Youths are reported to be putting their lives at risk by “huffing” butane gas.
Police in Runcorn warned of a “worrying rise” in substance abuse around Shopping City.
A post on the Halton Lea Police page on Facebook said youths have been filling balloons with butane and inhaling it.
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The post said children are “playing Russian roulette” with their lives and the effects could be “catastrophic”.
Butane gas is usually used for general household purposes such as for DIY blowtorches, lighter refills and camping stoves.
According to national solvent abuse charity Re-Solv, butane is the “most dangerous” solvent used for inhalation and associated with half of all solvent abuse deaths.
Butane’s flammability also brings risks of burns and explosions - particularly for smokers, and some butane users believe its use has contributed to “longer-term physical or mental health issues”.
Re-Solv said abuse of the gas can also bring on form of heart failure known as “sudden sniffing death syndrome” (SSDS).
The Talk To Frank service warns inhaling gases, glues and solvents, can cause irregular heart rhythm as well as mood swings and aggressive behaviour as well as blackouts and breathing difficulties.
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The Halton Lea Police post said: “ A worrying rise in substance abuse has been witnessed over the last few days around the Shopping City.
Youths have been filling balloons with butane gas and inhaling it.
“Generally known as huffing!
“The effects are catastrophic.
“Youths are playing Russian Roulette with their lives.
“Please warn your children about this.”
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