DEATHS FROM VOLATILE SUBSTANCE-ABUSE IN THOSE UNDER 18 YEARS - RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY

The epidemiology of deaths from volatile substance abuse (VSA) in thos e under 18 years that occurred in the UK from 1981-90 is described. Th e analysis of deaths is based on a national register, which has inform ation obtained from a regular survey of coroners, the Office of Popula tion Censuses and Surveys, and a press clippings agency. Altogether 60 5 people under 18 died from VSA during this period. Seventy per cent o f deaths occurred between the ages of 14 and 16. The largest number of deaths were attributed to butane gas lighter refills. There was a lar ge north-south gradient in age specific mortality ratios (Scotland 180 , south east England 87) and nearly four times as many deaths occurred in social class V compared with social class I. Deaths from VSA are a n important and preventable cause of deaths in those under 18. Strateg ies aimed at prevention should include measures to reduce experimentat ion, intervention to reduce socioeconomic deprivation, and health educ ation campaigns aimed at schools and parents.