The parents of a girl who died after breathing in aerosol fumes from a deodorant can have issued a warning as they call for a change in the law. Giorgia Green, who was 14, had a heart attack after breathing in fumes from a deodorant she had sprayed in her bedroom.
Dad Paul told the BBC: "People don't know how dangerous the contents of those tins can be. I would like it so that no-one else in the country - or the world - would end up having to go through what we've personally gone through.
"We don't want our daughter's death to be in vain."
Giorgia was autistic and was comforted by the smell of deodorant, which she sprayed on her blankets.
Paul said: "If she was feeling in any way a little bit anxious, she would spray this spray and it would give her a sense of comfort because it's a deodorant my wife used."
Giorgia's older brother found her unresponsive in her bedroom on May 11 last year. Her door was open, but that had not allowed the fumes to disperse.
Paul said: "At some point her heart stopped as a result of breathing it in."
An inquest recorded that Giorgia's death was misadventure and 'consistent with inhalation of aerosol'.
The BBC says deodorant was mentioned on 11 death certificates between 2001 and 2020. Gases used in aerosol cans were mentioned almost 500 times.
Ashley Martin, public health adviser at RoSPA, said: "Inhaling large quantities of aerosols, not just deodorants, can lead to a whole host of life-endangering scenarios - from blackouts and breathing difficulties, to heart rhythm changes and sadly, death.
"There's a common misconception that fatalities from aerosols only happen in a substance abuse scenario, but this is absolutely not true. We have seen a number of fatalities over recent years where children and young adults have over-sprayed aerosols - from teenagers conscious of body odour, to children seeking reassurance from familiar smells."
By law, aerosol deodorants must be printed with the warning "keep out of reach of children". Most aerosol deodorants also have a warning that says "solvent abuse can kill instantly".
Giorgia's parents say the warning should be larger and should be changed to "solvent use can kill instantly", because Giorgia was not abusing deodorant.
Aerosol deodorants must also contain instructions on their correct usage
The British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association said in a statement: "We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of someone so young. As an industry association we work with manufacturers to ensure that aerosols are made to the highest safety standards and are labelled with very clear warnings and usage instructions and recommend that anyone using an aerosol does so in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
"We also recommend applying a number of additional warnings and usage instructions, beyond those required by regulation, and continue to review these to encourage the safe use of aerosols."
Giorgia's parents are fundraising to raise awareness of the dangers of inhaling aerosols so the tragedy does not repeat itself.
So far they have raised more than £4,000 on JustGiving.
Clare and Paul Green said: “Due to our own tragic circumstances we want to educate others and raise awareness to help protect you, your family and friends.
“Giorgia Almira Green went to her room on 11th May 2022. When mum went up to her as it was time for them to go out to Giorgia's drumming lesson, Giorgia was non responsive.
“No illness, no sickness, no warning. A perfectly healthy fit child who has never been seriously ill.
“Due to her sensory seeking behaviour she liked to spray her blanket and wrap herself in the blanket.
“She liked the smell of the deodorant and it made her feel relaxed and calm.
“Giorgia's passing has come as a total shock and totally out of the blue.”
They added: “ We want to share this happened because our daughter sprayed too much aerosol deodorant.
“Please help us spread the word that toxic/poisonous chemicals and gases in aerosol cans can kill, this type of death is not limited to children.
“What we really want is to raise awareness about the dangers of aerosol products in the home.
“This hopefully could prevent further tragedies from happening again. Our greatest wish is that beloved Giorgia's passing is not in vain.”
