The Medical journal of Australia
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of strategies used by a remote aboriginal community to eliminate petrol sniffing.
To evaluate the success of strategies--including replacing petrol with aviation gasoline (avgas) in the fuel supply, and employment and skills-training programs targeting young people--in reducing petrol sniffing at Maningrida, an isolated Aboriginal community in northern Australia. ⋯ While avgas introduction was a key element in eliminating petrol sniffing, its apparent lack of success as a single intervention elsewhere indicates the importance of widespread community resolve against petrol sniffing and the development of coordinated employment strategies in successfully eliminating the practice and reducing associated social disruption.