COUNCILLORS are warning the public of the dangers of butane gas inhalation, amid concerns of an increase in discarded canisters. 

Gordon Stewart, Prudhoe South and Northumberland county councillor and cabinet member for communities warned the public of the 'real and serious dangers' of inhaling the gas.

Cllr Stewart said: "Litter pickers and residents throughout various parts of Tynedale are reporting an increase in the number of butane gas canisters being discarded in public, and information coming from within the Prudhoe community is there has been a rise in the misuse of the canisters with predominantly teenagers being thought to be inhaling the gas. 

"I wish to raise awareness of the problem so retailers, parents, carers, professionals and of course those using the canisters for such a purpose are reminded of the real and serious dangers."

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Re-Solv, a non-profit company which supports people struggling with solvent abuse including aerosols, petrol glues and poppers, said: "The substance primarily associated with solvent abuse in the UK today is butane gas. Over half of all solvent abuse deaths involve the inhalation of butane."

Many household products such as cigarette lighter refills and deodorants contain butane.

"Butane is a depressant and users report a range of highs, including euphoria and hallucinations. The effect is short-lived. Chronic users will often continue inhaling to prolong the effect," Re-Solv added.

Although butane is not physically addictive, it can still be psychologically addictive. It is highly flammable and can also cause death from choking, suffocation, asphyxiation or a form of heart failure known as ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome’ (SSDS).

Prudhoe Town Councillor Jane Johnson said she has previously found empty bottles of butane gas cylinders on coordinated community litter picks opposite Waterworld, on the way to West Wylam. 

"During our litter picks around the area, finding large bottles of empty butane gas cylinders is quite alarming that this misuse is escalating in our area. I would like to alert parents and carers and also people who are using these to beware of the dangers that they can cause," she added.

For more information or support, email info@re-solv.org or go to https://www.re-solv.org/.