Gas bottle warning labels should be changed after death of teenager Paddy Ryan, say two MPs

Current regulations around LPG gas bottle labelling “are haphazard and do not clearly identify the risk” of sudden sniffing death syndrome say politicians now fighting for change.

Port Lincoln father Adrian Ryan at Fishery Bay, where his son Paddy was learning to surf before his death by Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome. Picture: Robert Lang

• Port Lincoln teen’s sudden death after inhaling gas
• ‘Nangs’ sales restrictions

South Australian MPs are calling for urgent reform of warning labels on LPG bottles, following the sudden death of a Port Lincoln teenager who inhaled gas from a common barbecue gas bottle.

Peter Treloar, state member for Flinders, said appropriate warnings clearly affixed to LPG barbecue bottles were needed to protect lives.

Rowan Ramsey, federal member for Grey, said current regulations around LPG bottle labelling “are haphazard and do not clearly identify the risk” of sudden death.

“The death of this young man is a tragedy and we must do all we can to ensure it does not happen again,” Mr Ramsey said.

The MPs are working with Port Lincoln father Adrian Ryan, who wants mandated warning labels that “inhalation may cause death” on all barbecue gas bottles across Australia.

Mr Ryan’s 16-year-old son Paddy tragically died last month from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome after inhaling gas from a 9kg barbecue gas bottle. SSDS can occur after inhaling products containing butane and propane, leading to fatal heart failure within minutes.

The potentially deadly practice of inhaling barbecue gas has since been revealed as common across Australia.

Paddy Ryan who died in February after inhaling gas from a BBQ cylinder. Picture: supplied by family

Current rules only require warnings of flammability and volatility under pressure on LPG-filled barbecue bottles.

It remains unclear which state and/or federal department is responsible for labelling regulations.

Mr Ryan said Paddy was a risk-averse teen who would not have inhaled the gas had he known it could kill him.

An online petition in Paddy’s name calling on state and federal governments for immediate action has amassed almost 2000 signatures.

Drugs and Alcohol Services South Australia director Marina Bowshall said it was “extremely concerning” people were inhaling volatile substances, including gases not meant for consumption.

“The effects of this inhalation can range from short-term dizziness, confusion, lack of consciousness and, in some cases, even death,” she said.