Ref. 28734-04The sudden death of 13-year-old Gary Perring after he inhaled aerosol spray has prompted his aunt to warn of the killers lurking in many homes.

Gary's family told the Evening Advertiser yesterday how the Bradon Forest School pupil collapsed, gasping for breath in his grandmother's arms, dying later at Great Western Hospital.

His aunt, Julie Southgate, 33, now wants to attend a training course so she will be able to warn other youngsters around Swindon.

Everyday objects in most homes are potential killers. Bleach, cleaning agents and aerosols can all be fatal if used in the wrong way.

Nick Edwards, clinical scientist and manager of the medical toxicology unit at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, said cases of youngsters poisoning themselves by accident were very rare.

He said: "It should be remembered that everything is poisonous it's the dose of what is ingested that determines the danger.

"Product labelling has improved over the years and they are there for a reason. Bleach for example contains a chlorine releasing agent and a strong alkali.

"If it is ingested it can cause the skin and mucus membranes to swell, which will block the airway.

"Stronger cleaners such as oven or drain cleaners also contain corrosive substances, which will kill and remove tissue cells."

Mr Edwards explained that deodorants and other aerosols contain propellants, like butane, to dry the particles. When it is normally sprayed the propellant disappears into the atmosphere, but it is harmful when sprayed directly into the mouth.

"It excludes oxygen, so the propellant is breathed in instead," he said. "It makes the heart sensitive to naturally occurring adrenalin, causing cardiac arrhythmia."

Mrs Southgate, of Penhill, who has two daughters Lauren, 12, and Courtney, eight, said: "Gary didn't deserve what happened to him. I want to do something that will alert other children to the dangers of household products. I don't want our little boy to have died in vain."

It is a double tragedy for the family, who just four years ago faced the heartache of losing Gary's father, Darren, 29, after he hanged himself in his Penhill flat.

The body was found by Gary, then aged nine. Since then, Gary had been mostly living with his grandparents, in Washpool, West Swindon.

Mrs Southgate said: "Gary had Darren's spirit. You don't know what sort of effect that has on somebody but I am sure Gary didn't mean to kill himself. He was definitely not a regular user as he didn't show any signs. If he'd have known the dangers he wouldn't have done it, which is why I want to speak to more youngsters sooner rather than later."

Useful contacts:

Solve It is an organisation dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of solvent abuse. Call 01536 420604 or visit www.solveitonline.co.uk

Substance Abuse Services for Southern Youth, Southampton

Call 02380 586154

Druglink: Swindon Drug Advisory Centre, 47 Victoria Road, Old Town, phone 01793 610133

Alex Emery