Frank urges retailers to look at substance risks

In response to figures released by St George's University in London that said that number of deaths related to misuse of products such as aerosols and glue has risen, drugs help service Frank stated that retailers should consider the dangers.

Spokesperson at Frank Dr Ken Checinski noted that solvents are in many cases easy to obtain from stores and therefore it is difficult to regulate the sale of them.

"Volatile Substance Abuse accounts for more deaths among under-14s than illegal drugs, it's important for retailers to be aware of the signs in order to help prevent the misuse of solvents," he said.

St George's University revealed that the number of deaths related to substance misuse in 2006 rose from 45 in 2005 to 48 in 2006.