| Latest report shows drop in number of solvent deaths here
The latest report published today reveals that the number of deaths in Northern Ireland from volatile solvent abuse (VSA) has dropped from five deaths in 2003 to one in 2004.
The report, Trends in Death Associated with Abuse of Volatile Substances 1971-2004, by the Division of Community Health Sciences at St George’s, University of London, describes trends in death associated with the abuse of gas fuels, aerosols, glues and other solvent based products. The figures show that in 2004 there were 47 deaths in the UK associated with VSA which is the lowest annual total recorded since 1983.1
Victoria Creasy, Senior Manager for Public Health at the Health Promotion Agency (HPA), said: “The number of deaths from solvent misuse in Northern Ireland has dropped; however, we cannot be complacent about such a serious issue. Research shows that VSA tends to be associated with young people, in particular teenagers.”
“Because they may start to experiment with solvents at around 13 or 14 years of age, it is vital that they are aware of the risks involved if they misuse these products. For example, ‘sudden sniffing death’ can potentially occur, even with first time users, while long-term use can lead to problems with the brain, kidneys, bone marrow and liver.”
The report shows that the majority of VSA deaths in the UK in 2004 (79%) were attributed to butane sources, predominantly in the form of cigarette lighters. Over half of these deaths (59%) occurred at home or at the home of a friend. Deaths most commonly occurred as a result of the direct toxic effects, but in some cases the victim died after inhaling vomit or suffocating while using a plastic bag to inhale. The report also shows that in the same year deaths from VSA were four times more common in males than females.
Over the past three years the HPA has been working closely with retailers and Re-Solv, the society for the prevention of solvent and volatile substance abuse, in an initiative to inform people about the risks of VSA and to highlight the crucial warning that solvent abuse can kill.
Ms Creasy said: "This year due to demand we reproduced and distributed packs for retailers containing an information guide along with posters and stickers to display in their premises which highlight to customers that it is illegal to sell these products to under 18s or to anyone who they suspect may intend using these items inappropriately. Controlling the sale of solvents makes it more difficult for young people to obtain them and as a result will help prevent them from misusing these products.”
Angeline McTier, Northern Ireland Project Manager for Re-Solv, welcomed the reduction in the number of VSA deaths and added: "Re-Solv would appeal to parents to be especially vigilant during summer holidays, be alert to your child’s change of behaviour; different friends, smell of solvents or glue on clothes or breath, aerosols going missing or an accumulation of these hidden away or discarded. There are over 30 abusable products in your own home and butane cigarette lighter refills still account for one death a fortnight throughout the UK. Remember ‘sniffing’ has the very real potential of killing on the first experiment.”
END
Notes
to the editor:
The report, Trends in Death Associated with Abuse of Volatile Substances 1971-2004, by the Division of Community Health Sciences at St. George’s, University of London, is available on: www.vsareport.org from 09:00 Friday 28 July 2006.
Re-Solv has an educational programme which brings the preventative message regarding VSA to all schools in Northern Ireland. During 2004 every secondary school received Re-Solv’s Hazard Crew pack which was produced for young people to raise awareness of the dangers of VSA. This was done with the help of Aardman Animations of Wallace and Gromit fame. For information, a visit or advice and literature about Re-Solv –Tel: 028 9070 2493 or 01785 817885. Website: www.re-solv.org.
The HPA has produced a number of resources which offer guidance to parents and retailers. All can be accessed at: www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk/Work/Drugs/menu.htm.
1 Since data collection methods were stabilized in 1983.
For
further information contact:
Rosie McGaughey at the HPA -Tel: 9031 1611 or Angeline McTier at Re-Solv - Tel: 028 9070 2493.
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