More New Zealand Youth Die from 'Huffing' LPG, Butane

More young people in New Zealand have died due to poisoning from butane and other chemicals with hydrocarbons. A new study on chemical poisoning causing unintentional deaths has found that "huffing" or inhaling butane butane gas and other chemicals having the same substances is the main cause of death among the youth between ages 15 to 24.

The seven-year study also revealed the next leading cause of death to be the alcohol, anti-depressants, anti-psychotic drugs and illegal recreational drugs. Alcohol accounted for 16 per cent of unintentional deaths among kids in New Zealand or 14 out of 90 deaths reported in the country.

The government committee that conducted the study on unintentional deaths and those of undetermined causes has called on the New Zealand government to impose restrictions regarding access to potentially poisonous chemicals especially butane, LPG and other hydrocarbons. The committee recommended a minimum purchase age to keep minors away from these chemicals.

Following the investigations of the "huffing" deaths, coroners have previously recommended that the government should impose restrictions on the sale of chemicals.

The Child and Youth Mortality Review Committee has published its study today, Aug 27, and urged the government to consider legislation to reduce the number of unintentional deaths caused by poisoning.

The committee said many countries like the UK, Scotland and Australia have laws in place to restrict the supply of solvents, butane and other inhalants from minors.

A mom's warning on LPG storage

The mother of Nathan Cunningham who died in 2007 after inhaling LPG warned about the dangers of chemicals. Anne Wroblenski from Christchurch, supported the idea of establishing a minimum purchase age to prevent minors from buying butane, LPG other "huffing" substances. She also warned retailers to secure their stores.

Ms Wroblenski recommended that parents should educate their children about the dangers of misuse or abuse of LPG. She recalled the moment when her son died and said it took a toll on her and her other children. Her son was 14 when he suffocated from his own vomit after "huffing" LPG.