Deaths Related to Volatile Substances and Helium in Great Britain

Main points

• In 2016, there were 64 deaths related to volatile substances registered in Great Britain; over 80% of these volatile substance abuse (VSA) deaths were males.
• There were 834 deaths involving volatile substances registered between 2001 and 2016.
• The mortality rate has remained similar throughout the time period, with 1 VSA-related death per million population in 2016.
• Residents of Scotland and North East England had an increased risk of death related to VSA, when compared with Great Britain overall.
• There were 69 deaths involving helium in 2016 and 509 helium deaths in total between 2001 and 2016.
• Helium-related deaths have increased over time, with a mortality rate of 1 death per million population in 2016.