Morbidity and mortality

Source: Epidemiology Branch, Department of Health.  Generated using data from the WA Hospital Morbidity Data System.  Proportion of volatile substances related hospitalisations identified by aetiological fractions.  Accessed 15 July 2021.

• The age group most frequently hospitalised due to VSU is 25-44 year olds.
• Although the total number of volatile substance-related hospitalisations in males was greater than the number of female hospitalisations, the percentage of males aged 25-44 years affected was lower than that seen for females in WA.

VSU-related deaths

According to the Western Australia Mortality Database (2008-2018), there have been a total of 17 deaths attributed to volatile substance use from 2008 to 2018. Of these deaths 11 out of the 17 deaths (64.7%) were male. 

While there is no systematic Australian mortality data, the United Kingdom has been collecting data about VSU-related mortality since 1971. This provides insight into patterns and prevalence of use and cause of death. For example, it has repeatedly revealed that the majority of VSU-related deaths are from the inhalation of butane gas, nitrogen and aerosols. The most common methods of administration of gas fuels causing fatalities are from inhaling directly into the mouth followed by the use of a plastic bag over the head. The data also identifies that the principal mechanism of death for VSU was attributed to the direct toxic effect of the substance used.

Despite the different cultural context in which this research was conducted, the UK’s systematic collection of data over 30 years can provide some insight into VSU in Australia. For more information, see Trends in UK deaths associated with abuse of volatile substances 1971–2009.