Lynx deodorant kills boy, 12
A 12-YEAR-OLD boy collapsed and later died after using too much deodorant.
Daniel Hurley was proud of his appearance and was lavish with his use of deodorants and gels, said his father, who had desperately tried to revive him.
Derby Coroner's Court heard that Daniel's overuse of Lynx Vice in the confined space of the bathroom of his family's home caused his heart to fail.
The inquest heard his exposure to solvents in the deodorant had led to his cardiac arrhythmia. He died in hospital five days later.
His father, Robert, told the inquest: "He was always putting gel on his hair and spraying deodorant and it was quite common for him to spray his clothing as well."
He said: "The bathroom is adjacent to the kitchen and I made some tea and shouted into the bathroom to see if he was OK.
"I heard nothing so I shouted again but did not get a reply. I forced the door open and found Daniel in the bath.
"I pulled him out on to the floor and started cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
"I checked for his heart rate and his breath but he was not breathing."
An ambulance took Daniel from the family home, in Butt Street, to the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, where he remained in intensive care but died five days later, on January 12 this year.
Consultant pathologist Dr Andrew Hitchcock, who carried out the postmortem examination, said that he found no evidence of substance abuse.
He also found no evidence of any life-threatening diseases, alcohol or drugs in Daniel's body.
He said: "What we have in this case is someone who may well have had a cardiac abnormality in the presence of the solvent.
"There is a very reasonable assumption that the passive inhalation (of the solvent in the deodorant) almost certainly led to his death."
Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner Dr Robert Hunter gave the cause of death as a "cardiac arrhythmia, exacerbated by exposure to solvents".
Cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm leading the heart to beat too fast or too slowly, which can lead to cardiac arrest or sudden death.
Dr Hunter said he was satisfied that Unilever, the manufacturer of the Lynx brand used by Daniel, gave enough warning on its cans that excessive amounts were not to be used in confined spaces.
He said: "It seems the presence of a volatile agent caused the cardiac arrhythmia.
"Daniel copiously used deodorant in the bathroom.
"I do not know how many people read the warnings about exposure awareness.
"But people need to know about the risks that these products have on the cardio-vascular system."
A verdict of accidental death was returned.
10 Comments
by Marie12
Thursday, September 22 2011, 9:29PM
“No child, or anyone for that matter, should have to die because they used deodorant or hair gel, no matter what amount is applied. There are hazardous toxic chemicals in many of our personal body products (colognes, perfumes, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, etc.). These chemicals are listed as hazardous and toxic by our own government, but since manufacturers do not have to list their ingredients to protect the secret of their special products, they get away with poisoning the blind consumer everyday. First, I would like to state that Daniel's family has my heartfelt sympathy. Secondly, I implore Daniel's poor Daddy to please, please get a list of the chemicals that were in the products that your son was using, and bring this issue to the forefront of all our consumer minds, before another person is inflicted with such a tragic fate.
This world is controlled by multi-national chemical and pharmaceutical companies (MNCs). They can't be taken down by only a handful of good people or lobbyists, they are too powerful. However, their power comes from our own wallets. It is up to every one of us to change this chemical spiral that we are in right now. For the planet, and for our own well-being and that of future generations. It would be in all of our best interests, to become more knowledgeable consumers. By making smarter decisions before we buy our products, we can begin the downfall of these chemically-ridden products and increase the power of more natural products. If all the ingredients aren't listed, don't buy the product. Listen to your own voice, not all the marketing gimmicks out there. For example, Febreeze is not a breath of fresh air; it is a breath of chemicals. Glade air fresheners and plug-ins are not a breath of fresh air; they are a breath of chemicals.
Chemistry is a beautiful, complex science, and it is needed and used in most everything that you use everyday. However, at some point, we can, as consumers, take the excess out of our chemical use with better choices for cleaner living for our families. It is not just the green craze to save the planet; it is the green craze to increase our chances at a healthier life. I've never heard of someone getting cancer from breathing clean air or drinking clean water.”
by Tanya, Derby
Thursday, November 20 2008, 2:58PM
“I agree with aerosols having more prominent warnings on the packaging of all aerosols, but my boyfriend uses Lynx and even if he sprays a small amount it can be very overpowering and I sometimes have to leave the room.
Thoughts are with the parents of this poor boy. R.I.P”
by Katie, derby
Thursday, November 20 2008, 2:41PM
“this is a real tragedy who would ever think that this could happen to someone so young. I just hope this makes other parents realise of the dangers and risks i dont even think under 16 should be allowed to buy this product as its still an aerosol with gas inside you couldnt sell a lighter or a bottle of gas to someone this young. Maybe all companies should put some kind of warning on the can to warn parents. My condolences to his family .....”
by Paula, Derby
Thursday, November 20 2008, 2:30PM
“My thoughts are with this family so very sad.
My little boy often has a squirt of his dads aftershave and deodorant, I wasnt aware of any dangers with this. Packaging should have warnings more prominent on them. Most people use things like this in the bathroom.
So sorry for your sad loss x”
by Carole, DERBYSHIRE
Thursday, November 20 2008, 12:51PM
“My thoughts are with the boys parents, its such a tragedy.
People should be made aware of the dangers of ALL deodorant sprays etc......NOT just Lynx, I think the Headline was misleading & a little unfair!!!”
by CAROLE, DERBYSHIRE
Thursday, November 20 2008, 12:47PM
“My condolences to the parents,such a shame. People should be made aware of the dangers of ALL deodorant sprays etc...NOT just Lynx I think the Headline is a little unfair !!!!”
by Joanne, Derbys
Thursday, November 20 2008, 12:00PM
“Comment disappeared?
Thanks- Jo.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Thursday, November 20 2008, 11:56AM
“This is terrible.I am so sorry to hear. Warnings need to be written very prominently on packaging, especially use by children. Maybe the issue of aerosol cans has been overlooked in public health?
My thoughts go out to the family.”
by Nick, Derby
Thursday, November 20 2008, 9:14AM
“No parent should have to go through this. Very sad.”
by Tracey A, DERBYSHIRE
Thursday, November 20 2008, 9:07AM
“My heart goes out to the family of this boy, I have a 13 year old who also uses alot of deodorant spray and I certainly didn't know that this could hapeen, I'll make sure that he only sprays in an area where there is a window for the solvent to escape from in the future. So sorry about your loss RIP x”