manufacture of contact cement to “ensure that the product has an additive that would prevent it from being abused by kids and young adults.”

Inhalant abuse continues to be one of the country’s most prominent health issues with toluene based contact cement (more commonly referred to as ‘rugby’ by users) contributing the greatest threat, “drawing users for its aromatic and additive properties.”

Cement manufacturers are now required to incorporate at least 5% Mustard Oil content into their product; or risk stifling legal penalties resulting in monetary fines or incarceration.
By adding just a small amount of mustard oil to contact cement, the attractive properties of toluene are significantly reduced and replaced with unpleasant odors specific to mustard oil.

“The regulation also orders manufacturers to place the mustard oil additive on product labels, cartons, and containers;” with the goal of lowering ‘rugby’ abuse rates among adolescents.

Inhalant Ordinance Drafted

Inhalants are obviously becoming a trouble in the Philippines, as the province of Ilocos Norte has drafted an ordinance to restrict the sale of any inhalants to minors. Here is one of the main stipulations:

"Any person or establishment engaged in the selling of inhalants shall require their customers to present their business permits or any other appropriate identification before being allowed to purchase such inhalant, Provided, that, minors may be allowed to purchase said products when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, Provided, further, proper logging and recording shall be done by the establishment upon purchase, showing the name and address of the buyer and quantity of purchase."

Penalties:

"Any person or establishment violating this ordinance shall be imposed with the following penalties, upon the discretion of the courts:

1st Offense - a fine of PhP 1,000.00 (~$25)
2nd Offense - a fine of PhP 2,500.00 (~$60) and
3rd and any - a fine of PhP 5,000 (~$120) and cancellation of Governor's Succeeding Permit."

Do you think that restricting the sale of inhalants in a similar manner to liquor and tobacco will help curb underage inhalant abuse? Inhalants are so widely used that it seems that one could abuse them for years without ever having to set foot in a store.

Plus, this bill may not do as much for adult inhalant abusers, unless there were repercussions involved with buying too many cans. Is it worth the legislation and inconvenience for the possible gains?