Facts to know about household goods that have been used in what is called "volatile substance abuse".

27 per cent of all the people who died from the misuse of ordinary household goods in 2001 were experimenting for the first time.

There are five deaths a month from solvent misuse. This number is at least trebled if you count "indirect" fatalities such as from road accidents caused by disorientation.

In 2001 there were seven times more deaths from solvent abuse than from taking ecstasy.

There are over 30 products in the average household that can be lethal if used carelessly or recklessly.

Butane and aerosols are the two products that have been responsible for most deaths in the "volatile substance abuse" category.

Barbara Skinner, chief executive of the solvent abuse organisation SOLVE IT, said: "The symptoms of abuse of these products are hard to spot because they so often imitate adolescence wide and rapid mood swings, secretive behaviour, drowsiness, disturbed sleep patterns and rashes, which can be mistaken for acne. Even if misuse doesn't kill instantly, it can cause damage to lungs, liver, brain, heart, sight and speech."

For advice the hotline phone number is 01536 420604.

SOLVE IT is an organisation dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of solvent abuse and trying to prevent tragedies.