Underage Solvent Sales
The Facts
Solvent abuse is inhaling (sniffing) the fumes of volatile substances like cigarette lighter refills, solvent based glues and aerosols.
In 2005 there were 45 deaths due to solvent abuse, 8 of these deaths were under 18s and 2 of these 8 deaths were attributed to cigarette lighter refill gas.
In 2005 in the under-18 age group, for the first time more deaths were associated with aerosols than with gas fuels.
In 2005 Butane was responsible for 80 % of all deaths (36 of 45 deaths) with gas lighter refills causing 28 deaths. (These figures have been obtained from Re-Solv)
Trading Standards has a duty to enforce the laws to protect youngsters from these products.
The following table shows the test purchase history in Hampshire using youngsters between 14.5 and 16.5 years old to check shops are complying with the law. Best Practice guidelines are followed in the selection and use of these volunteers.
| 2004/2005 | 21 attempts | 2 sales | 9% |
| 2005/2006 | 6 attempts | 2 sales | 33% |
| 2006/2007 | 17 attempts | 3 sales | 18% |
| 2007/2008 | 10 attempts | 2 sales | 20% |
You must refuse to sell any product that you believe might be misused by a youngster in this way and you must absolutely not sell gas lighter refills to anyone under 18. You could be fined a maximum of £5000 or up to 6 months imprisonment - or both.
If you have any information which would help us stamp out under age sales of solvents, or any age restricted products, please use one of the following methods to contact us:
Phone the hotline on 01962 833620
Text message to 60003 starting your message HANTS UNDERAGE
Useful Web Links
www.sniffing.org.uk - Re-Solv's young person's site.
www.re-solv.org - The Society for the Prevention of Solvent & Volatile Substance Abuse (External Link)