Following a review of the voluntary inhalation caution statement for marketers of aerosols, the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association has approved a proposal for companies to adopt either the current voluntary statement, or a new alternative. Though not a legal requirement, BAMA recommends that those placing aerosol dispensers on the UK market should consider applying one of the caution marks, statements, and directions for use on the dispenser.

Option 1 - Solvent Abuse Caution Mark

The first option is to adopt the current Solvent Abuse Caution Mark, first issued in 1997. The statement reads: “Solvent Abuse Can Kill Instantly” and is widely referred to as the “SACKI warning”. The Mark should include: ‘Use only as directed’ on the Usage Instructions; be
placed clearly on the back of the pack, and adhere to size requirements based on fill volumes.

Option 2 - Inhalation Caution Mark

The second option is to use a new inhalation Caution Mark which reads: “Intentional misuse can kill instantly. Do not deliberately inhale.” Alongside the Caution Statement: “Use only as directed. Do not spray directly into the mouth or nose. Do not deliberately, directly inhale as this misuse can be harmful or fatal for all ages. Use in short bursts in well-ventilated places. Avoid prolonged spraying.” Colour and location specifics also apply.

Research behind the new Statement and Mark

Consumer research conducted by the cosmetic and toiletries sector, ongoing discussions with academia and a report on Language and Stigma by UK charity, Re-Solv have all indicated a shift in language use since the introduction of the SACKI warning. BAMA Chief Executive, Patrick Heskins says: “The new caution mark and statement seek to reflect language use changes over the last two decades and provide additional detail on the potential problems which can arise if the aerosol dispenser is not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.” He adds: “The excessive, direct inhalation of the gas and/or the contents of aerosol dispensers continues to be a problem for those placing them on the UK market. Such inhalation can, occasionally, lead to death, including amongst young people.

“BAMA recommends that all aerosols, regardless of their contents, should carry either the solvent abuse or inhalation caution mark and statement to avoid highlighting those aerosol dispensers that may pose a greater risk if misused.”

For comprehensive details on the formal labelling requirements for aerosols, along with supplementary recommendations agreed by industry for companies marketing products  across various categories in the UK, BAMA members can refer to Module 4 of the BAMAStandard: https://bama.co.uk/library/BAMAStandard For more information on Re-Solv: https://www.re-solv.org