Aerosols accounted for 18.2% of deaths from solvent abuse between 1971 and 1997, though there has been an overall decline in deaths from the abuse of this product over recent years.

There are three major product areas within this grouping, namely air fresheners (11.4% of the substance group 1971-1997), pain relief sprays (19.1%) and anti perspirants/deodorants (40.6%).

It is the propellant and not the liquid in aerosols, which is inhaled, with the majority of aerosol products use butane as the chief propellant. Butane replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were removed because of their effect on the environment, though a few specialist medical products still contain CFCs (although these are also being phased out). Nitrous oxide is commonly used as a propellant for food preparations although there are few records of this being abused.

Most commonly, fatalities are associated with breathing the aerosol through a rag, using a plastic bag or spraying the fumes directly into the mouth.

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Manufacturers responses

A few manufacturers have introduced alternative propellants on certain products. Examples include Polygas and PECAP, developed to replace the hydrocarbons found in butane gas. PECAP uses a 5% acetone/95% carbon dioxide propellant, which dramatically reduces its potential for abuse. These products use a piston or internal bag arrangement which separates the product from the solvent and this may necessitate changes in the formulation of products

Trials on modifications to nozzles on aerosol products appear to have little effect on discouraging abuse, as 'fixed' nozzles, whilst not being easily removed, do not present a problem to determined access. In the early 1990s major producers of deodorants/antiperspirants have standardized the warnings on product labels, with wording such as "CAUTION. Use only as directed. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal". These warnings have largely been replaced with the warning “Solvent Abuse Can Kill Instantly”.

Manufacturers have taken initiatives to remove fluorocarbon propellants from aerosols over the last decade and the green lobby has increased pressure to reduce the use of aerosols containing butane because of their environmental effect.

However CFCs in aerosols containing butane have, for the most part, been replaced by butane as a propellant. Many manufacturers of adhesives and correcting fluids now produce solvent-free or water-based alternatives.

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