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Butane Kills
Posted on 14/12/2007
P. Klein
Butane is a killer!! is the strong message being put out to parents and retailers in the Loughborough and Charnwood area today by the Leicestershire Trading Standards Service. More young people aged 10-14 die from volatile substance abuse (VSA) than all the illegal drugs such as ecstasy and speed put together. Notwithstanding these outrageous statistics, butane and other VSA continues to be something that is fairly unfamiliar and reported.
Child volunteers working with the Trading Standard Service are going to be carrying out the test purchasing of butane items such as cigarette lighter refills to test that they are not being sold to those who are under the age of 18. Butane items may be legally sold to over 18s only and anybody found supplying them illegally risks a fine of £5000 and/or a jail term of up to 6 months. Information and free literature setting out no-nonsense safety measures is available for retailers via the Leicestershire Trading Standards Business Helpline - 0116 3058000.
Direct oral abuse of butane gas can lead to cold burns, respiratory difficulties, heart failure, slowing of the heart and in extreme cases - death. However it should be remembered that just one inhalation can be fatal – you don’t have to be an addict or a long term user for the dangers to be real. It could be the first time that it is tried.
Young people between 14 and 18 are the group most linked with butane and other solvent abuse such as glue and there is no such thing as a stereotypical user. This factor makes it very hard for parents and retailers in Loughborough to spot those that may be abusing VSA products. The products which young people inhale are not illegal and most can be found in and around the home.
David Bull, Head of Trading Standards said, “Parents should be vigilant and warn their children of the dangers involved in butane and other volatile substance abuse. We have a leaflet entitled “What Age is Illegal?” to help parents and retailers understand the issues. Have you seen children buying cigarette lighter refills in your local shop or found empty cans in your local park? If yes, please report it to Trading Standards by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Callers can remain anonymous of they wish. Your call could save a life”.
Help with butane and other VSA abuse is available for all residents of Loughborough, the wider area of Charnwood and the rest of Leicestershire by contacting New Directions on 0116 2229529 (under 18s) or Adult Services on 0116 2229559 (over 18s).