The company in control of deodorant brand Rexona will soon hold a crisis meeting to address the soaring rates of chroming.
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This comes in conjunction with Mount Isa being regarded as the centre of youths inhaling aerosols, according to news website The Observer.
Mount Isa police recently conducted operations targeting chroming and recorded 41 incidents and dealt with 79 juveniles in relation to chroming in the last financial year.
Mount Isa Senior Sergeant Renee Hanrahan said Volatile Substance Misuse had a negative effect not only on those engaging in the practice, but also their family, friends and the wider community.
"Whilst it is not an offence to engage in VSM, it is highly likely that those participating in VSM will be at increased risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system," Sgt Hanrahan said.
"The risks involved for the juveniles participating in this practice are high. Police are engaged to help manage these risks; under the Police Powers and Responsibility Act 2000 police have certain powers to assist them in dealing with persons engaging in VSM," she said.
Certain shops have resulted in locking away spray cans or making them only available at the service desk.
"Like a number of retailers, Coles is co-operating with local police to minimise harm caused by the misuse of aerosol products. At some stores, we have chosen to make these products available for purchase via the service desk." a Coles spokesperson said.
When asked about chroming concerns Unilever (owner of Rexona) said the business welcomed the Queensland Government's decision to hold an industry roundtable into Volatile Substance Misuse.
"Unilever has had a senior team focused on this important issue for some time and has this month been engaged in discussions with stakeholders - including the Queensland Government, aerosol manufacturers, health authorities, police, retailers and community representatives - about the need for an urgent industry roundtable," a Unilever spokesperson said.
"This is a complex issue affecting the entire aerosol industry with no simple solution. It requires an industry-wide approach to resolve it."
Among other measures, Unilever has been in contact major retailers to ask that our aerosol deodorant products be contained in theft-reduction shelving in the most affected communities.
"Unilever has already introduced advisory messaging on Rexona cans and improved on-pack warning statements regarding the misuse of the product," the spokseperson said.
"We look forward to participating in the upcoming roundtable with all relevant stakeholders."
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