The British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA) has issued new recommendations on the use of inhalation caution marks and statements on aerosol products in the UK.
Following a review of the voluntary warning scheme, BAMA has approved a proposal allowing companies to adopt either the current caution mark or a new alternative. Although not a legal requirement, the association is advising that all aerosol dispensers placed on the UK market carry one of the caution marks, statements, and usage directions.
The first option is to continue using the Solvent Abuse Caution Mark, introduced in 1997 and commonly known as the “SACKI warning”. This features the statement “Solvent Abuse Can Kill Instantly” along with the instruction “Use only as directed”. The mark must appear clearly on the back of the pack and meet size requirements based on the product’s fill volume.
The second option is a newly developed inhalation caution mark, which reads: “Intentional misuse can kill instantly. Do not deliberately inhale.” The accompanying statement advises: “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.” The new mark also includes guidance on colour and placement.
Research conducted by the cosmetics and toiletries sector, input from academia, and a report on language and stigma by the UK charity Re-Solv have all highlighted the need for updated wording since the SACKI warning was first introduced.
BAMA Chief Executive Patrick Heskins said the revised mark and statement are intended to reflect changes in language over the past two decades and to give clearer detail on the risks of misuse. “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,” he said.
He added that BAMA recommends all aerosols, regardless of contents, should carry either the solvent abuse or inhalation caution mark to avoid drawing attention only to products considered higher risk.
Full details on formal labelling requirements for aerosols, along with additional industry recommendations, are available in Module 4 of the BAMA Standard.
BAMA updates aerosol safety warnings with new inhalation caution mark
