Journal of Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Detection of Vapour Metabolites of Glue Sniffer’s Urine Using Head Space Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Abdul Rahim Yacob, Mohd. Raizul Zainalibdin and Nazirah Said

The abuse of volatile substances has been around for many years. The negative and sometimes fatal conclusion of the abuser led to law being regulated but the problem had spiraled almost out of control due to the ease of availability of the materials abused. The abused substances are most commonly found in products of everyday use such as glue, paint and thinner. In Malaysia, the term ‘glue sniffing’ is given to the abuser as they inhale glue vapour that gives them the ‘high’ sensation most drug abusers are seeking for. This study employs gas chromatography- mass spectrometry with head space method for it is the vapour that is inhaled by the abuser, thus during secretion in urine, vapour metabolites are expected. Samples for the study are 4 commercially available glues that are reported as being the most commonly abused as well as the urine samples of probable glue sniffers taken during a raid by the Malaysia Anti Drug Agency, Johor branch. In this study, toluene was shown as the major solvent compound found in glue, and metabolites of toluene, namely p-cresol and N-(methylbenzoyl)-methyl ester-glycine were detected in urine samples of those who are positive for glue sniffing.