The amount of deodorant sprayed by Giorgia was probably more than is normally used. The minor’s death certificate mentions inhaling “aerosols”. An investigation has been opened. It’s not the only case in the world. The young victim’s parents are trying to clarify the contraindications when using this product
The story of 14-year-old Giorgia Green, originally from Derby, a town in the UK, who went into cardiac arrest after spraying herself with deodorant, went viral on the internet. It’s a rare event, but it’s not the only case in the world. In fact, Giorgia’s parents learned about other young people who accidentally died after inhaling the deodorant and are now fighting to put clearer warnings on the packaging, according to The Guardian.
Giorgia’s death certificate mentions “aerosol inhalation”
An inquest into Giorgia’s death was launched and the coroner found the cause of the minor’s death “undetermined but compatible with aerosol inhalation.” The amount of deodorant sprayed by Giorgia was probably more than is normally used. According to the UK government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), ‘deodorant’ was mentioned on 11 death certificates between 2001 and 2020. Butane, the main ingredient in Giorgia’s deodorant, has been implicated in 324 deaths between 2001 and 2020. Propane and isobutane, other substances found in Giorgia’s deodorant, have been implicated in 123 and 38 deaths, respectively. The ONS has determined that inhaling butane or propane gas can cause heart failure. In addition, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said a number of people have died after overspraying air fresheners.
Paul Green: ‘We don’t want our daughter’s death to be in vain’
Giorgia’s parents are trying to clarify the numerous contraindications that exist when using deodorants. “People don’t realize how dangerous the contents of these jars can be,” said Paul Green. “Many parents buy deodorant for their children without paying attention to the warning labels,” said Giorgia’s father. For example, the law requires “keep out of the reach of children” to be printed on the featured product. The Green family say it’s too small. In response, the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) said air fresheners carry very clear warnings : “I don’t want anyone else to have to experience what we went through personally. We don’t want our daughter’s death to be in vain,” concluded Giorgia’s father.