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Solvent abuse mortality figures - June 2004 |
The following information is published in St George’s Hospital Medical School’s annual report on mortalities from solvent and volatile substance abuse. The current report provides figures for 2002 (the last recorded year).
Key findings from the report
- There were 63 deaths associated with volatile substance abuse (VSA) in 2002, the same number of deaths as occurred in 2001. The total number of VSA deaths in the UK since 1971 now exceeds 2000.
- The number of VSA deaths in the 10-14 year age group has risen from 7 in 2001 to 12 in 2002, the highest number in that group since 1991.
- The rapid fall in VSA deaths in the early nineties, from a peak of 152 deaths in 1990, was associated in part with the campaign in 1992. Deaths have remained relatively stable since then, at an average of 73 per year.
- Gas fuels continue to be associated with the majority of deaths. In 2002, butane lighter fuel accounted for 59% of VSA deaths (37 of the 63 deaths).
- There were 24 VSA deaths in under-18 year olds in 2002. 15 of these deaths were associated with butane lighter fuel, the same number as occurred in 2001.
- VSA deaths continue to be much more common among males than females, although the proportion of female deaths has been rising, and in 2002 reached one-quarter.
- Death rates over the last ten years are highest in North East England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
- For adults their own home was by far the most common place of fatal abuse, but for those under 18 years old the fatal abuse was as likely to have been in a public place.
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