IT could be paint, petrol or deodorant - chances are that a child in Mount Isa will inhale it today to get high.
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Brian Riddiford, Operations Manager of Gidgee Healing says Volatile Substance Misuse (VSM), commonly known as "chroming" is a much bigger problem than is perceived and needs immediate attention and a whole of community approach to deal with it.
"We see children as young as six years old affected by chroming and Gidgee is concerned for their welfare. We are calling on responsible stakeholders to address this escalating problem," he said.
One young chromer, aged 13, said it feels good while the high lasts, but that does not last for long.
"When you chuck the bottle away, you get a headache and feel really bad. If you keep going though it makes you feel good," he said.
He said he and his friends siphon petrol from cars and lawnmowers to support their habit.
An abandoned building opposite Gidgee Healing on Burke Street is a well-known chroming venue for children.
"We go over there regularly to ask them to leave; it is not safe in that building," said Gidgee Healing's Senior Administration Officer, Jenny McGrady.
"Three months ago people came to fence off the building and we thought it would stop. The kids have just pushed through the wire."
Ms McGrady said staff had seen carers dropping children off at the abandoned house. "They know that the kids that are there are already chroming. These people are supposed to be caring for these children and they are only adding to the on-going problem by not being responsible for the children in their care," she said.
Dr Khalil said the clinic sees many patients presenting symptoms, and they are referred to the hospital.
"Who is responsible for these kids? We stand there and watch them across the road. You feel helpless. The only time we can help is if they overdose. Before that we can't do anything for them," Gidgee Healing's Cheryl Page said.
While the act of inhaling products such as petrol and paint is not illegal, there are some anti-social and criminal behaviours associated with the habit, such as theft and vandalism.
"Youth substance misuse is always a problem and kids will go with whatever is popular and accessible at the time," said Sandra Kennedy of Queensland Mental Health.
"Volatile Substance Misuse (VSM) or "chroming" is generally an adolescent behaviour and because the brain is still developing, the effects can be devastating," she said.
Senior Sergeant Col Henderson, Office in Charge of the Mount Isa Police Station, said: "The development of Neighbourhood Watch and other community programs to assist the police and other government agencies to combat VSM is vital." - Editorial:?P6