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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what solvents are and the effects that inhaling them have on the body.

      Key learning points

      1. Inhaling chemicals to become intoxicated is called solvent abuse.
      2. Common solvents are paint thinner, glue, and nitrous oxide.
      3. Solvents have many physical effects on the body.
      4. Solvent abuse has risks of long-term health problems and can lead to death.

      Keywords

      • Solvent - A solvent is a common chemical substances, some may be misused by people to experience a ‘high'.

      • Inhaling - Inhaling is breathing in.

      • Intoxicated - Being under the influence of drugs is being intoxicated.

      Common misconception

      Solvents only have very short-term effects.

      Long-term solvent abuse can lead to brain damage and even death.

      Teacher tip

      Explain the meaning of peer pressure, e.g. if a member of a friendship group influences someone else to do something they wouldn't usually engage in.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What are drugs that slow down the messages from the brain to the rest of the body known as?

      Correct answer: depressents
      illegal
      stimulants
      legal

      Q2.
      Which of these drugs are depressants?

      Correct answer: alcohol
      caffeine
      ecstasy
      Correct answer: GHB

      Q3.
      Which of these diseases are non-infectious?

      athlete's foot
      Correct answer: liver cirrhosis
      Correct answer: coronary heart disease
      meningitis

      Q4.
      When it is written into the law that you should not use a drug it is .

      Correct Answer: illegal , not legal

      Q5.
      Which of the following terms is being described? "A solid that will dissolve in a solvent"

      Correct answer: solute
      soluble
      insoluble
      solution

      Q6.
      True or false? Volatile means a liquid that readily evaporates to become a gas at room temperature.

      Correct answer: true
      false

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which household products contain solvents that can be harmful if inhaled?

      vinegar
      Correct answer: paint thinner
      Correct answer: glue
      Correct answer: aerosols
      oil

      Q2.
      True or false? The solvents in some products can produce depressant effects when inhaled.

      Correct answer: true
      false

      Q3.
      Laughing gas is another name for oxide.

      Correct Answer: nitrous

      Q4.
      How can solvents cause sudden death when abused?

      Correct answer: change in the rhythm of the heart
      kidney disease
      aggressive behviour
      vomiting
      hallucinations

      Q5.
      Which of the following are long term effects on the body of solvent abuse?

      Correct answer: muscle damage
      hallucinations
      mood swings
      Correct answer: brain damage

      Q6.
      pressure can make a person do something they wouldn't usually engage in.

      Correct Answer: Peer, Friend, Friends

      To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Solvent abuse, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...