One of the authors of a report on the number of young people dying from poisoning, mostly by substance abuse, says the figures are alarming.
The study by a committee of the Health Quality and Safety Commission found there were 202 poisoning deaths in young people aged 15 to 24 between 2002 and 2008.
The report found Maori were over-represented in the deaths of young people.
Paediatrician Nick Baker, who helped to write the report, says 50% of those sniffing solvents such as butane gas are dying on their first use.
Dr Baker says such tragedies are avoidable and the Government needs to take action.
"One of the things we've seen, particularly after the coroner's report on huffing deaths last year, is that there is still no obvious leading agency," he says.
"For poisoning specifically we need a lead agency. Otherwise it's everybody's business and therefore nobody's business."
Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell agrees a single authority is needed and says recommendations to the Government have fallen on deaf ears.
Mr Bell says that's because there is no single minister or ministry taking responsibility for the problem.
He says items such as household products are proving to be a drug of choice. "We are talking about common household products; we're talking about prescription medicines and other drugs that are easily accessible.
"And there's some real complexity underlying all of that and what this report highlights is that it is actually very young New Zealanders who are getting their hands on this product; and they are dying."
Associate Health Minister Todd McClay has asked ministry officials to analyse the report's recommendations.
"We need to understand and probably have a look at best practice in a number of other countries around the world to see whether any restrictions are put in place have had the effect that we want. Any change that we can make that is going to assist is worth considering at this stage."
