Whiteners and adhesives may be the popular companions of schoolchildren today, but their potential for misuse make them risky accessories.
A recent in-house survey by a Tiruchi-based hospital has found that whitener and adhesive abuse has been on the rise among schoolboys.
The survey says that youngsters in the age group of 13 and 17 years are mostly the victims. Though most of the cases were from economically weaker sections, the habit which can affect the central nervous system is slowly on the rise among the affluent as well.
Dr.K.Ramakrishnan, director, Athma Institute of Mental Health and Social Science, Tiruchi, told The Hindu that more than 70 students from Tiruchi and adjoining districts, mostly in the age group of 14, had been treated for inhaling whitener and adhesive substance during the last one year . “There has been a rise in cases of solvent abuse among children in the 10-18 age groups in the city over the last few years.
“The number of cases reported at hospitals is just the tip of the iceberg. If a comprehensive and coordinated survey is undertaken in the State, it will surely indicate that it has reached an alarming level.
“There is an urgent need to launch a State-wide, sustained campaign to create awareness among academicians, teachers, and parents,” he said.
According to medical practitioners, the chemicals used in whiteners give a ‘high’ to users for five to eight hours depending on the intensity and quantity of the substance. Cheap and easy availability of the products compound the problem.
Mr.Ramakrishnan added that anyone could buy 10 to 20 ml bottles and tubes of whitener or correction ink in stationary stores for just Rs.10 to 50. The addictive chemicals could create mood swings and sleeplessness. Though blanket ban was not a solution to the issue, schools could usher in change by discouraging students from using whiteners and adhesives, he said.
