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An Investigation of 140 Deaths Associated with Volatile Substance Abuse in the United Kingdom (1971-1981)

Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Social Medicine, St. George's Hospital Medical School Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE

B. Dick

Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Social Medicine, St. George's Hospital Medical School Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE

R.S. Macnair

Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Social Medicine, St. George's Hospital Medical School Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE

J.C. Palmer

Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Social Medicine, St. George's Hospital Medical School Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE

J.D. Ramsey

Toxicology Unit, Department of Chemical Pathology, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT

1 In the UK, from 1971 to 81,140 deaths associated with volatile substance abuse (VSA) were identified from press reports and a variety of other sources. Data about each death were obtained from inquest proceedings, post-mortem and toxicological reports, and death certificates.

2 Based on the year 1981, in which 39 deaths occurred, VSA deaths accounted for over 1 % of deaths from all causes, and nearly 2 % of deaths from injury and poisoning in males aged 10-19 years.

3 The median age was 16.8 years (range 11-63), and 79% were under age 20. The male to female ratio was 13: 1.

4 Death rates were highest in conurbations, and in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England. Deaths tended to be more frequent among manual social classes but this association was not marked.

5 The chief substances were butane (28%), solvents in adhesives (23%), other solvents (26%), aerosols (15%) and fire extinguishing agent (5%). Solvents in adhesives were more important with increasing age.

6 Most deaths occurred alone, at home. In about 41 % of cases, death appeared to be only indirectly associated with VSA (trauma 8%, plastic bag over head 19%, and inhalation of stomach contents 14%). In 49% death was attributed to the direct toxic effects of the substance; this proportion was highest with aerosols and lowest with solvents in adhesives.

7 The implications of these findings for prevention, monitoring and research are discussed.

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 1, No. 3, 207-221 (1982)
DOI: 10.1177/096032718200100303


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