The dangers of volatile substance abuse (VSA) amongst youngsters are being highlighted by a new health campaign.

The ‘Not to be Sniffed at’ campaign, launched by NHS Grampian on Wednesday, is designed to encourage parents to talk to their children about the harmful effects of inhaling hazerdous solvents.

New figures show that the rate of solvent abuse was second only to the use of cannabis.

The recent survey conducted among 11-16 year olds across Grampian demonstrated that solvent abuse along with other inhalants remains a significant concern.

Lorraine Morrice, a teacher from Aberdeenshire, lost her 15-year-old son David to VSA. She admits she was totally ignorant about its dangers.

She said: "I was a teacher, yet had no idea of the vast range of everyday household products that could be abused. To me, VSA conjured up images of glue sniffers in deprived areas, far removed from life in rural Aberdeenshire".

VSA is still responsible for killing more adolescents than any illegal drug - the youngest person to die in Scotland was only seven years old.

Fraser Hoggan of NHS Grampian said: "Many parents think that solvent abuse is a thing of the past but the survey, published at the end of 2008, showed young people are experimenting with substances, and many have tried and continue to abuse solvents."

Marina Clayton of Re-Solv Scotland added: "Solvent abuse is a very secret, hidden activity. Children often learn about the potential to get a 'buzz' from everyday household items from other children.”