The "sweet death" by inhalation of organical volatil substances : analysis in the Department of Legal Medicine in Milan from 1960 to 2006

Introduction: the growing increase of acute, lethal poisoning caused by sniffig volatil subsatnces, expecially in the young population, represent an emergency. The sensation of euphoria or excitement that provoke and the easiness with which those substance can be found and used (spray cans, lighters, camping devices such as gas containers) are a primary reason behind their massive use. Materials: The Authors, analyzing the wide range of data of the Department of Legal Medicine in Milan regarding the interval time between 1960 and 2006, have taken into study the acute lethal poisonings caused by volatil substances (suicides, accidental events: domestical or working-place accidents). Results: the data demonstrate that, in the wide interval time observed, there has been a modification in the use of organical volatil substances, represented by a decrease of cases of lethal intoxication. Conclusions: Even with the noticeable increase of the use of these substances in every kind of fields, the flow of information about their dangerous qualities has surely granted a more effective protection in the working contest, even if their easy reachable quality and the scarce amount of control make those a lethal weapon for the young population.