Hunger and the perception of the scent of petrol: A potential neurobiological basis for increased risk of petrol inhalation abuse

Abstract

The deliberate inhalation of petrol as a means of intoxication used by underage and marginalized social groups is a growing international problem. This type of abuse has been identified as the cause of severe physical, cognitive, and psychological impairment. Both of these factors have heightened the need for identifying causes underlying why individuals begin abusing petrol. One hundred Australian male adults were surveyed while they were filling their cars with petrol. While the individuals were exposed to ambient petrol, they were asked to rate how pleasant and intense they found the smell of the petrol and the number of hours since they last ate a meal. Significant positive correlations between hunger and ratings of both pleasantness and intensity of petrol odor were identified. The results from this study suggest that hunger, and more specifically saturated fat consumption, may influence an individual's decision to abuse petrol. Suggestions for further research and related public health considerations are discussed.

• Petrol
• hunger
• substance abuse
• satiety
• odor perception